United Church Homes is growing in the right direction, as three of our healthcare communities in Ohio recently began significant expansion and improvement projects.

In Canal Fulton, Chapel Hill Community is celebrating the rapid construction of 12 brand new residential cottages that are designed as independent living accommodations for seniors. The new cottages will add 12 units to the existing 29-unit Kroft Commons that have been serving the community since 2000.

The new construction project is taking place now because Chapel Hill has consistently maintained a waiting list of six to eight people for this level of accommodations since last autumn. The $1.8 million capital project was recently approved by the board of directors of UCH. The new cottages will be available for occupancy in November.

In Sandusky, local resident and philanthropist Ruth Frost Parker made another generous donation to United Church Homes in order to fund the expansion of the therapy department at Parkvue Community. Last year Ruth saw firsthand the need to expand the facility for the benefit of therapy patients being served, and for staff who were working in tight spaces.

This latest expansion is nearing the final stages of completion and will more than double the number of short-term rehab patients who can be served at one time, and will include consolidating physical therapy and occupational therapy into a single area. In addition, the project will add new kitchen and laundry space to help individuals in recovery re-learn how to do activities of daily living as they prepare to return home.

In Upper Sandusky, Fairhaven is entering the third stage of an extensive eight-stage capital improvement project that represents the first campus-wide investment in nearly 30 years. The Fairhaven project, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2016, will involve the new construction of nearly 6,000 square feet and the extensive renovation of more than 93,000 square feet of existing space.

Among the changes that Fairhaven residents will see are an expanded memory care residence, enhanced and modernized residential and assisted living apartments, more efficient designs for the skilled nursing center, and upgraded dining rooms and common areas.

“United Church Homes could not embark on such ambitious plans to improve the care of our residents were it not for the generous gifts received from donors, residents, families, team members, volunteers, churches and United Church of Christ congregations,” said Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO. “That we have three substantive capital projects underway at one time is truly a gift from God that will enable us to advance our sacred ministry in the decades ahead. We’re so thankful for the support and confidence for us to make these investments.”