Long-term benefits. A retirement community grows by reaching out to area residents

At St. Leonard Center, a retirement community in Dayton, OH, community benefit programs are such a critical part of daily operations that the organization could not continue to flourish without them. Founded in 1983, the center now serves more than 600 persons. St. Leonard offers independent living arrangements, as well as assisted living and skilled nursing care. From its beginning the center has depended on collaborative arrangements with local churches, agencies, and other organizations. As the center has grown, it has continued to work with others to enhance services to its clients and to local residents. Recent arrangements with St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton have enabled the center to offer home healthcare, as well as outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation. Integrated pharmacy, medical supply, and laboratory services are also available, and a systemwide management information system is currently under development. St. Leonard Center also reaches out to local elderly residents through adult day care and respite programs, as well as through its Senior Network, a resource center (cosponsored by St. Elizabeth) with about 25,000 enrollees. The center also offers three special educational programs for children.