Welcome home
At Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, there is a culture of compassion that’s uplifting to all and full of abundant love and support.
The faith-based Ohio Living Breckenridge Village meets people wherever they are in the aging process.
“Make Yourself at Home” is a slogan at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village that plays itself out each day through physical pursuits, social programming, spiritual care and a staff that fosters a deep sense of community and interconnectedness.
With a thoughtful continuum of care that ranges from active retirement living in two- and three-bedroom ranch homes, condos and apartments, to assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities, the campus meets residents where they are. Though moving to a new place can be daunting, the outgoing people who work here make it a smooth sail. The nearly 800 residents report this is a destination to thrive and grow, with the security of knowing quality care is close at hand.
“We blanket our people with care,” says Rebecca Kilkenny, LISW-S, who is a social worker. “I meet with people before they move in and joke with them to get ready to be shocked by the enthusiasm of the welcome. There is a culture of compassion here that’s uplifting to all, abundant love and support. “Even our resident’s families become an extension of our family.”
Rebecca says people love “Furry Fridays,” the days she brings in Peaches, her adorable 55-pound boxer-mix therapy dog.
“She makes deep connections with the residents as well as staff,” she says. “Peaches visits with residents throughout the community such as Joanne DeBaltzo and Jane Taft at the North Apartments. Even the staff come to visit Peaches on Fridays as she is unusually calm, sweet and cute.”
Meet the Reddigs
Tom and Sandy Reddig moved into the community last year to age well and be closer to their son Andrew, who lives in Willoughby.
This charming 70-something couple took a bus trip to visit the campus and fell in love.
“We were living in a large four-bedroom house with five levels,” says Sandy. “It just didn’t make sense for us anymore. Our sons were elated when we made the decision and moved in May of 2024.”
Their spacious and newly renovated 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom ranch home is loaded with sunlight, perfect to showcase Sandy’s resplendent artwork, which fills the walls with eye-catching beauty.
They were both impressed by how friendly and outgoing their neighbors were.
“We were unloading the moving van, and they were popping over to welcome us and bring us baked goods,” she says.
Within a matter of days, Sandy became unexpectedly ill.
“Here we were, new to town, not knowing any of the hospitals or doctors and were grateful that the interdisciplinary staff jumped in to assist us. We were happy that Tom had an easy time caring for our new home while I was in the hospital as cleaning and maintenance are minimal,” says Sandy.
Now that she’s recovered, the Reddigs are back to doing what they love, hiking, fishing and exploring places like Lake Erie. The sprawling wooded campus is a great fit with their active lifestyle.
“I feel like there’s a natural backdrop right outside our window,” says Sandy, who has done several paintings of the grounds. “Our other favorite things are the educational programs. They are fascinating and cover different subjects such as history or international issues. We feel like we are on vacation every day.”
Situated on 53 acres of rolling parkland with scenic views and meandering walking paths, Ohio Living Breckenridge Village is located at 36851 Ridge Road in Willoughby. Call
440-942-4342 or visit
OhioLiving.org for more information. Accommodations within the village are pet-friendly.
Unveiling the Chapel Renovation
At the center of the Ohio Living Breckenridge Village campus is the newly renovated Lyons Chapel, which is a striking octagon-shaped building with beautiful stained-glass windows and a custom carved wooden cross. Completely donor-funded by residents through the Ohio Living Foundation, the renovation is bright and beautiful with new paint, carpet, chairs, a new A/V system and furniture in the gathering area. The new color palette is reflective of OLBV’s corporate colors with soothing, green, gold and tan. The effect is very homey and calming. The chapel, which seats about 85 people, is used for two weekly worship services as many residents can no longer get to the churches they once attended. In addition, the space is used for concerts, presentations, memorial and special services. It also provides a quiet place for prayer and reflection.
Come see the Lyons Chapel for yourself at an Open House for the community, which is being planned for December. Look for the announcement of date and time on OLBV’s website and socials.
Where Everyone is Welcome
Nurturing nearly 800 souls in their faith journey is a tall task and one that Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life, Rev. Beverly Wrobel PC, is perfectly suited to. In fact, she says it’s her calling. “It’s unique for a senior living facility to have a full-time chaplain and spiritual life team in place,” she says. “We are a Christian community, where all faiths are included and nurtured. No one is excluded. Our approach is to acknowledge, welcome and embrace each resident. It’s part of our tagline of what we stand for: Faith, Compassion and Community. I minister to all people meeting them where they are and focusing on resources most important to them.”
Her main priority is to make connections and build relationships with people both one-on-one and in group settings. As part of a local ministerial association, Rev. Bev partners with local clergy from many denominations and invites them to hold services on the campus. Much of Rev. Bev’s days are spent offering grief support and counseling to residents and staff. She helps those who are nearing end of life find meaning.
“When a resident passes away, our team follows a solemn protocol of joining the family at bedside, offering a prayer and moving the deceased in a procession out the front door while chimes are rung. Death is a natural part of life, and we honor that, ” she explains.
Rev. Bev leads many ministries at OLBV, such as Bible studies, Scripture meditation and a weekly worship service complete with vocal and bell choirs. She is pleased to preside over the sacraments including a recent baptism for an employee’s infant daughter.
“I enjoy helping people find deeper meaning in their faith as they age,” she says. “Along with the Spiritual Life Team and Visitation Ministry, we embrace the close-knit community we have become.”
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