Matthew 25:40 emphasizes the importance of caring for "the least of these," teaching that everyone deserves compassion. At Mount Hope Nazarene Retirement Community in Manheim, the least will be getting the most due to a capital campaign designed to continue to provide quality care and support to seniors.

"In honor of Mount Hope's 50th anniversary in June 2019, Mount Hope launched a capital campaign to address a dated facility that needs tender loving care," said Kris Wilson, director of advancement. "We reached our halfway point with total donations and pledges coming in at just over $500,000. We are well on our way to the $1 million goal."

Help is still needed to reach the goal, she stated, which will allow the facility to upgrade its roof and parking lot area; improve public restrooms; update nursing stations and the therapy room; and renovate resident common gathering areas, such as two lounges and the dining hall. So far, 14 resident rooms have been renovated, with 29 still to be updated.

Mount Hope has a mission of providing care to seniors regardless of their ability to pay, Wilson noted, adding that the capital campaign will help the facility continue to fulfill this mission, as much of the facility has not been updated since the home was built in the late 1960s. "The capital campaign will allow the facility to make improvements to continue to provide quality care," Wilson said. "Every person deserves a dignified, well-maintained place to live. Contributing to the capital campaign will allow the home to continue to provide this care."

As the capital campaign continues, the public is invited to a virtual celebration, "Upon This Firm Foundation ... Continuing Our Vision," beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 16. A Zoom link will be available for the celebration at Mount Hope's website beginning at 6:15 p.m. on the day of the event.

Wilson said the celebration will include up-to-date information, personal testimonies of the care Mount Hope provides, an invitation and challenge to participate with a financial response and a vision for the future. "A challenge will be given to those participating in the virtual campaign celebration on how they may see themselves joining with Mt. Hope to ensure that this mission continues strong," she stated. "The capital campaign will allow the facility to provide quality care for the long-term future."

Wilson emphasized that Mount Hope provides a unique service. "There is an abundance of long-term care facilities and retirement communities in Lancaster County and surrounding areas for seniors in need of nursing care to live. Mount Hope allows seniors and disabled people to live with dignity, no matter their financial circumstances," she explained, adding that the facility has achieved five stars, Medicare's highest rating. "At its core, the Mount Hope mission is to serve the community and offer hope by providing affordable, quality nursing care in a wholesome Christian environment based on Christ's model of care for 'the least of these.'"

For more information on Mount Hope, visit http://www.mthopenazarene.org or contact Wilson at 717-682-8026.