About Us - Glacier Hills
Ann Arbor’s Life Plan Community
Glacier Hills has served Ann Arbor as a not-for-profit Life Plan Community for more than 50 years. Our mission is to serve older adults with a continuum of lifestyle, health, and wellness opportunities enriching the whole person. Glacier Hills’ beautiful 34-acre campus is located in the cultural and cosmopolitan heart of southeast Michigan. For specific information on the programs and services offered by Glacier Hills, contact us at 734.913.0730.
History & Mission
In the mid-1960s, Dr. Ralph Piper, pastor of the Zion Lutheran Church, and other church leaders had a vision to create a community for older adults in Ann Arbor, one which would provide gracious living, health care, security, socialization, and meals served in an elegant dining room.
In October 1973, the Lutheran Retirement Center opened its doors with 226 apartments and a 70-bed nursing center, situated on 34 acres in a charming residential neighborhood of northeast Ann Arbor.
Nine years later, the Board of Directors repurchased the outstanding stock issued to the Zion Lutheran Church and changed the name to Glacier Hills, Inc. to emphasize the non-sectarian character and culture of the retirement community.
After a year of extensive study, in July of 2016, the Glacier Hills Board of Directors entered into an affiliation agreement with Trinity Health Senior Communities. THSC is a faith-based, non-profit senior housing and nursing care organization headquartered in Livonia, Michigan.
Today, that rich heritage lives on and is embodied in all we do to further our mission to serve older adults in our community.
Our Mission
We, Glacier Hills and Trinity Health Senior Communities, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.
Our Vision
As a mission-driven innovative health organization, we will become the national leader in improving the health of our communities and each person we serve.
Our Core Values
- Reverence: We honor the sacredness and dignity of every person.
- Commitment to Those Experiencing Poverty: We stand with and serve those who are experiencing poverty, especially those most vulnerable.
- Justice: We foster right relationships to promote the common good, including sustainability of Earth.
- Stewardship: We honor our heritage and hold ourselves accountable for the human, financial and natural resources entrusted to our care.
- Integrity: We are faithful to who we say we are.
- Safety: We embrace a culture that prevents harm and nurtures a healing, safe environment for all.
Our Promise
We are a Mission-driven Catholic national senior living ministry, creating environments where older adults thrive. Our residents are self-motivated and encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute. In partnership with colleagues and family, residents focus on achieving holistic wellness to strengthen their sense of purpose, meaning, fulfillment, and belonging.
Leadership
Our colleagues, residents, and family members form a strong and authentic community. Residents contribute their gifts, talents, and skills to life at Glacier Hills because they are invested in making this an inclusive, diverse, and enjoyable place to live. Our professional colleagues are so intentional in the way they provide attentive and compassionate service to our residents and their families. I’m tremendously proud to help carry forward Glacier Hills’ legacy and promise.”
--Ben McKinnon, executive director
Leadership Team
Ben McKinnon
Executive Director
ben.mckinnon@trinity-health.org
LeeAnn Pennington
Administrator of Care & Rehabilitation Center
LeeAnn.Pennington@trinity-health.org
Kat Butler
Manager of Assisted Living
katbut@trinity-health.org
William Cosby
Director of Sales
William.Cosby@trinity-health.org
Rebecca Pazkowski
Executive Director
Glacier Hills Foundation
Rebecca.Pazkowski@trinity-health.org
Board of Directors
Glacier Hills is grateful to the dedicated group of volunteers who make up their Board of Directors.
Resources
- National Alzheimer’s Association
- Alzheimer’s Association Great Lakes Chapter
- The Geriatrics Center – University of Michigan
- Turner Senior Resource Center
- Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services
- Leading Age
- Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH)
- VolunteerWashtenaw.org
- www.TrinityHealthAtHome.org
Educational Affiliations
“I am more delighted every day to be a Glacier Hills resident. When my four adult children campaigned for me to move from my comfortable condo, I firmly replied "NOT YET!" Wanting to avoid a family mutiny, I agreed to at least listen. Because the sales staff met me on my thinking, and were not pushy, I learned more, especially that I could participate only as I wanted without pressure. I could simplify my responsibilities while having more time and options to enrich my waking time. After trying delicious, fresh food with many choices, and sharing dining with friendly residents in numerous locations, I explored a variety of exercise classes, fitness equipment, classes such as humanities, lectures on AI, etc. Our event coordinator also regularly secures tickets for residents to off-campus venues, such as Hill Auditorium or the Fisher Theater. The frequent live music events are a special joy. I just joined the Hills Singer Chorus. I feel secure because staff is so available and responsive. The final decision-maker for me is access to the Continuum of Care for the rest of my life. Feeling so happy and safe in my new home, I am definitely having more fun!”
- Andrea L.