Founder's Day is significant every year at PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) but 2024 is special. It's the organization's 75th anniversary.

Founder's Day honors the legacy of Alice Kalb who was the driving force behind PMMA's first community. In 1947, Kalb, a 90-year-old widow from central Kansas appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision laid the foundation for the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., which opened in 1949. Through the many decades, PMMA remained true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values.  

Each Founder’s Day, staff members re-commit to live our mission by signing the "We Promise" board that 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.

“Our employees view what they do as a calling,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “They're dedicated to our mission and make it possible for us to sustain both the mission and our heritage. I believe Alice is watching over and us and would be very proud to see we're carrying on the legacy she established 75 years ago.”

A lot has changed in 75 years. Alice Kalb’s dream has turned into a network of 15 senior living communities and one hospices across Kansas and Missouri. A new senior living community is opening soon in Colorado Springs.

Since they opened, many of our communities have been through renovations that brought their buildings into the 21st century. Accommodations, services and amenities have been upgraded, care standards have advanced, and attitudes about what senior living means have improved.

But one thing has remained constant: our mission to provide senior services guide by Christian values.

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