Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio will host an open house to celebrate its 55 years of mission to the community on Sunday, July 18, according to Laura Voth, chief executive officer.

The open house will be held in the Chapel at Mennonite Home and at Maple Crest from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend either location. For more information call 419-358-1015.

"It is a joy to be able to celebrate our 55 year tradition of providing compassionate care and life-enriching services to the elders of our community. In recognition of this milestone, we recently re-affirmed our organization's mission and vision, and created a list of core values that exemplify Mennonite Home Communities," said Voth. "These statements will guide us as we look to the future and continue to develop innovative ways to meet the needs of the seniors in our area."

The newly adapted mission statement reads:

"MHCO is dedicated to being a Christ-centered community that promotes personal decision-making and purposeful living for each older adult served."

Included with this mission statement are the core values, which help guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

These core values include Relationship through Community, Compassionate Care, Life Enrichment, Integrity, and Excellence.

As MHCO looks towards its future, it has re-identified its vision statement to say it seeks "to be the community's source of innovative care, excellent services and comprehensive resources for older adults," according to Voth."

"We have excellent employees with a vast amount of knowledge in elder health care and life enrichment. We hope the community will feel free to call on us at anytime for information or for their healthcare needs," she added.

History of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio

In 1955, members of the Bluffton community and area Mennonite churches saw a need to provide comfortable housing and compassionate care in a Christian home where the elderly could live joyous, rich and full lives.

Their determination and visionary insight led to the construction of the Mennonite Memorial Home at 410 W. Elm St.

Since then Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio has grown to include Maple Crest Senior Living Village and Mennonite Home Health. MHCO cares for over 275 elders on its campuses and in the surrounding area.