Pre-orders are now available for a Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio history book, "How it came to be...and to grow, 1945-2019."

From the author: “Pioneering, no matter the field or century, is not an easy task.  The now-ubiquitous field of adult nursing care was in its infancy after WWII when Ohio Mennonite churches saw a need and answered that call. 

"Through many early struggles to later challenges, the Bluffton and Pandora communities kept the faith and grew, always with the needs of its residents at the forefront. 

"Now encompassing four campuses plus outreach services, Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio is a well-respected name in northwest Ohio serving older adults.  This comprehensive history, including many photographs, tells the story.”

Written by Joanne Vercler Niswander and edited by Laura B. Voth, the first MHCO history book, “How it Came to Be…And to Grow” is available for pre-order now through July 20 for $20 per book. 

Order forms and instructions can be found at mhcoliving.org.  Books will be available for pick up at the Mennonite Memorial Home after Aug. 17. 

All proceeds will be used to support the MHCO Benevolent Care/Endowment Fund which support MHCO care for elders who have outlived their resources.  

Joanne Niswander is planning on being present at this years’ Concert on the Lawn on Aug. 22 if anyone would like their book signed.  The book will also be available at a later date on Amazon for $30.

About the author: Joanne Niswander has written nature columns in the East Lansing Towne Courier, “A Lighter Shade of Gray” in the East Toledo Prime Time Press,16 years of monthly columns in the Bluffton News, and occasional writings for the Bluffton Icon. She is also the author of An Alzheimer’s Primer (2012) and Reflections from Maple Crest Pond (2015).

About the editor: Laura B. Voth has served MHCO in many different capacities over the years, including Social Worker and Admissions from 1982-2001, Mennonite Memorial Home Administrator from 2001-2009, and MHCO CEO from 2009-2019.

The book is 8.5” x 11”, 130 pages long, large-print and features color photographs and scans of historical documents. A pre-order form is attached below.