We’ve Been Celebrating Older Adults for More Than 100 Years

Four-story building with gray and blue siding, highlighted by a blue awning at the entrance displaying "United Church Homes" under a logo.

United Church Homes: A Quick History Lesson

Our Core Values: Compassion. Hospitality. Respect. Integrity. Safety. Transparency. These values are the foundation of the organization that has helped establish its presence today. Since the early 1900s, we’ve worked tirelessly to create living communities for older adults built around holistic, person-directed care.

In 1916, five Toledo church leaders saw that the oldest members of their congregation needed housing. Thanks to the hard work of individuals and congregations in Ohio and as far away as Nebraska, a home opened in Toledo — changing the life of its first six residents.

On May 25, 1920, the staff and residents moved to what would later be called “Fairhaven” in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Far from the hustle and bustle of big city life, a vision began to take root. Today, United Church Homes serves the mind, body and spirit of thousands of older adults every day.

United Church Homes continues to transform how people see aging. We’re expanding our services and sharpening our focus for a new generation of older adults leading active, abundant lives.

Here’s a look back at some of the milestones we’ve celebrated over the past 100+ years.

1916

Members of the German Reformed Churches in Toledo, Ohio, begin organizing and soliciting donations for their “Home for the Aged”.

1918

The first home is opened in Toledo under the supervision of Rev. and Mrs. Ruf.

1920

Thanks in part to a bequest from Jane Smith and her brother, Matthew, staff and residents move “The Home for the Aged” from Toledo to Upper Sandusky.

1963

The Board renames the “Home for the Aged” as it forms United Church Homes in anticipation of adding new communities to the organization.

1964

The Chapel Hill Community, a Life Plan Community, is dedicated on June 21 after a gift of land from Mr. and Mrs. Clarence J. Swallen of Canal Fulton. This begins an era of intentional expansion to new communities in Ohio.

1974

The Trinity Community of Beavercreek becomes United Church Homes’ fifth residential and healthcare community.

1991

After the establishment of Affordable Housing in the late 1980s, United Church Homes Management is incorporated.

1995

The Parkvue, a healthcare center opens.

2000

The Four Winds Community in Jackson, Ohio and The Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) in Fairborn, Ohio join the UCH network.

2011

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel becomes President and CEO of United Church Homes. An ordained UCC minister, as well as an experienced senior living leader, Rev. Daniel aligns the organization’s goals with long-term financial viability while affirming the spiritual heritage of UCH. , a healthcare center opens.

2015-2016

The Glenwood Community and The Harmar Place Community in Marietta, Ohio, and The Trinity Community at Fairwood join the UCH network.

2017

The Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging is established.

2019

The Trinity Community of Miami Township joins UCH.

2020

UCH receives a record-breaking $17.5 million gift and launches a new fund for growth. The Niles Community and The Brunswick Community join the UCH network as its first middle market apartment communities. UCH Cares is established.

2021

UCH adds another middle market community to its portfolio with The Polaris Community in Columbus, Ohio.

2022

NaviGuide launches, offering service coordination to support older adults and caregivers. UCH begins fundraising for the restoration of The Longfellow School in Dayton, Ohio, to transform the property into a senior living community for LGBTQ+ elders and allies. UCH also breaks ground in Plain City, Ohio with The Hamlet on Darby. We completed the 5-year Comprehensive Campaign for Abundant Life for United Church Homes, raising $47,406,780—the largest campaign in UCH history.

2023

UCH and Ohio’s Hospice announce a strategic alliance partnership, Radiant Alliance. UCH restructures appointing Ken Young as President of United Church Homes and Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel as CEO of United Church Homes and Radiant Alliance. UCH adds The Parkvue Community on Catawba Island to its portfolio.

We’re Changing the Conversation Around Older Adults and Senior Living

In UCH communities, older adults enjoy abundant living, with onsite services and amenities that nourish the body, mind and spirit.

But we don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. Our faith-inspired communities ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

At United Church Homes, we help residents experience all that life has to offer — physically, emotionally and spiritually. We call this abundant living. It’s all about choice, flexibility and freedom. And it’s all yours at a UCH community. Come visit — and see for yourself.

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We’re Ready to Help

From humble beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, today UCH is a vibrant network of over 7,000 residents in more than 90 communities across 15 states and two tribal nations. We look forward to impacting the lives of future generations of older adults.