PMMA’s Founder Alice Kalb
In 1947, Alice was a 90-year-old widow from El Dorado, Kan. when appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her request laid the foundation for the first community, Newton Presbyterian Manor, which opened in 1949.
Through the many decades, PMMA remained true to the spirit of Alice’s vision and each year PMMA team members renew their promise to the mission to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
“Founder’s Day is the day a dream became a reality,” said Emily Trask, executive director at Newton Presbyterian Manor. “It’s important to celebrate it so we can remember how it all started with an idea and to see the progress and growth over the years.”
In the last 76 years, PMMA has grown into a network of 16 communities in Kansas, Missouri, and most recently Colorado. Aberdeen Ridge opened in Colorado Springs in the fall of 2024.
“Last year was our first celebration with an anniversary cake,” said Jane Woloson, executive director at Aberdeen Ridge. “With residents in their homes this year, we will continue to focus on fellowship and create our own traditions to honor the beginning of our organization.”
Traditions vary at each community – from parties with live entertainment, fun contests and door prizes, to Founder’s Day trivia or Bingo, it’s an opportunity to bring residents and staff together to celebrate.
“I think this year we will be taken down memory lane, sharing memories and stories,” said Sandy Barnes, who has worked in Life Enrichment at Aberdeen Village in Olathe, Kan. for more than 14 years.
“It’s important for all of the staff to understand how PMMA started by its founder, Alice Kalb. Founder’s Day is a also a day for all staff to re-recommit themselves to our residents by taking the best of care for them while serving our mission.”
Stacy Pike
Human Resources, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
“What started out as an 8-bedroom house on the corner of 7th and Sherman has become the home to many seniors over the years. Alice’s dream grew further than she probably ever imagined!”
Sarah Schmitt
Life Enrichment, Newton Presbyterian Manor
Among the great traditions at each community and the corporate office in Wichita, is employees signing the PMMA Promise Board. It lists the pillars of the mission: respecting that seniors retain their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; assisting residents with specific needs; providing compassionate service; serving as a trusted resource; and advocating for seniors.
“Each year we have new residents and staff members who might not know who our founder was,” adds Barnes. “This is a such a great story that everyone involved with PMMA should know and be reminded of each year.”
Aberdeen Village Executive Director Tim Allin agrees. “It’s important to remember what one person can do. You don’t have to be rich, famous, or powerful to make a difference in the lives of others. Each of us can try to be more like Alice Kalb in making things a little better for others each day.”
Founders Day isn’t just about looking back—it’s about carrying forward the spirit of compassion, service, and community that started with one woman’s dream and continues to thrive in every PMMA community today.
“Founder’s Day is significant because it shows how the work of people being called to serve one person’s need can have a huge impact on many lives. It’s not just meaningful for the people who live in our communities – it’s valuable to the people who work here, too.”
Amy Hoch Altwegg
Executive Director, Clay Center Presbyterian Manor
“In this day and age, it’s not very often one has an opportunity to work for an organization with a 75+ year history and a mission of serving others.
Founder’s Day is a reminder of that history as well as the responsibility to carry on that legacy.”
Tim Allin
Executive Director, Aberdeen Village
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