David Smeltzer, Heritage Ministries president and CEO, announced Rolling Fields Elder Care Community by Heritage in Conneautville, Pa., was granted the designation of 501 C-3 nonprofit corporation.

The unique shift of a for-profit to nonprofit based organization is not something that is commonly seen in business organizations in the senior care industry, but it signifies the completion of a plan that began during the 2018 acquisition of Rolling Fields by Heritage Ministries. Heritage, a nonprofit who has been caring for its residents since 1886.

“We are very pleased that this step in the process of the integration of Rolling Fields Eldercare into the Heritage system is now complete,” Smeltzer said. “The conversion of Rolling Fields to a not-for-profit corporation will allow us to continue to provide the same level of excellent care and services to the elders of the community while expanding our ability to serve those who cannot afford to pay privately for that care. Not-for-profit status also opens up new opportunities for grants and donations to assist in assuring that we have the necessary equipment and facility improvements to maintain an attractive and well-maintained home for our Elders. Heritage is honored to be part of the Rolling Fields community and appreciates all of the Care Partners who serve them to promote hope, dignity, and purposeful living for the elders who call Rolling Fields home.”

Lisa Haglund, Heritage marketing and development vice president, explained why they have found such success with this model.

“For-profit senior care organizations exist to make money for their investors and shareholders,” she said. “Not-for-profit organizations, such as Heritage, are structured so that the funds they make serve their residents, while preserving and living their mission in addition to enhancing the community that surrounds them. As a not-for-profit, we are able to provide for our residents who may outlive their resources. Once you are home at Heritage, you will never need to worry about leaving when there are no more funds. We are blessed to care for all of our residents.”

Rolling Fields Elder Care Community was founded in 1968 when Duane and Marlene Braham purchased the property and facilities of a senior care home from Elwood Heaster. The home was originally dedicated in 1921 as the Ida M. Cribb’s Memorial Home by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Braham’s dedicated their lives to the service of elders and constructed the current facility in 1979 as a 121-bed facility. In 1995, a 60-bed addition was constructed resulting in the current 181-bed facility, which also offers on-site childcare services for employee care partners and the community, as well as outpatient rehabilitation. The property also includes independent living retirement residences.