Kintura’s deep commitment to serving the needs of older adults is one that is reflected daily in the lives of its team members and communities. And many team members not only build their careers at Kintura but also entrust the organization with their most cherished loved ones.
Caring for aging parents and finding an employer that upholds meaningful values can be challenging. At Kintura, team members find both. Many have parents residing in Kintura communities, while others keep their families close by working within the organization and enrolling their children in on-site daycare.
Scooter Nance, Director of Golf and Grounds at River Landing at Sandy Ridge in Colfax, has served the organization for more than 30 years and exemplifies the organization’s Family Forward Employer certification. His grandson attends River Landing’s on-site daycare, his daughter is the Resident Services Coordinator at Friends Home, and his son-in-law serves at Kintura headquarters as Director of Philanthropy.
Scooter attributes his long tenure and his family’s involvement to the culture, describing Kintura as a place defined by its family atmosphere, its mission of serving others and honoring God, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing his grandson is cared for in the same community where he works.
At River Landing, Kintura’s Chief Operating Officer Hank Lovvorn has both parents residing in the community. His father lives independently in a cottage, while his mother transitioned to memory support in August 2024. Hank described the move as “the best decision they could have made,” noting the supportive sense of community his parents experienced. He emphasized that the memory support staff in the Winged Foot household had become “an extension of the family,” reflecting the powerful bond between residents, families, and staff.
At Well-Spring, Executive Director Misti Ridenour also shares this trust. Her parents moved into the community in June 2024, a meaningful homecoming since both once worked there as well. Misti’s mother served in Environmental Services for 15 years, viewing her work as a mission to serve seniors, while her father was an IT consultant for five years.
Today, they enjoy a rich and fulfilling life at Well-Spring. “For a long time, they frequently said, ‘I can’t believe we live here!’” Misti shared. “Now, every day I get to hear about how fulfilling their lives are by the ways they are engaging with this community.” From social activities and new friendships to outstanding dining and the relief of no home maintenance, her parents are thriving. For Misti, the reassurance of knowing her parents are cared for – whether through everyday kindness or in times of need – is “a wonderful gift to our family.”
At Scotia Village, the connection between work and home runs just as deep. Former team members Daphne Bean and Sylvia McLean, who once dedicated their careers to serving residents, now call the community home themselves. Sylvia was the very first director of sales, helping establish Scotia’s welcoming culture over a 25-year career, while Daphne served in marketing, sales, and move-in coordination roles. Both witnessed firsthand the care, friendships, and peace of mind Scotia Village offered, and when it came time to choose a place for retirement, they chose Scotia without hesitation. Today, they enjoy the same vibrant lifestyle they once helped others discover, a powerful testament to the trust they place in the community they once served.
At Glenaire, Executive Director Ben Stevens also demonstrates this trust. His parents live in the same community he leads. Ben shares that his parents enjoy being close to their grandchildren and appreciate the reliability of the organization. He recalls how the healthcare team made his father feel at home during a short rehabilitation stay and noted that Glenaire embodies Kintura’s mission by empowering residents to live with dignity and purpose while receiving loving support.
Tom Smith, Executive Director at River Landing, reflects on the years his late parents lived in the community he now manages. His parents found joy in everyday moments, such as golfing, working puzzles, feeding birds, and enjoying meals. Tom observes that the care his parents received was not a reflection of his role as Executive Director but of the culture of love and compassion that defined the community. He often shares their experience with prospective residents as a testament to the organization’s genuine commitment to service.
These stories – from parents to children to grandchildren – all connected through Kintura, serve as powerful affirmations of the organization’s purpose and mission. They demonstrate that person-centered care is not merely a promise, but a reality lived each day.
Kintura isn’t just a place to work; it’s where values are lived, day in and day out. It’s where families find care, team members find purpose and communities thrive.
By Jessica Ford
Kintura Content Specialist