Molly PavlovichSince its founding in 1896, Messiah Lifeways has been rooted in heartfelt service—loving others as Christ would.
It’s not just our mission; it’s who our community is at its core. This culture can be seen embedded throughout all areas of Messiah Lifeways, transcending age, background, and areas of service.
Read reflections from nine members of the Messiah Lifeways community who have experienced and engaged in our caring culture in meaningful ways.
Linda & Winnie Worman
Mother and daughter who live at Messiah Village | Winnie lives in Enhanced Living
Ages: 96 (Winnie) | 64 (Linda)
Hometowns: Zambia | AK | GA | NY | PA
Combined years at Messiah Village: 30+
Occupations: RN (Winnie) | Public health nurse (Linda)
Hobbies: Playing Scrabble reading, watching movies, visiting with friends
My mom knew long ago that after volunteering for medical missions as a second career in Zambia, she and her husband would like to come to Messiah Lifeways; they had watched the development of the campus and transition from Paxton Street. My dad passed away in Asper in 2020, and mom remained surrounded by community and all of the care she needed, even as she recently transitioned from RL to EL. Messiah Lifeways has given my mom a sense of belonging, opportunities to volunteer and build new friendships, and overall, a full life. Here, you have the comfort and security in knowing that the people around you care and will care for you in whatever way you may need as the years go on.
*Linda provided these responses on behalf of her mother, Winnie
Abrar Mostofa
Messiah Lifeways Volunteer
Age: 19
Hometowns: Wilkes Barre | Mechanicsburg
University/Major: University of Pittsburgh | Sophomore Neuroscience Major
Hobbies: Playing tennis, running, playing games, spending with friends and family
On my first day volunteering at Messiah Village in May, I was a bit intimidated by the size of the campus. However, all the team members and residents were super kind and accommodating to any questions I had. My main role is to take residents, who rely on wheelchairs to get around, outside for walks. This has allowed me to have many meaningful conversations and interactions with the residents. Those interactions with residents and team members made me feel right at home here. I look forward to volunteering at Messiah Village every week.
Surabi Shanmugam
Messiah Lifeways Volunteer
Age: 17
Hometown: Mechanicsburg
University/Major: University of Pittsburgh | Sophomore Biology Major, with a Pre-Med Focus
Hobbies: Reading, writing
Messiah Lifeways has positively impacted me because I have learned so much about caring for older adults in just the little while I’ve been volunteering here, and it showed me how caring a community like this can be. I genuinely enjoy spending time with the residents, and the campus is a beautiful place to take a stroll around with them. Anywhere I go on campus, everyone, whether it be staff or residents, are so nice! Everyone’s happy to say a little ‘Hello,’ and help you out if you need it, and I really love that.
Debbie Kissinger & Fran Potter
Mother and daughter who live at Messiah Village | Fran received Nursing care
Ages: 98 (Fran) | 76 (Debbie)
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Combined years at Messiah Village: 16
Occupations: Retired secretary at the Pentagon / for the Nuremberg War Crimes head English translator (Fran) | Retired elementary learning support teacher (Debbie)
Hobbies: Participating in music therapy, ballroom dancing, playing the castanets, tennis (Fran) | Making handmade cards, being an active volunteer at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, live theater, and spending time with her grandchildren (Debbie)
Between At Home, nurses and aides, I have, as an only child, the support to watch my close loved ones age with dignity and grace. There are many times when I have captured my Mom enjoying music therapy, her great love. Now, the therapist comes into her room and sings to her. She has also shown our grandchildren the importance of visiting and seeing how blessed we are. Recently, our 11 year old grandson, Ethan, said, ‘Grammie, I hope I can live in a place like this when I get old.’
*Debbie provided these responses on behalf of her mother, Fran
Galen Goss
Messiah Village RL Resident | Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning Instructor
Age: 75
Hometowns: Kennett Square, PA | Northern Virginia
Occupation: Retired auditor/evaluator for the U.S. Government Accountability Office
Hobbies: Growing chrysanthemums, volunteering, reading, jigsaw puzzles, collecting and “playing” with Lionel model trains
Messiah Lifeways has had a positive impact on my life through its caring, loving atmosphere. The residents and team members really showed how much they cared about me when my wife, Amy, suddenly passed away just seven months after we moved into our apartment in 2023. I was looked after. Other residents made sure I was doing OK and encouraged me to get involved with activities and people. They made all the difference during that challenging time. I was not alone with a unique experience. By talking and sharing stories of my life with Amy and hearing others’ stories about their spouses, it has helped me through the grieving process.
Kiber Birke
Messiah Lifeways CNA
Age: 41
Hometown: Born and raised in Ethiopia
Years working here: 13
Hobbies: Serving her church, gardening, reading, spending time with her family and church friends
Messiah Lifeways’ mission to enhance the lives of older adults with Christ-like love resonates deeply with me, and I feel called to live out and be a part of this mission. Messiah Lifeways also feels like my second home because of its welcoming and loving environment. It feels like I am taking care of family here, and I feel well supported and encouraged by the nursing administrators who oversee me and my fellow team members.
Kyle Connolly
Wellness Member | Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning Participant
Age: 66
Hometowns: Staten Island, NY | Mechanicsburg
Occupation: Retired coordinator of facility operations
Hobbies: Baseball, reading, being with family and friends
More than anything, I’ve enjoyed meeting new people through Messiah Lifeways—both participants and staff. Everyone I see on campus says ‘Hello’ or asks ‘How are you?’ The excellence of the programs and the friendliness of everyone I’ve met is what keeps me coming back.
Mike & Carol Sinwell
Messiah Village Residents | Utilize At Home services
Ages: 73 (Mike) | 75 (Carol)
Years married: 44
Hometowns: Chicago | Virginia
Hobbies: Watching classic films, live theater, traveling, music, volunteering, spending time with family
When we first moved to Messiah Village in 2023, we started with PT and OT services. Once that schedule settled in, we met with At Home for help with Mike’s health needs in our apartment. At Home services were a tremendous resource. The office staff always made sure we had high quality assistance that met our specific needs. They were always available and responded promptly to any inquiry. Their customer service skills not only exemplify Messiah Village’s values and mission, but their ethic of care has enhanced our quality of life. It has been a blessing to have high quality care, a regular routine, and staff able to address Mike’s individual needs.
Mary Greiner & Susan Stough
Mary attends Adult Day and receives At Home services
*These details are shared by Susan (Mary’s daughter), on behalf of Mary.
Age: 90
Hometown: Rohrerstown | Bowmansdale
Occupation: Retired Messiah University secretary
Hobbies: Music, singing, spending time with her calico cat (Cleo), jigsaw puzzles, gardening, and watching “The Voice” on TV
When my husband brought mom home after her first day at Adult Day, I ran to meet them. She was beaming, carrying a wrapped pumpkin roll that she helped make that day. You see, mom loves to bake. I do not. She had been having trouble following my favorite, familiar cookie recipe and I had stopped asking for them until I could figure out how to help her make them without it being stressful for me due to my lack of culinary skills.
Around the same time, an At Home team member and mom were spending a few hours together each week and would occasionally prepare a food item. One day, the team member asked me if there was anything I would like her and my mom to bake. Mom happily got to make her familiar recipe with much success and pride while I got my favorite soft ginger snaps!
When mom’s schedule was changing to increase the number of days each week she would attend Adult Day, this team member continued to accommodate us and even rearranged her own schedule, just to be with mom. The love and friendship they share is fascinating to watch grow as they continue to discover more about each other. They have so much in common, and there is no doubt they were meant to be in our lives for this part of mom’s journey.
