43
FirstLight HomeCare of the Valley expands
By Kalea Hall
AUSTINTOWN
It already has been a big year for the local FirstLight HomeCare of the Valley franchise owners: Michael R. Senchak; his father, Mike Senchak; and Dave Stewart.
The company recently expanded its territory to cover Trumbull County and other areas including Alliance.
With that expansion comes the hiring of more caregivers and the need for more space, so the three purchased a former bank location at 4390 Mahoning Ave. in Austintown.
“In addition to putting out a quality [product], we have created about 100 jobs for the community,” the older Senchak said. “We take great pride in that. We are very committed to the Mahoning Valley.”
The three business owners are all Youngstown State University graduates with a dedicated vision in the Valley. Stewart, a YSU adjunct faculty member, has a background in working with local businesses. He was the younger Senchak’s adjunct professor at YSU; the two joined as business partners.
The older Senchak, a registered nurse, worked in health care for more than 35 years. He started Mahoning Valley Hospital and served as the president and chief operating officer for nine years.
All three saw the need for a business that offered quality caregivers.
“We knew we could take a different approach and do it well,” the younger Senchak said. “I think that’s why we got such a positive response.”
They chose to locate at 5437 Mahoning Ave. in Austintown because of its central location to Mahoning and Columbiana counties. In September 2013, the local franchise had its first client.
Today, they have about 60. Some of these clients need 24/7 care, and some need care just a few days a month.
“We have a big focus in the country of people wanting to stay at home and stay independent as long as they can,” the older Senchak said.
These services provide that possibility, he said. The caregiving is tailored to clients’ needs, and all caregivers go through a rigorous hiring process.
The expansion across a new territory means an expanded number of employees. The company expects to hire an additional two full-time staff members to the seven-member staff and 50 to 60 additional part-time caregivers.
The three hope to open the new location in June.