The History of Green Hills
In a rural setting of
rolling hills that overlook the Mad River Valley, Green Hills was
founded and continues to be governed by a Board of Trustees elected
from local churches of various denominations and the community at
large. The Board is composed of community leaders who are interested
in the field of aging and who give their time on a volunteer basis.
In the late '60's, local
women at a sewing circle discussed having bake sales or some other
way to raise money "because we need a good care center in West Liberty." Three years later, a Labor Day bake sale generated $2,232 which was
placed in a savings account as the first concrete step toward realizing
this dream. By the end of 1972, a Board of Trustees had been formed
and incorporated into the West Liberty Care Center, also known as
Green Hills Center. Two other nonprofit corporations were later formed
to build and operate independent living apartments and homes.
Over the years the vision
of the founding churches took physical form in a number of building
projects. In 1975, West Liberty Homes opened with 36 apartments. Two years later, in 1977,
a 60-bed nursing center was opened. The nursing center was made possible
by a successful fund drive that raised more than $200,000 from the
local community as well as a $75,000 grant from the Columbus Foundation,
Mary Eleanor Morris Fund, plus a loan from Farmers Home Administration.
There was additional growth in subsequent years.
The nursing center was expanded to 105-beds in 1981. A second major fund drive
in 1986 raised $186,000 locally plus an additional $50,000 from the
Mary Eleanor Morris Fund for the construction of the DayBreak wing,
providing space for adult day care; a chapel/meeting room; counseling
and therapy offices; and a country store. The Garden Homes and
more apartments for independent living were added over the years and
in 1988 an assisted-living building was opened.
In 1999 the construction of an independent living area known as the Woodside Homes was developed. When all sites are completed there will be 27 homes ranging from 1167 - 1409 square feet.
Through continued visionary leadership in 2002, Green Hills began its largest building project. Coined "Caring for the Future", the project included a 16 private bed dementia area; Community Center complete with library, bakery, chapel, barber/beauty salon, sunroom, multi-purpose area to seat 250 guests, training room, and administrative offices; Aquatic & Fitness Center, Child Center expansion; and extensive renovations to the health care facility adding courtyards, lounges, rehabiliation area, dining and activity spaces.
In 2007 Green Hills acquired 20 acres of adjacent ground. One parcel to the North of the campus and the other to the South. These properties offer beautiful mature trees and a gently rolling landcape that enhances the overall setting.
Today, the nearly 60-acre Green Hills campus is home
to a mature community offering:
