JACKIE BURCH


WHY I SERVE T


hirty-six individuals volunteer their time and talents as members of one of the five boards of directors


overseeing Landis Communities and its affiliates. Tis column will feature a member of one of the boards and will list those who serve with the highlighted individual.


Can you tell me a little


about yourself? I was born and raised in Bloomsburg, PA. I moved to Lancaster in the late 70’s to attend what was then known as Millersville State College. While there, I studied psychology and did an internship with the Lancaster County Office of Aging. As it turned out, I spent my entire career there – serving in a number of positions including eight years as Deputy Director and then 23 years as the agency’s Executive Director. Along the way, I also earned a Masters in Social Work Administration from Temple University. My husband and I will soon be married 34 years and have two grown sons. As a family, we have always enjoyed sports and the outdoors – especially biking and hiking.


relationships and partners. Since then I have observed how the mission and guiding values of the organization are not just words – they are profoundly demonstrated in the people and work of all of Landis Communities.


How did you become part of


the Board? After I retired in 2018, I intended to take some time off. But when Evon Bergey (Vice President of Community Initiatives) invited me to be part of the Landis HCBS Board, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to express my high regard for the organization and fulfill my desire to keep my hand in something so important to me. I am enjoying being on the “other side” of this work – as an advisor rather than an implementer and in the private sector instead of a government setting. It is an honor to serve.


Jackie Burch serves as Chair of the Landis HCBS Board of Directors, overseeing the Home and Community Based Services within Landis Communities.


When did you first hear of Landis Communities and Landis HCBS?


Tirty to forty years ago, there were few services offered in the community for aging adults – mostly meal programs and senior centers. My first encounter with Landis Homes actually occurred during the time the Office of Aging began a partnership with them to develop what is now Landis Adult Day Services. I recall how Landis Homes responded to a tremendous need, embraced this new type of service and worked to establish a model program that has had a significant impact on the Lancaster community.


What was your impression of the


organization? I saw Landis as innovative and on the cutting edge, open to considering and getting behind new ventures and interested in developing new


What goals/dreams do you have for Landis HCBS?


Trough Landis HCBS, I hope we can continue to drive innovation and provide older adults with opportunities for meaningful, purposeful living – holistic offerings that meet a diverse set of needs.


Why do you serve on the Board of Landis


HCBS? Landis has proven repeatedly and successfully that they are here to serve the minds, bodies and spirits of older adults in the Lancaster community. It is a privilege to be part of an organization that lives out its guiding values in this way.


LANDIS HCBS BOARD MEMBERS


• Jackie Burch, chair • Sandy Harnish, vice-chair • Bill Hartman, secretary • Rod Lefever, treasurer • Lois Good • Allon Lefever


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2020 • 27


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