New Holland, PA – Garden Spot Communities is honored to announce that it has been awarded the Koinonia Award by Mennonite Health Services Association (MHS) at the annual MHS Assembly in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This award is presented annually to an MHS Association Member organization that exemplifies the Anabaptist principle of community as a central value in its mission and work. Garden Spot Communities received this recognition for its transformative Wisdom Course, an innovative initiative that fosters intergenerational connections and promotes lifelong learning among residents, staff, and local college students.
The Wisdom Course: Inspiring Lifelong Learning and Connection
The Wisdom Course is an 8-month program designed to help participants reflect on their life experiences, extract meaningful wisdom, and share their stories. A key component of the course is intergenerational engagement, where Garden Spot residents and team members connect with freshmen at local colleges, fostering deep and impactful relationships across generations.
Jim Landis, a board member at Frederick Living and participant in the program, shared, “I appreciated hearing the stories of fellow participants, which encouraged me to not be hesitant to share my own. My experiences have shaped who I am and therefore have value. To be trusted with others’ stories and trusting others with mine has broadened my community.”
Since its inception in 2022, the program has expanded significantly. In May 2024, the program was introduced at Frederick Living in collaboration with Ursinus College, and in May 2025, cohorts are planned for both Garden Spot Village and Frederick Living.
Dr. Conrad Kanagy, a sociology professor at Elizabethtown College who helped develop the program, highlighted its impact on younger participants: “My students were deeply affected by the wisdom shared by the residents. Many of them struggle with anxiety and uncertainty about the future, and hearing from individuals who have navigated life’s challenges provided reassurance and hope.”
$4,000 Grant Awarded for Pathway to Fluency Program
In addition to the Koinonia Award, Garden Spot Communities is also celebrating a $4,000 grant received on Thursday, March 20, 2025, for its Pathway to Fluency program, which supports English as a Second Language (ESL) learning for team members. The funding will be used to purchase curriculum materials and translating devices, furthering Garden Spot’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in its community.
Commitment to Building Stronger Communities
Garden Spot Communities remains dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can thrive, connect, and grow together. The recognition from MHS and the support for the Pathway to Fluency program reinforce Garden Spot’s mission of living with purpose in community.
“We are honored to receive the Koinonia Award and grateful for the opportunity to continue expanding the Wisdom Course and our Pathway to Fluency program,” said Steve Lindsey, CEO of Garden Spot Communities. “These initiatives align perfectly with our vision to spark a pro-aging revolution and build a more inclusive, connected community.”
About Garden Spot Communities
Garden Spot Communities is a nonprofit organization based in New Holland, PA, committed to providing innovative housing and care options for older adults. With a mission to create meaningful opportunities for engagement, learning, and connection, Garden Spot continues to lead the way in developing community-driven initiatives that promote well-being and personal growth.
For more information about Garden Spot Communities, the Wisdom Course, or the Pathway to Fluency program, please contact Juanita Fox, media relations, jfox@gardenspotcommunities.org.