Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) held a dedication ceremony and open house Nov. 19 to mark the official opening of Luther Ridge, an independent living community for seniors age 62 and older. Luther Ridge is located at 80 S. Wheeling St. in Oregon.

The new senior community consists of 40 one-bedroom units that are Americans With Disabilities Act compliant.

This was done with the aging in place philosophy in mind,” said John Henry, LHS director of Facilities Development and Management. “Residents may not need special accommodations when they begin living here, but sometime during their stay here that may change, so we anticipated their possible needs and made all the apartments ADA compliant.”

Luther Ridge is a HUD subsidized senior community that is available to low-income seniors.

The site includes a great room/community room with an attached kitchen that is available for use by residents, as well as a laundry room, beauty salon and a health/exercise room. In addition, a social service coordinator is on staff to help residents manage some of the challenges seniors encounter as they age.

“We provide much more than a roof and shelter for seniors,” said David Schellhase, executive director of LHS Housing Services, a subsidiary ministry of Lutheran Homes Society that manages Luther Ridge and 12 other senior housing communities. “We also can assist seniors obtain essential services like housekeeping, nutrition, pharmacy, health care, and transportation, if they need them.

“Our intent is to make Lutheran housing a home for as long as residents desire,” Schellhase said.

“Luther Ridge is a great example of how collaboration with federal, state and local government can achieve results,” said David Roberts, president and CEO of Lutheran Homes Society, which donated the land valued at over $200,000 for the Luther Ridge project. “We welcomed the attendance of Linda Greenwood from Senator Voinovich’s office and Marge Brown, mayor of the city of Oregon, at the dedication today.

“Their continued support of Lutheran Homes Society and our mission to care for the elderly is appreciated,” he added.

LHS has been serving the needs of the elderly and youth since 1860. More than 2,300 individuals throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan benefit from the residential and community services offered by LHS.

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