MATT MARTIN


WHY I SERVE F


orty-three individuals volunteer their time and talents as members of one of the five boards of directors overseeing Landis Communities and its affiliates. Tis column features a member of one of the boards and lists those who serve with the highlighted individual.


Tell me a little about yourself… I have lived in southeast Pennsylvania my entire life. I am the second of seven children of Eugene and Linda Martin. My parents were farmers who introduced me to hard work and to the Lord. My wonderful wife Heather and I have six children ranging in age from 10-24. Te oldest is a son whom I work with on our farm and then we have five beautiful ladies who look like their mother. We live on a farm and raise cattle and chickens. I’m also active as a realtor in Pennsylvania.


When did you first hear of Landis Homes?


At a very young age, my parents took us to Landis Homes to visit relatives. I also remember visiting Jim and Helen Hess because Jim officiated at my parents’ wedding in 1975. My Uncle Joe and Aunt Eileen Stahl had the farm next to Landis Homes – I would pick tomatoes in their field.


When did you learn of Welsh Mountain Home? In 1998, while attending Lichty’s Mennonite Church, we joined the group who visits Welsh Mountain Home monthly to sing. Te Mountain Springs Mennonite Church (which meets in the chapel connected to WMH) opened in 2005 and my family began attending there a few years later. We have continued the monthly singing visits so it is almost 27 years that I have been singing at Welsh Mountain Home! Tere are usually 15-20 residents who participate in the singing and about 8 who attend church. When asked by our pastor to serve on the Welsh Mountain Home Board, I was excited to help connect the ministries of the church with WMH and its mission to provide a safe, affordable and loving community for residents.


Why was this important to you? My parents provided an example of how to be Christ’s hands and feet. When I was about 7 years old, they


Matt Martin, Vice Chair of the Welsh Mountain Home Board of Directors


invited a person facing homelessness to live in a small apartment attached to our barn. Tey offered lodging and some meals, free of charge. Because of this, caring for people is deep in my soul. I see the team at Welsh Mountain Home serving others with dignity and respect and helping to bring smiles to residents’ faces.


What did you experience as a new board member? Te board and leadership are professional and highly qualified. Tey serve with humility and realize their highest calling is to care for residents. Board members are thoughtful as they ponder decisions that affect the lives of others.


What do you want others to know about Welsh Mountain Home? Te love and care provided by team members gives inspiration to residents and helps them thrive. Life may be hard sometimes but it is a blessing to be around compassionate staff and fellow residents who encourage each other.


Why do you serve on the Board of Welsh Mountain Home? Along with providing a connection to Mountain Springs Mennonite Church, my main purpose on the board is to promote emotional, physical and spiritual health for the staff and residents of Welsh Mountain Home.


WELSH MOUNTAIN HOME BOARD MEMBERS


• Lamar Benner, Chair • Matthew Martin, Vice-Chair • Melissa Sarnocinski, Treasurer • Richard Buckwalter


• Mary Ellen Groff • Kenneth Martin • Zachary Martin


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2025 • 19


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