Phillip Zebley retired in 2003 after 50 years of service to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), having held five pastorates in New Jersey, Alabama, Delaware and Ohio. In 2011, Zebley and his wife, Mary Alice, a ruling elder, moved to Presby’s Inspired Life (Presby) Rydal Park, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Abington Township, Pa., although they didn’t think it was possible.
The Zebleys assumed that costs would preclude them from achieving their goal of living in a CCRC, which encompasses independent living, personal care or assisted living, and skilled nursing care. But they learned of Presby’s retirement program exclusively for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) workers, and their goal became a reality through Presby’s Honorable Service Grant Program.
“Presby’s Inspired Life covers the spectrum of senior care and reflects concern for those of all economic levels,” said Zebley, “Presby’s Honorable Service Grant Program is making a profound difference in the high quality of life that my wife and I enjoy.”
Presby is a not-for-profit provider of continuing care and affordable housing communities for seniors throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. It was founded by members of the Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1955 to provide housing and care for older Presbyterians in need. This initial act of charity created a 57-year legacy that today serves more than 3,000 seniors in 29 locations. Seniors of low income benefit from Presby’s Affordable Housing Ministry. Those of middle income who are not eligible for government assistance but who are unable to meet the full cost of care benefit from Presby’s several charitable support funds.
The Honorable Service Grant program serves a different but special purpose. Qualified retired ministers, missionaries, educators, spouses and surviving spouses — those who are 65 years of age or older with 20 years or more of service — are eligible for a full grant. There are provisions for partial grants below the 20 years of service.
The program provides assistance with entrance fees to a Presby community and was designed in cooperation with the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church as a complement to their Assistance Program, which also may include monthly income supplements and/or a one-time shared grant program.
The Honorable Service Grant program was originally the vision of James F. Emerson, retired CEO of Westminster Presbyterian Communities of Florida, and inaugurated there by Westminster’s board of directors in 2002. Today, in addition to Westminster and Presby, three more PAHSA member organizations facilitate such a program: Florida Presbyterian Homes at Lakeland, Presbyterian Homes of Louisville and Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina.
Presby began its program in 2010 to further strengthen ecumenical bonds with the presbytery. The program provides assistance with entrance fees to a Presby retirement community equal to 10 percent off, up to $10,000.
For Rev. John Berges and his wife Eileen, the program has become a blessing after a 37-year career. Having been ordained in 1965, John served in the Kiskimenitas, New Brunswick, Geneva and Newark Presbyteries.
For the Bergeses, 2011 became a year of transition, as health concerns weighed heavily on their spirits. However, they thought that a CCRC would be cost-prohibitive until — like the Zebleys — they discovered how Presby’s benevolent services can ease their concerns. The Honorable Service Grant Program, coupled with the Board of Pensions’ monthly assistance, has made CCRC living a reality for the Bergeses, who moved to Rydal Park in November 2011.
“It’s a comfort to know that additional care is available thanks to the Honorable Service Grant Program,” said Rev. Berges. “The peace of mind that Presby has afforded us is truly priceless.”
More information on the Honorable Service Grant and other financial aid programs for seniors living in PAHSA member communities may be obtained by calling 800-720-7434 or by visiting pahsa.org and clicking on “Financial Aid.”
Judee M. Bavaria is president and CEO of Presby’s Inspired Life and currently serves as treasurer for PAHSA.
