THE PROVIDENCE PLACE - ITS FORMATIVE YEARS

Senior housing was founded on the idea that it was truly a community outreach ministry.

A number of years ago Pastor Prahl noticed a small but growing trend. As long time church members grew older, many sold their homes on "the avenues" in Grafton and moved into condos or apartments when they could no longer perform the duties associated with maintaining the exteriors of their homes.  Oftentimes, they were forced to leave the area and the church they loved, with no suitable housing available in the area. The idea of building a facility on our campus was born to fill that need. After the conversations started, the outreach nature of the project took on a life of its own.  This development would have common space that could help us not only with outreach to seniors, but the rest of the community as well. The idea of building the small chapel, for example, would allow us more flexibility in scheduling weddings, funerals and other small events.  Having the seniors so close to church (and in a concentrated area) would allow us to better minister to them and keep them involved in the existing ministries at church, a win-win for everyone. 

As time went on, it was also clear that this project had the potential to help the future ministry of the church.  In the first place, it allowed us to solve the problems associated with all of the deferred maintenance that needed to be performed on the three existing properties.  Secondly, there would be an opportunity to minister to additional families housed in a new senior apartment building.  

The decision to move forward was made possible by the dedicated work of many individuals at St. Paul.  The cooperation and support of the village was greatly appreciated.  A special word of appreciation to Dave Scherzer and Phil Steinke on the board of parish properties and to Jim Eichelberger, chairman of the congregation, whose efforts made possible the project as it takes shape today.