Roughly 100 people live in the Evansville Protestant Home on Washington Avenue, apropos for a business celebrating 100 years.
To get a sense of the accomplishment, consider that an early back-and-white aerial photo of the site shows a vast grassy lot across the street. That land now is occupied by the Ascension St. Vincent Hospital campus.
The Evansville Protestant Home is proud of its century of providing compassionate assisted-living care. Officials say they want each resident to have the best possible quality of life – the facility’s many amenities include multiple patios, a garden that churns out fresh vegetables, beauty salons, in-house therapy, and numerous activities.
“When you work in this environment, the whole idea is for someone to live better,” says Michelle Perry, administrator since 2007. “It’s not just about living. It’s about living better.”
Consistencies throughout EPH’s 100 years include its commitment to faith traditions – although it is open to residents of all religious preferences – and volunteerism.
It was founded in 1923 by a women’s group at the United Church of Christ who saw a need for a quality home for seniors. The first resident was admitted in 1925.
EPH has remained a not-for-profit entity ever since, a rarity as most long-term care facilities have come under corporate ownership.
“There’s no owner waiting for a profit share,” Perry says. “What we do here goes back into the building. It’s all about sustainability. This place has been here 100 years, we’ve had a lot of impact on a lot of people, and it’s our responsibility to continue to provide comfort and compassion.”
Perry says she’s also proud of Evansville Protestant Home’s commitment to help residents feel part of the larger community.
Her husband, community relations director Kenny Perry, takes a leading role in that goal. As one example, he coordinates visits by men’s groups from area churches, who enjoy fellowship and camaraderie with the facility’s male population.
EPH residents enjoy activities such as packing gift-filled shoeboxes for the Operation Christmas Child project.
The facility is governed by its all-volunteer board of directors. Current President Paul Mayer, a 10-year board member, says the EPH’s century of history is worthy of celebration.
Given the direction of the long-term care industry, “We’re really blessed to be able to survive,” Mayer says.
