GentleBrook

Connecting People + Community through I/DD Services and Senior Services

WHO: We are a not-for-profit social purpose enterprise that believes in connecting people + community through services and businesses. WHAT: We serve + support older adults and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Our services and supports include residential options, adult day programs, and vocational training. WHEN: Founded in 1974

WHERE: Hartville, West Lafayette, & Holmesville, Ohio

WHY: We believe all human life is a sacred gift and most fulfilled in community with others.

02/07/2026

Our celebration continues with Katie Hartzell!

Katie has been a dedicated GentleBrook employee for *20* years! She has held many different positions during her tenure here, starting as a RCC at Hartville Meadows and then moving to a HCC position in our workshop. Next, she was part of our supportive employment program. In 2019, she moved into her current position: Payroll Coordinator.

We love Katie not only for her meticulous attention to detail and organized work habits (oh to have a desk as clean + orderly as hers!! ), but also for her kind heart and genuine care for her fellow employees, as well as the individuals we serve.

Thank you for 20 years of service, Katie! You are an invaluable asset to our team!

02/07/2026

Is Flashback Friday still a thing?! We say it is because we are going back to our awesome Decades Day Party from last Friday! ☮️🪩🎉

We dressed to represent our favorite era and enjoyed music, games and snacks!

02/05/2026

Congratulations to our CEO, Norm Wengerd! 👏

We could not think of a more deserving recipient of the 2025 Legacy Award!

01/30/2026

Drool-worthy pics brought to you by …and our talented dietary team @ Hartville Meadows! 😆🤤

Pictured:

🍕 Deep-dish pizza

🥧 Quiche

🍠 Roasted veggies

01/26/2026

A message of sincere thanks! 🙏💙🔖

TO: The absolute ROCKSTARS who came together these past 48 hours to ensure our residents continued to receive the care they need in spite of the extreme weather

FROM: Peter, VP of HR + Administrative Services on behalf of GentleBrook Senior Leadership

Of special note:

-- Lisa Ackerman, Administrator, Hartville Meadows
-- Natalie Johnson, Executive Director, The HomeStead of Hartville
-- Leslie Zimmerman, Administrator, GentleBrook Lafayette Meadows and Holmes Co.
--Maintenance Team North (Jim Clark) and Maintenance Team South (Dave Crilow) for keeping sidewalks + parking lots clear as well as helping transport employees to and from work!

We could not do the work we do here without these leaders and their respective teams. 👏👏👏

01/25/2026

Good evening!

While this weather feels rather…let’s say *challenging,* there are still some pretty photogenic moments happening out there, as demonstrated by our lovely flagpole.

All pics were taken at various times of the day ☀️ and night 🌙 this past month.

Stay warm + safe out there tomorrow!

01/23/2026

It's National Activity Professionals Day!

We are lucky to have not one, but TWO such incredible professionals on our staff:

💫 Lora Gray, Active Treatment Coordinator
Lora {pictured with members of her team, Marie & Patty and our VP of HR & Administrative Services, Peter} does an amazing job creating engaging activities for our residents. She is creative and excels at building connections beyond the walls of our programs. Notably, she initiated wonderful relationships with the Stark County Humane Society and the Stark County Sheriff's Office this past year, bringing to life our mission of connecting people + community.

💫 Michelle Schwalm, Activities Director
Michelle is superhuman. In addition to being our Activities Director, she oversees Housekeeping/Laundry AND serves as our Director of Dining Services & Special Events. She is incredibly hard-working and so committed to enriching the lives of our residents. And you better believe the food at their events + parties {and every meal} is delicious!

THANK YOU, Lora + Michelle, for being such invaluable members of our team!

01/19/2026

Thank you to Walsh University for choosing us as one of your sites! We had a great time with your students this morning!

12/31/2025

Cheers to another year together! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. ✨

12/21/2025

We had such a wonderful time celebrating with our team at our annual Christmas party on Friday night!

This year’s celebration was extra special, as we recognized our CEO, Norm Wengerd, who will be retiring in February after 18 years of leading our organization. 💙

We also had the chance to recognize + celebrate Lisa Ackerman {Administator, Hartville Meadows} for an extraordinary 30 years of service here at GentleBrook. 💥👏

Special thanks to La Pizzaria for always taking such great care of us and to Nikolina DjDiva for getting everyone up and out on the dance floor! 🕺🪩

PS - Watch our story for THE standout vocal performance of the night! 🎤

12/18/2025

The 2025 Resident + Family Christmas Party was one for the books! 🎅🏻🤶🏻

We had an absolutely wonderful time celebrating with everyone this past Sunday.

Special thanks to:

🎄 Michelle + Julie for the delicious meal!

🎄 Our managers + RCCs for all of the work they put into making this such a special day!

12/18/2025

They say great minds think alike…but what about when they *dress* alike?!

Pictured:

📸 VP of HR + Administrative Services, Peter
📸 Executive VP, James

Address

880 Sunnyside Street SW
Hartville, OH
44632

Telephone

+13308777700

Website

http://www.GentleBrook.org/

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