Insights
The Blog of UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation
Steve Smith: Singing the Praises of The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood
Steve Smith: Singing the Praises of The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood It’s not every day that you meet someone who has gold and platinum records on his wall! But Steve Smith, who lives at The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood in Detroit, is one of those people! Steve started out wanting to be a singer. Although that path…
The Ravines Grand Opening: A Reason to Celebrate!
The Ravines Grand Opening: A Reason to Celebrate! It’s official – The Ravines are now open! Brio Living Services and Porter Hills Village (PHV) recently celebrated two Grand Opening events for this beautiful addition to the PHV campus – a 26-unit apartment building, featuring large floor plans, engaging community space, and of course, those beautiful,…
Denese Brown’s Faith Inspires Her Work at Huron Valley PACE
Denese Brown’s Faith Inspires Her Work at Huron Valley PACE As Denese Brown, Center Director for Huron Valley PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) in Ypsilanti, explains it, her 35-year social work career has led her to work with people “from the cradle to older adults.” During this time, she has worked in…
Brio’s Luke Reynolds Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at PACE Day at the Capitol
Brio’s Luke Reynolds Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at PACE Day at the Capitol Brio Living Services’ Chief of Home and Community-Based Services, Luke Reynolds recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s PACE Day at the Capitol on June 10. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advance the mission and…
Brio Living Services and Partners Celebrate 25 Years of The Pines Senior Apartments in Chelsea
Brio Living Services and Partners Celebrate 25 Years of The Pines Senior Apartments in Chelsea Brio Living Services celebrated 25 years of The Pines Senior Apartments in Chelsea at an event on Wednesday, June 25. The Pines is a collaboration between Brio Living Services and general partners, Phil Seybert and Sydney Smith. Brio Living Services…
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month: Brain Health with Brio
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: Brain Health with Brio This June, during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Brio wants to help put a focus on maintaining cognitive health. While we can’t prevent aging, we can take steps to keep our brains healthy. Here are the essential, and easy to try, strategies: Keep Your Mind Active…
Brio Living Services Announces Master Plans for Major Expansion Project
Brio Living Services Announces Master Plans for Major Expansion Project Brio Living Services is exploring plans to expand its Porter Hills Village community, which has served older adults in Grand Rapids since 1970. “The core portion of Porter Hills Village has served this community for 55 years, providing a bedrock of exceptional, nonprofit, faith-based senior…
Brio Living Services Team Members Honored at 2025 LeadingAge Michigan Awards Gala
Brio Living Services Team Members Honored at 2025 LeadingAge Michigan Awards Gala Brio Living Services is proud to announce that five of its team members and one of its volunteers were recently honored at the LeadingAge Michigan Member Awards Gala on May 20, 2025, held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Each award…
Welcoming All: Brio’s Commitment During Pride and Beyond
Welcoming All: Brio’s Commitment During Pride and Beyond June is Pride Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Brio Living Services’ mission: “Welcoming All, Partnering Together, and Enriching Lives” is a powerful foundation for that work. When we say “welcoming all,” we mean it. And we’re proud of…
Brio Living Services Earns West Michigan’s Best and Brightest® Designation 23 Years Running
Best and Brightest® Designation 23 Years Running Brio Living Services is proud to announce that it has received the designation of Best and Brightest Company to Work For® in West Michigan. Brio has received this honor every year since 2003. This national program honors organizations that “are truly innovative in their employee engagement execution,” according…
New Robots Serve Up Smiles
New Robots Serve Up Smiles Bonnie and Jasper are the latest additions to the Assisted Living dining room at Brio Living Services’ community, Porter Hills Village, quietly delivering meals, piping hot, from the kitchen to the residents. “They have quickly become a vital part of the dining experience,” says Ann Marie Villareal, Senior Director of…
UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Scholarships Benefit Avenues Member Navigators; Enhance Health and Wellness for Avenues Members
UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Scholarships Benefit Avenues Member Navigators; Enhance Health and Wellness for Avenues MembersIn April, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation celebrated its Scholarship recipients, part of the Foundation’s Team Member Support Services program, at two reception events. Two of those Foundation Scholars are Avenues Member Navigators Princess Mahabir and Jessica Lincolnhol.Princess began her career at…


