December 2010

Heritage Ministries, which will officially turn 125 years old on May 6, 2011, hosted a contest for employees and volunteers to design a logo and slogan to celebrate the anniversary.  The three winning selections were chosen from over a dozen submissions.  The special logo and slogan will be used at various events and programs throughout the year in 2011.

The winning logo was designed by Amy Rupp, a volunteer at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing, Inc. in Gerry, New York.  It features the Heritage Ministries logo and script lettering.  “I was excited to learn Heritage Ministries would be celebrating 125 years in 2011,” Ms. Rupp states.  “My sons and I have had such a positive experience volunteering at Heritage Village.  The logo I submitted captures the spirit of excellence and vitality that is represented by Heritage Ministries.  We look forward to celebrating this important milestone.”

The winning slogan, “Hope, Dignity & Purposeful Living to Generations,” was created from two separate submissions, one by Casey Carlson, a volunteer at Heritage House Childcare & Learning Center, and Maggie Richardson, Administrative Assistant at Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing.  Along with Ms. Rupp, Ms. Richardson and Ms. Carlson each received $85, a three way split of the $250 prize.

“Heritage Ministries has been serving young and old for generations,” states Ms. Richardson.  “I wanted to incorporate that into the slogan I designed.  That’s why I felt the inclusion of hope, dignity, and purposeful living to generations was appropriate for our 125^th Anniversary celebration.”  Casey Carlson, slogan co-award winner, adds “When I think of Heritage Ministries, I think of the longevity of life. . .serving people from the beginning to the end.  And, like myself, I believe a lot of people find comfort in knowing that serving people in that regard is what Heritage Ministries stands for.”

“We are looking forward to this coming year when Heritage Ministries will celebrate our 125^th birthday,” says David Smeltzer, Executive Director.  “We have a series of events planned to celebrate this historic occasion.  Not only are we celebrating the rich history of our organization, but we will also be looking forward to offering new services for the people of our community well into the future.”

Heritage Ministries was incorporated in 1886 as The Gerry Homes.  Founded by Bishop Walter A. Sellew, it began as an orphanage and adult home.  Today, Heritage Ministries offers rehab & skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and childcare services at its 5 locations.  Heritage Ministries is one of Chautauqua County’s largest employers with over 800 dedicated employees and daily serves over 400 residents and children.

For more information on Heritage Ministries, please call 716.487.6800.