The Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (PAHSA) is an independent, nonprofit association representing organizations that provide residential communities, health care facilities and services for older adults. Through its service, programs and activities, PAHSA communities strive to exemplify Christian values and fulfill residents’ physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual needs by offering a comprehensive continuum of care.
Each PAHSA organization is unique, yet all share two characteristics: each has a historic connection with the Presbyterian Church; and someone provided the energy, faith and the love to establish it. These ministries did not develop on their own.
These not-for-profit organizations generally had humble beginnings. Often they were started based on the vision of one faithful soul. Many times, the impetus was to provide homes and services for older adults, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.
The target audience was sometimes people of means, sometimes those of modest means, sometimes those with no means at all. Occasionally, the identified group included orphans or people with disabilities, as well as older adults. Whatever the group targeted, the consistent motivation was to provide for others who would likely have difficulty providing for themselves. A component for most of the ministries has been benevolent care for those in need.
The shape of these communities of care varied. Some included a continuum of care, including government-subsidized housing or community-based services, or they were established as PACE sites (Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly). On occasion, specific ministries focused on personal care to individuals — perhaps a group of widows — in a small, home-like setting nestled in neighborhoods.
No matter what shape the ministry took initially, more people became invested in it over time. The multiplication of effort was, in many instances, even shared between denominations.
In several cases, the local Presbyterian pastor was the original director of a PAHSA community. Connection with Presbyterian congregations, governing bodies or faithful individuals worshipping in Presbyterian congregations has been a lifeline for these communities, particularly at the inception of each ministry or early in their years of development.
Despite challenges and obstacles, some of these organizations have survived for more than 100 years. Hundreds of thousands of older adults have been served, and are still being served. This fact alone lends credibility to the ministries and their way of doing business that creates distinction.
Holding fast to the commitment to older adults, these ministries have maintained resolute focus on the needs of people who are often rendered vulnerable by the tides of change in our culture and in the Presbyterian Church. Together, this network of ministries also expands and reflects the rich heritage of the Presbyterian Church in providing shelter and nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God (G 1.200).
The PAHSA communities are bearers of memory and also bearers of vision. Treasuring the past, each ministry is in a position to make intentional choice about its vision of the future. Looking forward, the individual stories no longer focus solely on the benefactors or the original dream, but also on the possibilities that lie ahead. The vitality of these ministries should not only be celebrated in isolation, looking back. The stories become about the people served; the communities formed; the faith lived forward. As faith-based organizations, the uniqueness of the story is best celebrated in community.
Drawing on the strength of the past, we now stand at a juncture with new opportunity to reinvigorate or establish connection between individual PAHSA ministries and individual congregations. With renewed connection to congregations, the network of care can be strengthened.
HATTIE WAGNER is vice president/COO of Presbyterian Homes and Services of Kentucky, Inc.
