Member News

Fifty years is a milestone.
It gives an organization time to reflect on its history, and assess the value of what it does.
In the case of Community Homes of Lebanon County, it marks half a century of providing affordable housing for seniors. The need for this vital service was recognized by the United Way, Jaycees, the Lebanon County Housing Authority and 22 community-based service organizations in 1968.
At that time, planning began for the first of six special apartment buildings, Willow Terrace, Lebanon, which opened in 1972. Today there are five more facilities - Poplar Terrace, Maple Terrace, Hill Terrace, and Oak Terrace, all in Lebanon, plus Tulpehocken Terrace in Myerstown.
Community Homes also partnered with Albright Life, which aids seniors on a daily, more intensive basis. Additionally, Welsh Mountain Dental Care was created to provide aid to those on limited incomes.
. The size of the organization has changed over the 50 year span, but the mission has not. The housing and the community that is inherent in the experience of being a resident, is set up “so that each person whose lives we touch, may realize more fully his or her potential for physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being”
“We live by our core values of truth, responsibility, hope, respect, compassion, fairness and safety”, states Mary Bell, Director of Resident Services. “We take pride in the fact that our residents enjoy the community and the friendships with each other. Their residency allows them to live within their means in a very safe environment”.
There will be a series of special activities to celebrate the landmark anniversary for the remainder of the year. Watch for future announcements.
“The crown in our jewel of a year will be a special 50th anniversary dinner celebration on Thursday, September 20th at the Salem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, Pa. We’ll be announcing the many details surrounding the event soon, but for now, SAVE THE DATE. It will be a very special evening for our organization and for the community at large” adds Mary Bell.
For more information about Community Homes of: Lebanon County or its parent company Community Homes of Lebanon Valley Inc., visit www.seniorapartmentslebanonpa.org. Or visit or call our Administrative Office, 1407 Oak Street, Lebanon, Pa 17042. Phone 717-273-1711.