PALA - Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association

05/08/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Nate Pace — recipient of the 2026 PALA Chris Horn Advocacy Award!

As the third-generation owner and administrator of Morris-Pace Personal Care Home, Nate has demonstrated a deep commitment to advocacy on behalf of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents. Morris-Pace primarily serves low-income individuals, many of whom rely on the state SSI supplement and would otherwise be without stable housing.

Through his leadership and advocacy efforts, Nate continues to champion access to compassionate, affordable care and support for those who need it most. His dedication reflects the true spirit of advocacy in senior living and personal care. 💙

▶️ Click on the video below to hear more about Nate’s advocacy efforts and the meaningful impact he is making in the lives of residents and families.

05/08/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community — recipient of the 2026 PALA Keystone Award for Best Practice of the Year for their Vigil Committee initiative!

Established in 2022, the Sherwood Oaks Vigil Committee is a remarkable program that ensures no resident faces the end of life alone. This dedicated group of resident volunteers — including retired nurses, clergy, and caregivers — provides compassionate presence, comfort, and support during life’s most vulnerable moments.

Through kindness, dignity, and human connection, the Vigil Committee exemplifies the very best of compassionate senior care and community support. 💙

▶️ Click on the video below to hear more about the impact of Sherwood Oaks’ Vigil Committee and the meaningful difference they make every day.

05/08/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Louise Santee of Phoebe Allentown – Miller Personal Care — recipient of the 2026 PALA Keystone Award for Caregiver of the Year!

For 30 years, Louise has faithfully served Phoebe’s mission, making an extraordinary impact on residents, families, coworkers, and guests alike. She is the kind of caregiver who goes far beyond the duties of her role, bringing warmth, compassion, and joy into the community each and every day.

Louise helps create an environment that truly feels like home, and her dedication and kindness continue to inspire everyone around her. 💙

▶️ Click on the video below to hear what Louise’s nominators shared about her incredible impact and compassionate care.

05/08/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Jessica Young of Atria Center City — recipient of the 2026 PALA Keystone Award for Nurse of the Year!

Every day, Jessica demonstrates what it means to be a dedicated, compassionate, and expert nurse in personal care. She leads with compassion, clarity, and honesty, ensuring residents, families, and healthcare providers feel informed, supported, and truly heard.

Even while overseeing the care of more than 145 residents, Jessica makes each individual feel valued and understood — a true reflection of outstanding nursing leadership and excellence in senior care. 💙

▶️ Click on the video below to hear what Jessica’s nominators shared about her incredible impact and dedication.

05/08/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Sameerah Elder of Moravian Village of Bethlehem — recipient of the 2026 PALA Keystone Award for Administrator of the Year!

For 18 years, Sameerah has exemplified outstanding leadership, compassion, and dedication to residents and staff alike. Whether supporting resident care, assisting with clinical needs, or stepping in during emergencies, she leads by example and is always there when needed most.

Thank you, Sameerah, for your exceptional commitment to excellence in senior living and for making a lasting difference every day. 💙

▶️ Click on the video below to hear what Sameerah’s nominators shared about her incredible impact and leadership.

05/06/2026

Happy Nurses Day to the incredible nurses of the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association and nurses across the nation!

Today, we celebrate you, and throughout National Nurses Week (May 6–12), we honor the compassion, dedication, and strength you bring to our communities every single day. From providing comfort and care to advocating for residents and families, your work makes a lasting difference in countless lives.

This year’s Nurses Week theme, “The Power of Nurses,” is a meaningful reminder of the impact you have each day through your expertise, leadership, kindness, and care.

Thank you for your extraordinary commitment and for being the heart of care and a true inspiration to us all.

05/05/2026

PALA’s 2026 Annual Conference was a sweet success! 🍫

Held April 29 to May 1 at the Hershey Lodge, nearly 500 attendees, vendors, and speakers came together in the sweetest place on earth to learn, connect, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s personal care and assisted living field.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took time away from their communities and families to join us. A special thank you to our sponsors for their support in making this event possible. Your dedication continues to move our industry forward. 🌟

04/22/2026

On this Administrative Professionals Day, we’d like to give a huge shoutout to PALA's Administrative Assistant, Joan DeLuca! 🎉

Joan’s dedication and commitment to serving PALA members and supporting our organization are truly outstanding. Her kindness is one of her greatest strengths, and we are proud to have her as the welcoming voice on the phone ☎️ and a thoughtful communicator via email 📧.

Much of Joan’s work happens behind the scenes, but today we’re putting her in the spotlight ✨. Please join us in thanking her for all she does to support personal care and assisted living providers, as well as our industry partners! 👏

Joan Muir

04/22/2026

🎉 We are proud to recognize PA State Representative Kristin Marcell as one of PALA’s Legislators of the Year.

Rep. Marcell has demonstrated strong leadership and support for issues that matter to older adults and the providers who serve them, including cosponsoring HB 821 to advance Medicaid coverage for assisted living services. Her commitment to strengthening care and expanding access to services across Pennsylvania is deeply appreciated. 👏

We are grateful for Rep. Marcell’s dedication and her ongoing partnership in advancing policies that support quality care for seniors. 💙

04/09/2026

🎉 We are proud to recognize PA State Representative Tarik Khan as one of PALA’s Legislators of the Year!

Rep. Khan continues to be a strong champion for a key PALA priority, Medicaid coverage for assisted living services, through his co-sponsorship of HB 821. His leadership and dedication to expanding access to care for seniors across Pennsylvania are deeply appreciated. 👏

We are grateful for Rep. Khan’s commitment to this important issue and his continued support of older adults and the providers who serve them. 💙

04/07/2026

We Hope You’ll Join Us in Hershey!
Final Day to Register Is April 8
Be part of PALA’s Annual Conference, April 30–May 1 at the Hershey Lodge, and experience three inspiring days of fresh ideas, meaningful connections, practical takeaways you can bring back to your community right away, and the opportunity to earn up to 14.5 NAB-approved CEUs.
https://conta.cc/4tyGUlU

Email from Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association Join PALA Peers in Hershey! We Hope You’ll Join Us in Hershey! Final Day to Register Is April 8 Be part of PALA’s Annual Conference, April 30–May 1