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Contact: Jill Tolan - Administrative Assistant - 309.467.9041 |
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Our Mission
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"Embracing the visible presence of God
through service to others."
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Purpose
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Maple Lawn Homes, Inc., a nonprofit retirement community founded in 1922 and sponsored by the Mennonite Church, offers a nonsectarian program of retirement housing, nursing care, in-home support services and a children's day care center. It's controlling board is community based. Maple Lawn welcomes persons of all races, religions, colors and national origins. Maple Lawn's operation centers around the individual needs of each resident, emphasizing freedom of choice, dignity and self-esteem. Watch the overview movie. |
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History
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Founded in 1922, Maple Lawn Homes (formerly known as the Mennonite Home For The Aged) has continued its ministry for 78 years. We minister to those who have come to a time in their lives when they can no longer care for themselves.
It began in 1919 when the "Old Folks Home" in Ohio burned down. The Home was sponsored by the Mennonite Board of Missions and charities of Mennonite churches. The church boards felt it necessary to rebuild the Home, so began the investigation. Five Illinois members were named as the investigation committee including J.D. Smith and Jacob Garber both of Eureka, Joseph Schumaker of Freeport, and George Grieser and Andrew Birkey both from Fisher. These men decided to build in Eureka, Illinois, where the Home still stands today.
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On June 19, 1921, a ground breaking ceremony was held on the site of the proposed structure. Soon after the ceremonial ground breaking, construction got under way. The contract for building this new Home was given to Yost Construction Company of Iowa. Much of the work was done by men of the congregations, Roanoke and Metamora, and by those from other nearby locations. Building material was hauled to the building site by local farmers with horses and wagons. The General Mission Board appropriated $50,000 for this new Home and the cost of the building was not to exceed that amount. By efficient management on the part of the building committee, conscientious skilled labor and donated help, the cost of the building was $10,000 under budget.
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On July 14, 1922, almost one year after the groundbreaking ceremony, eight elderly people (former residents of the Rittman, Ohio Home) were brought to be the first residents in the newly built, "Mennonite Home for the Aged" in Eureka. On July 23, 1922, one year, one month, and four days after the ground breaking, this Home was dedicated by Dr. Sanford C. Yoder.
We appreciate those that came before us had vision to see the need of caring for the elderly. We are glad that men of ability took the initiative to build this Home at Eureka, Illinois so many years ago.
Today, as it was 84 years ago, Maple Lawn's mission is the same. We are proud of our heritage and are willing to go that extra mile to fulfill the mission that those so long ago established. Our work is done in God's name and our mission is to joyfully care for those persons in need of assistance.
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Render service with enthusiasm...knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord. Ephesians 6: 7-8
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