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Shepherd of the Valley celebrates 40th anniversary
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Original Steering Committee member, Reverend Gary Schreckengost, reminisced about Shepherd of the Valley’s humble beginnings during the facility’s 40th anniversary celebration Sept. 16.
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Current Shepherd of the Valley President, Dennis Parks (left), celebrated the facility’s 40th anniversary with Former President, Ernest Sigle, at Zion Lutheran Church Sept. 16.
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Participants gathered in celebration of Shepherd of the Valley’s 40th anniversary and its commitment to giving back to the community Sept. 16.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Shepherd of the Valley celebrated its 40th anniversary and years of service to the community at Zion Lutheran Church Sept. 16.
“Before Shepherd of the Valley was anything it was an idea. Today is the last event celebrating our 40 anniversary and today we’re meeting with our founders. I think Shepherd of the Valley has really been a blessing and really went on with hopes and dreams. It started with $10,000 now has 5 locations and employs 550 people. I think we’re all just excited we’ve been able to grow and help people,” said Executive Director Donald Kacmar.
Current and former SOV faculty and staff members celebrated together and remembered the facility’s humble beginnings years ago with photos, videos and personal experiences. The facility originally started due to a need for a quality living facility of care for the elderly in the Valley, according to Good Hope Lutheran Reverend and Vice President of Chair Foundation, Robert Quaintance. SOV helped raised the standards of community living for the elderly and hopes to continue the tradition for years to come.
“I think there was a desire 40 years ago to start a place that was a top-notch, quality institution and the impact of that raised the standards of care. I don’t see as many other nursing care facilities that aren’t top quality and I think we participated in raising that bar. It’s part of our mission as a congregation. It fits who we are. It gives me a deep sense of satisfaction and to partner with other congregations we’re able to do what we couldn’t do alone,” Quaintance said.