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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 wasn’t for him, he says he still liked the business and taught himself to be a sound engineer. He enjoyed a successful career at Stax, Motown, and Whitfield Records, working with such well-known artists as Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Lionel Richie, to name just a few.

Steve has more than 100 recording credits to his name and has received gold records from the Recording Industry Association of America for his collaborations with Rose Royce (Rose Royce Strikes Again) and Rockwell (Somebody’s Watching Me), marking the sale of 500,000 records. Steve also has a platinum album for Rose Royce (In Full Bloom) which sold one million copies!

The entertainment industry can be difficult, however, and Steve experienced some hardships along with health issues that included glaucoma, stealing the vision from one eye, and a stroke. He lived in a 15th floor apartment in Detroit that “wasn’t a healthy environment,” says his sister, Carol Guyton, who also lives in metro Detroit. She began to get concerned when he started losing weight. “Steve’s desire to remain independent was overshadowing the realization that he needed some help.”

Carol began searching for alternatives for Steve where he could still feel independent but receive the care he needed to thrive. Then she discovered The Thome Rivertown Assisted Living, a Brio Living Services partnership that offers truly affordable assisted living care for Detroit’s low-income older adults. After a year, on December 8, 2024, Carol and her husband, and Steve’s only son, Shawn, helped Steve move to his Rivertown apartment with tears of gratitude.

Today, Carol feels “an overarching peace of mind” that her brother is at Rivertown. “It’s a hidden gem in Detroit,” says Carol. “He’s getting meals, housekeeping, help with his medications and laundry. He doesn’t feel like he is a burden, and, at Rivertown, he has the assistance of Caring Hearts Home Care and PACE Southeast Michigan to make life easier.”

“It’s a blessing to be looked after, but still feel independent,” says Steve. “Everyone here is so congenial and so concerned about you.”

Both Carol and Steve sing the praises of Caring Hearts team members, Yolanda McKinney and Ericka Canty, as well as Julia Szuper, Executive Director for The Thome Rivertown Assisted Living.

“Julia is an angel on earth,” says Carol. “Her facilitation through the whole process of Steve’s move was wonderful. She was amazing through it all.”

Carol can now enjoy being a sister to Steve again and travel to see her daughter and grandson who live in New York without worrying about Steve’s care. “This venue is God-sent,” says Carol. “Rivertown gave my brother a new beginning, while allowing him to remain independent.”

Learn more about The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood in Detroit and all of Brio Living Services’ 23 communities and service lines that provide a variety of options for vibrant living for 8,000 older adults each year.

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, wooded views they have become known for.

On July 22nd and 23rd, residents, team members, and the public were invited to celebrate this momentous time. Despite the heat, new neighbors and friends came together to enjoy fellowship, culinary creations from our Dining team, and a time to appreciate this impressive new building, which marks the first completion of construction that is now continuing on the PHV campus.

The events featured delectable menu items such as lobster rolls, a carving station for build-your-own sliders, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, corn salad, and a mix of tasty desserts. This spread is only a taste of what our impressive Dining team does on a regular basis at Porter Hills Village!

The first Ravines residents began moving in May. The building now has eleven apartments occupied, with more moves scheduled in the coming months. The building is already bustling with activity and neighbors quickly turning into friends! Tim and Judy Strickler moved into their new Ravines home near the end of May, and shared, “We most enjoy the beautiful view into the ravine, the openness of the living room and dining room, and the closeness of the garage.”

PHV Director of Independent Living, Mariah Voss shared, “We are absolutely thrilled to be adding even more life and energy to our campus. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of watching this beautiful building take shape. The addition of The Ravines brings with it new perspectives, vibrant personalities, and a renewed sense of community. Many of our new residents have already begun forming friendships—whether within the building or across campus.”

Tim and Judy also shared how welcoming the community has been: “Everyone has been very helpful and friendly, both staff and other residents. We very quickly met a lot of friendly people who made us feel welcome!”

The completion of The Ravines building is just the beginning of what’s to come at Porter Hills Village, with construction having already begun on the next phases of changes. The scope of this transformational project includes a 250,000 square foot building to create new assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing buildings, and the construction of 55-60 additional independent living apartments, The Flats, to meet the continued growing demand in Grand Rapids. Check out an upcoming event to learn more about our expansion and The Flats by visiting our website!

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 child welfare, tutored first-time offenders, and taught classes at Concordia University.

“The social work field has so much variety, and you can do so many different things. The main thing is just helping people,” says Denese who, since 2019, has helped ensure that the older adults who participate at Huron Valley PACE have what they need to live independently and safely in their own homes and communities.

Denese has coined the term “good hard work” to describe her service to older adults at Huron Valley PACE. “It’s some of the hardest work I’ve ever done, but it’s the most rewarding,” says Denese. “It’s a beautiful thing when we coordinate all the moving parts to create an individualized care plan for each PACE participant. I enjoy working with a like-minded team and accomplishing that together.”

In addition to her role at Huron Valley PACE, Denese is an ordained teacher and associate pastor who serves with her husband, Pastor Roger, at Faith Assembly Church in Ypsilanti.

“Social work is so similar to service to God,” says Denese about why she enjoys the field. “The values are very similar.”

Recently, Denese wrote a devotional book, entitled, According to His Kind Intention: A Collection of Inspirational Writings (revised edition; her first edition was written in 2015).  “I love to read, and books that talk about God have been especially meaningful in my life,” Denese says. “I feel like God led me to write this book, and I hope it can provide encouragement for others. I hope my readers will come away with a deeper understanding of God and how much He loves them.”

Denese shares that her faith inspires her work with older adults at PACE. “There is a lot to negotiate in this role. By being prayerful, and trusting God to help me make good decisions, God helps me to rise above difficulties, to forgive and work through challenges, and to model being a good person. It helps me in every way.”

Learn more about Brio’s PACE centers across the state for yourself or a loved one, or find out how you can join one of our PACE teams in a career you’ll love.

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 vision of PACE in Michigan.

PACE, or Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, serves the psychosocial, medical, and supportive needs of low-income, nursing home-eligible older adults, ages 55 and older, who live in the PACE service areas. PACE’s interdisciplinary team of professionals provides participants with a “one-stop” shop model for all their healthcare needs, including comprehensive medical, occupational and physical therapy, pharmacy needs, nutrition and meals, health education, social and recreational activities, and door-to-door transportation. Most participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and pay no additional fees for PACE services. 

Luke began his career in PACE at LifeCircles PACE, with day centers in Holland and Muskegon, Michigan in 2012. In 2014, Luke became the executive director of LifeCircles PACE. In January 2022, he was named Brio’s chief of home and community-based services. In addition to the organization’s PACE centers, Luke oversees Brio’s services such as Porter Hills Home Health Care and Avenues by Brio Living Services, a unique membership-based program that allows Grand Rapids area older adults to live in their own home, predict long-term care costs, and enhance their lifestyle.

In 2015 the PACE Association of Michigan (PAM) was incorporated, and Luke served as the organization’s original board chair, a position he has held for the last ten years. His term ends in July 2025.

“As the founding chair of the PACE Association of Michigan, Luke Reynolds has been a steady, guiding force since day one,” said Stephanie Winslow, Executive Director of PAM. “His leadership, vision, and quiet determination helped shape not just an association, but a movement—one that has expanded access to PACE, fueled growth across Michigan, and strengthened the future of care for older adults. Beyond all of that, Luke is just a genuinely good person, and it’s been an honor to work alongside him. This Lifetime Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition of both his impact and his integrity.”

Under Luke’s leadership, PAM recruited Winslow as its executive director. “Stephanie has been an incredible advocate and has taught us how to communicate and tell our stories to legislators. Not many people knew about PACE ten years ago. Now PACE is well-known and respected.”

PACE has grown 470% throughout the United States from 2012 to 2022 in numbers of programs, and 33 states now have at least one PACE program. Michigan has the third most PACE programs in the country with fourteen. “In 2024 the number of PACE organizations grew at an unprecedented rate, from an average of six to seven per year to 25 new PACEs added,” said Luke.

Brio Living Services currently has four PACE programs, serving over 1,400 older adults annually across lower Michigan.

Luke shared that PACE is the “gold standard” of caring for an aging population that is growing, especially in Michigan where over two million, or 25% of the population, are 65 and older.

“I think it’s the way that healthcare should be delivered for vulnerable older adults,” said Luke. “It combines the importance of caring for older adults with what matters most to them, allowing you to really tailor their care in a way that makes sense and provides them the dignity to age in place in their own homes and communities. The ability to tailor and customize the PACE model for the community you serve allows you to meet the cultural and demographic needs of the people in each specific area.”

Luke especially appreciates the way PACE supports family caregivers. “PACE allows them to be a loved one and not the main care manager for their family member,” said Luke. “PACE helps them navigate the complexity of the medical system and allows them to be able to maintain their own professional or family commitments, which creates more resilient caregivers.”

PACE Day at the Capitol is hosted by the PACE Association of Michigan and gives PACE participants, team members, and volunteers the opportunity to gather on the Capitol lawn to speak with legislators and their staff to help raise awareness for PACE.

Learn more about PACE or Brio Living Services’ other communities and service lines that offer a continuum of care serving older adults at all income levels.

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 is the managing partner for the community.

The Pines first opened in July 2000. Consisting of 98 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments, The Pines is located at 325 Wilkinson Street, on a wooded, ten-acre parcel of land in Chelsea. On its grounds is a giant oak tree, estimated by the University of Michigan to be 300 years old and purported to be the oldest in Washtenaw County. Architects for The Pines changed their original design of the construction to encircle and protect this magnificent tree.

The 25th Anniversary event included a dinner and short program with Brio Living Services President & CEO, Steve Fetyko; General Partner, Phil Seybert; and Kristy Collins, Executive Director for The Pines; as well as music by the local group, North Creek Fiddlers.

“The residents were our focus for this event,” said The Pines Executive Director, Kristy Collins. “We wanted it to be a time for our residents to celebrate.”

Collins is only the second director in The Pines 25-year history, following Shirley Mitchell, who worked at The Pines for its first ten years. Collins is one of three Brio Living Services team members who currently work at The Pines, including maintenance technician Todd Feazel, a 14-year veteran; and Jamie Adams, facility maintenance personnel, who has worked there for four years.

“It’s hard to believe that it has been 25 years since first conceiving a vision for The Pines, and I am so pleased it turned out as well as it has,” said Seybert. “What is most gratifying is that we have had so many residents over the years who have chosen to call The Pines their home. We strive to provide an environment that is comfortable, safe, and secure, and our staff from Brio Living Services—Kristy, Todd, and Jamie—do a superb job. As an owner, I couldn’t be happier because I know our residents are being taken care of.”

“There is a deep sense of community at The Pines,” said Collins. “That’s true even for the staff, as Todd’s mother-in-law lived here, too. Our proximity to Chelsea Hospital, Chelsea Retirement Community, and Silver Maples of Chelsea allows our residents to have close access to healthcare or additional care if they need it. We’re really lucky to have what we have here in the community.”

Three original residents of The Pines continue to make this community their home, including Lynne Popovich, Bea Lesser, and Jan Dampier, who has lived in the same apartment since first moving in. “The image of The Pines is excellent in the community,” said Dampier. “The Pines has a great reputation.”

Collins confirmed this, stating that there is a wait list of up to two years for a 2-bedroom apartment and nearly one-year wait for a 1-bedroom apartment. “People say they hear such good things about The Pines. Much of our publicity is from word of mouth.”

Popovich added, “We just have the best mix of people at The Pines. People are really kind, friendly, and look out for each other. It’s a very safe, comfortable, and homey feeling. Some people will say they don’t know why they waited [to move in]. Not all the residents are from Chelsea; some have come because they have family nearby. It’s very down to earth and welcoming.”

When asked what they would tell their friends who might consider moving to The Pines, both Popovich and Dampier said, “Sign up now!”

“That’s what I tell everyone,” said Popovich. “It’s an active place, and people love it here.”

To learn more about The Pines Senior Apartments, request a brochure, or schedule a tour, visit ThePines.MyBrio.org or call 734.433.9130.

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

  • Solve puzzles and brain teasers. You can even do a puzzle with a grandchild or loved one!
  • Learn a skill or hobby. It is never too late to try something new!
  • Read regularly.
  • Play challenging games.

Life at a Brio Living Services community or location can provide ample opportunities to stay cognitively engaged. Through events in our Balanced Living program, social gatherings, book clubs, and more – there is always something new to try or challenge yourself with.

Outside of mentally challenging your brain, it is important to have a balance of physical wellness, too.

Stay Physically Active

  • Aim for 20 active minutes per day, and this can be as simple as walking!
  • Try to include a mix of cardio and strength training.
  • Choose activities you enjoy and incorporate friends!
  • A small change can make a big impact, like taking the stairs or parking further away at the grocery store.

Whether it is spending time in one of our wellness centers at a Brio community or doing at-home exercise with the Porter Hills Home Health Care team, there are a variety of ways Brio Living Services can help you stay physically active!

One of our favorite ways to keep the mind active is enjoying social connections. Things like arranging a lunch date with loved ones, meeting at a park with a friend, or joining a community group at a church are just a few ways you can make sure you’re avoiding social isolation.

Although it may seem obvious, it’s always important to make general healthy lifestyle choices, too. This includes a well-balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and keeping up with regular health check-ups.

While these habits don’t guarantee prevention of cognitive decline, they can help maintain brain health and potentially reduce risks. This month, commit to incorporating some of these practices into your daily routine. At Brio Living Services, whether you are a resident, a participant, visitor, or team member with us, we are committed to ensuring you can focus on every aspect of wellness. With our vision of a world in which we are all empowered to age well, we aim to provide ample opportunities for that in all our communities, locations, and services. Visit our website to learn more!