Garden Spot Communities in New Holland, Pa., received the Koinonia Award from Mennonite Health Services Association March 18 at the MHS Assembly in Pittsburgh.
The award is presented annually to an MHS Association member organization that exemplifies the Anabaptist principle of community. Garden Spot Communities was recognized for its Wisdom Course, which fosters intergenerational connections and promotes lifelong learning among residents, staff and local college students.
The eight-month program helps participants reflect on life experiences, extract wisdom and share their stories.
Jim Landis, a board member at Frederick Living and member of Bally Mennonite Church in Barto, participated.
“I appreciated hearing the stories of fellow participants, which encouraged me to not be hesitant to share my own,” he said. “My experiences have shaped who I am and therefore have value. To be trusted with others’ stories and trusting others with mine has broadened my community.”
The program has expanded since it started in 2022. In May 2024, the program was introduced at Frederick Living in collaboration with Ursinus College. In May 2025, cohorts are planned for both Garden Spot Village and Frederick Living.
Conrad Kanagy, a sociology professor at Elizabethtown College, helped develop the program. — Garden Spot Communities
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