National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) has helped seniors and their loved ones make decisions about retirement living and health care options since 1890. Celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year, NLCS remains rooted in its mission and committed to serving the seniors of today and tomorrow.
The National Lutheran family includes locations in both Virginia and Maryland. Serving the Shenandoah Valley is The Village at Orchard Ridge and myPotential at Home in Winchester, and The Legacy at North Augusta in Staunton.
The Village at Orchard Ridge-A National Lutheran Community
Art and Ev Gomes moved to The Village at Orchard Ridge two years ago when the continuing care retirement community opened in Winchester, Va. After spending 45 years in the federal government and 26 years in nursing, respectively, Art and Ev wanted to retire while they were young enough to still enjoy it. After dealing with aging parents of their own, they wanted to plan ahead so they weren’t a burden to their children.
“We wanted to do this for our children,” Art said. “Everything is planned out and taken care of, and we have access to health care when we need it.”
Married for 47 years, Art and Ev have four children and eight grandchildren. Aside from future planning, the couple chose The Village at Orchard Ridge because of its faith-based mission and connection to National Lutheran’s heritage.
“That sense of Christian community is present at Orchard Ridge,” Ev said. “That was important to us as we were evaluating options.”
Even two years after moving in, Art and Ev couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
“We wouldn’t change it for the world. I always tell people to figure out their monthly costs for home ownership and compare that to a community like this,” Art said. “You may be surprised at the affordability.”
The Legacy at North Augusta-A National Lutheran Community
The Legacy at North Augusta welcomed residents Sue Rivers and ConnieAnderson, a mother and daughter duo, last December. Sue, 92 years old, called Florida home for over 68 years, along with her husband Wilson. Her daughter Connie, 62, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 14 years ago, and son-in-law Rick, followed them south to seek the best medical treatment for her condition. After Sue’s husband passed she became legally blind, and Connie’s husband Rick recognized he was becoming a burned-out caregiver, the ladies made the decision to move to Staunton for The Legacy at North Augusta.
“Connie acts as my eyes and I act as her support,” mother Sue said. “Isn’t that the role of a mother daughter relationship?”
Rick’s search for the best community for them to thrive in and remain together led him to The Legacy.
“I knew our criteria was going to be a bit unique to accommodate both Sue and Connie, but it was important to me that we found the right fit,” Rick stated.
“We visited The Legacy and the community simply showed itself off. Everyone was so attentive.”
Sue and Connie now call The Legacy home. They have settled into separate one-bedroom apartments conveniently across the hall from one another. The Legacy’s offerings of independent and assisted living services are ideal for individuals like Sue and Connie.
“The staff is most accommodating, “Sue said. “Any request I have will be promptly taken care and it’s greatly appreciated,”
The Legacy also offers an array of amenities including housekeeping, dining, daily activities and social events. Rick, no longer the burned-out caregiver, visits the community once or twice a day to join the ladies for lunch and interact with other residents. He has regained his sense of self with the assurance that his loved ones are in good hands.
“I’m so pleased. I can’t help but share about the community and our great experience with everyone I see!” Rick shared.
myPotential at Home-A National Lutheran Service
myPotential at Home is NLCS’ first home-care organization, which waslaunched in January 2014. After piloting services to residents at The Village at Orchard Ridge, myPotential at Home is now expanding services to clients in the greater-Winchester area. While a continuing care retirement community is a wonderful option for many seniors, others may wish to stay in their home. myPotential at Home enables seniors to stay in the home they’ve come to know and love, with personal care and nursing care services available to them.
Mary utilized myPotential at Home for three months after she had a fall while hiking. Once discharged from the hospital, myPotential at Home’s caregiving team supported her through the transition. From staying in contact with Mary’s physician and monitoring pain control, to coordinating with the physical therapist, these services helped Mary maintain control of her health care decisions and independence.
Several months later, myPotential at Home only helps Mary one hour a week with simple household tasks.
“We partnered with Mary to help her reach her potential, which is a huge success,” myPotential at Home Administrator Denise Kozlowski said. “That is our goal with all of our clients-to partner alongside them and help them reach their potential at any age, and at any stage.”
Celebrating 125 years, NLCS is a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Delaware-Maryland, Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Virginia Synods serving people of all beliefs. NLCS provides seniors with a variety of lifestyle, residential and health care options through retirement communities and services in Maryland and Virginia.
To learn more about any of these ministries, please visit
