Living Branches

08/28/2025

"Before I came to Living Branches I taught middle school and high school mathematics, then after three years of seminary studies, I served as a Mennonite pastor in two congregations. My work at Living Branches today is a ministry in itself – it’s about growth and formation of the whole person.

I’m the coordinator for Living U, the lifelong learning institute of Living Branches. We offer classes for older adults for the joy of learning – there’s no homework, and no grades. Classes are open to all seniors in our local community, including Living Branches residents. Most classes take place on our campuses, and we also take field trips. In the spring we went kayaking for a “birding by boat” class, and this fall we’re going to a local equestrian center. Research indicates that lifelong learning experiences are good for our brains, helping them function better and even slowing cognitive decline as we age.

Sometimes a Living U instructor is a professor from an institution like Drexel, Villanova, Eastern Mennonite University, or DeSales University. Others are people in the community who have a special expertise or passion, which can include residents and Living Branches team members. Last semester we had a class taught by one of the world’s top collectors of antique license plates. We also had a class on stents with a member of the team that invented the stent. This area has a wealth of expertise, both in people who have career experience and in universities where we find professors to teach.

Although a lot goes into Living U each semester, it’s a group effort. So many team members are involved, from the transportation coordinator and shuttle drivers to our environmental services teams who set up the rooms, to the team members and volunteers who ensure the audio/visual equipment is working. We also have a curriculum council: a group of residents, future residents, and team members who develop ideas for future teachers and class topics. Living U goes far beyond just the instructors and me. To me, there is energy and vitality in all of us working together. As I witness seniors enjoying socializing and learning together, it is really inspiring."

Maribeth
Living U Coordinator
Living Branches

08/16/2025

It was all smiles and high energy at Souderton Mennonite Homes during today’s Zumba class! Residents had a great time moving to the music and getting in a fun workout together.

08/15/2025

No worms, no mess, just fun! Residents at The Willows enjoyed competing against one another to see who could hook the most paper fish with their magnetic poles.

08/15/2025

Nothing says summer fun like water volleyball! Residents from both Dock Woods and Souderton Mennonite Homes enjoyed an exciting afternoon of friendly competition and laughs.

08/14/2025

There's no wrong way to dance to the right music! We turned up the summertime tunes and residents enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of chair dancing.

08/14/2025

Residents at Souderton Mennonite Homes enjoyed an energetic cardio drumming session! With a record number of participants, everyone had a blast getting in some exercise and connecting through rhythm and sound.

08/13/2025

An important message from the Souderton Mennonite Homes dining services team. Please join us in appreciating Glenn, AKA Mr. Awesome, our campus dining services manager. Between ensuring meals are perfect and educating his team on the wonders of British pop rock, Glenn keeps the dining room running smoothly and everyone smiling!

08/05/2025

"If you joined the Living Branches team in 2022 or later, you’ve talked to me! As the recruiter for the organization, I get to make every offer call for employment and for positions in our CNA classes. Most of the screening I do is for full-time and administrative roles, so while I’m not part of the interviewing process for every single team member, I do speak with everyone when we make an offer.

Candidates are often surprised to hear I’ve been with Living Branches for more than 20 years. My first job was at Dock Woods when I was 14, and now I’m the recruiter. I love questions about what keeps me here because I get to say it’s not surprising to find people with a long tenure at Living Branches. Most people don’t imagine staying somewhere for 15, 20, or even 30 years, but that’s not unusual here.

Most people come because they need a position, and then they stay because of Living Branches. You can also change your career path here if that’s what you want to do. A lot of our CNAs and even nurses came from other departments, like dining, housekeeping, and laundry. That’s the trajectory for someone I used to work with at Dock Woods: she started in dining services as a teenager, became a CNA through the class we offer, and right now she’s on her way to becoming a nurse. It’s exciting!

When I screen someone for a role at Living Branches, I’m looking for someone who wants to be part of the mission and grow with us. I’m looking for someone who has a story, a vision, future goals – and a willingness to share them with me. Ultimately we’re all looking to be included and to be part of something bigger. Even if you don’t have exactly the right experience but you’re open to training, you show up with empathy, and you keep an open mind, there’s a place for you at Living Branches."

Christine
Recruiter for Living Branches

07/25/2025

Happy birthday to Ethel at Souderton Mennonite Homes! We're wishing you a wonderful celebration with your family and neighbors.

🎉 Please join us in wishing Ethel a very happy 104th birthday! Yesterday we celebrated with fellow residents, team members, and Ethel's family. A representative from Senator Maria Collett's office also stopped by to honor her on this special day.

07/21/2025

Residents at Souderton Mennonite Homes enjoyed a visit from the Shady Hollow Farm stand, bringing fresh fruits and vegetables right to the lobby for everyone to enjoy! If you missed it, don’t worry – for the rest of July, they will be visiting on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

07/12/2025

Residents at Souderton Mennonite Homes enjoyed a lively afternoon of singing during Music with Seth! Afzal, one of the music interns, started things off with classical songs on the guitar. After Seth led the group with well-loved songs, that got everyone involved!

07/11/2025

Matching name? Check. Matching shirts? Check. Bob and Bob are a legendary bocce duo here at Dock Woods.