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Grand Rapids Senior Living Organization Launches Major Expansion Project

Financing, Construction Underway at Brio Living Services' Porter Hills Village

Senior living organization Brio Living Services announced that financing has been secured, and construction is underway for its $130 million project serving older adults at Porter Hills Village, located at 3600 E. Fulton Street in Grand Rapids.

“I am delighted to share that we have closed on financing with Huntington Bank for this transformational project,” Brio Living Services President & CEO Steve Fetyko said. “Huntington Bank continues to be an incredible partner in bringing projects to life for the older adults we serve at Brio.”

“At Huntington Bank, we are honored to partner with Brio Living Services on this transformational investment in Porter Hills Village,” said Lauren Davis, President, West Michigan Huntington Bank. “This project reflects Brio’s unwavering commitment to person-centered care and vibrant aging, values that deeply resonate with our mission to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. By helping bring this vision to life, we’re ensuring that older adults in West Michigan have access to exceptional care and modern living spaces for generations to come.”

Brio Living Services is also partnering with Ziegler as its investment banking firm for this project, according to Fetyko.

Ziegler Senior Managing Director Tom Meyers noted, “Ziegler is very proud to be in association with Brio and its strong legacy of caring for seniors from shore-to-shore across Michigan. Brio’s 2025 financing for the Porter Hills Village repositioning project represents Ziegler’s seventeenth time serving Brio or one of its progenitor organizations. At this moment in time, it is extremely important that organizations continue to invest in their physical operations to remain relevant in the marketplace as Baby Boomers continue to enter into the senior living service markets. Brio’s investment in this key campus will help secure its future in Western Michigan for years to come.”

The scope of this transformational project is a 250,000 square foot building to replace the existing assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing buildings, and the construction of an additional 57 independent living apartments, called The Flats, to meet the continued growing demand in Grand Rapids, per Fetyko.

“The core portion of Porter Hills Village has served this community with a continuum of care since 1970, providing a bedrock of exceptional, nonprofit, faith-based senior living in Grand Rapids,” said Fetyko. “Now is the time for a replacement building that will serve the community for the next 50 years—for the 400 older adults who call Porter Hills Village home, now and in the future, and for the 250 Brio team members who make their careers here.”

Brio Living Services has executed a construction contract with EV Construction, with the expansion designed by Grandville-based architect, The Architectural Group (TAG). Fetyko stated, “I am delighted to once again partner with EV Construction and TAG. Their expertise is critical to us bringing this project to fruition.”

“EV is proud to serve Brio in its mission of enriching the lives of seniors in Michigan. Projects like this also increase the housing stock in our area, filling a great need in the community,” said John Parker, Vice President of EV Construction.

The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, the fundraising arm for Brio Living Services, recently announced the public launch of its $28 million Live Life with Brio comprehensive campaign to assist with this project and to support the Foundation’s four fundraising pillars: Capital Improvements, Team Member Investment, Program Investment, and Benevolent Care, the cornerstone of the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, according to the Foundation’s President & CEO, Kelli Smith, CFRE.

“Our Foundation plays a key role in supporting a portion of the building and programming costs to allow us to go above and beyond in delivering the exciting spaces, care, and services that support a meaningful life for older adults,” said Smith.

Construction of the new Porter Hills Village building is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

“We are continually exploring ways to ensure we provide the best possible environment for older adults to live and thrive,” said Fetyko. “We are thrilled to have work well underway to position Porter Hills Village to continue to be the wonderful home it has been, for the last 55 years, in support of vibrant aging in Grand Rapids. I am grateful to our partners for their part in helping Brio Living Services realize its vision of a world in which all are empowered to age well.”

Estate Planning Awareness Week: A Legacy of Helping Others

Estate Planning Awareness Week: A Legacy of Helping Others

As we celebrate Estate Planning Awareness Week, we are delighted to feature Rev. Dr. Brent and Mrs. Marlene McCumons, two of our UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Legacy Society members.

Retired United Methodist clergy and elementary school/Reading Recovery teacher, Brent and Marlene McCumons, residents of Chelsea Retirement Community’s Prairie Cottages, have made a lifetime of giving of themselves to make life better for others. It’s not surprising, then, that they continue to give in retirement to serve older adults.

“Philanthropy is important because it always has been,” says Brent. “Both our families taught us the importance of giving.”

As a pastor, most recently at Midland First United Methodist Church, Brent was also involved in fundraising. “As one who has raised funds, I understand the importance of givers,” Brent says.

While serving the Michigan UMC Conference as the Ann Arbor District Superintendent, Brent was the representative for what was then the United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) corporate board. He also recently served as a Resident Representative on the Brio Living Services board. In these ways, Brent says he gained important insights into the organization. “I saw how things are run, and how fiscally responsible the organization is. It’s why we live here.”

Marlene adds, “The consistency of Brio is what has impressed us, from the time Brent was on the UMRC Board to now. It has been above and beyond our expectations.”

When the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation asked Brent to serve on the Campaign Cabinet for its Live Life with Brio comprehensive campaign, Brent agreed. “I looked forward to the opportunity to know more about the Foundation and getting to know Kelli (Smith, President & CEO) and the team. It was an opportunity to have a level of involvement I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It has helped me understand better the wonderful mission of the Foundation and Brio. At this level, you see the different facets of the mission and how everyone in the organization works toward it.”

“When you live here, you see the effects of the Foundation,” says Marlene. “Through Brent’s volunteering on the boards and the Campaign Cabinet, we see how much they care for the people, team members, and residents. The quality of life here is life-giving.”

Brent and Marlene have long been donors to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, including the Benevolent Care Fund. They also see the importance of the Team Member Support Services Fund that offers Scholarships and Emergency Aid for Brio’s dedicated team members.

Their love for the mission has led them to become members of the Foundation’s Legacy Society through their estate plan. “We want to provide continued support after we’re gone, for the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation and Brio Living Services, whatever their priorities might be,” Brent shares. “There will always be needs and ways of helping people. We feel confident that the organization will accomplish its mission and outreach.”

Brent adds, “I would really encourage others to consider leaving a legacy. We are inspired by those who stepped up to the plate. We want our legacy to be that we helped people in whatever ways we could.”

Learn more about the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation and how you can be a member of the Legacy Society through your estate plan.

Live Life Boldly: Foundation Scholarships Invest in Team Members at Brio Living Services

“The Foundation Scholarship means so much to me, not only because it helps ease the financial burden of having three kids in college this fall, but also because it allows me to continue pursuing my education to become a Certified Wellness Coach,” said Jessica Lincolnhol, Member Navigator for Avenues by Brio Living Services and Foundation Scholar. “This support reinforces my commitment to helping others live vibrant, healthy lives as they age.”

In April, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation held Scholarship Receptions at Chelsea Retirement Community and Cook Valley Estates to honor our Foundation Scholars. The Scholarship Program is made possible, thanks to generous gifts to the Team Member Support Services Fund.

Said Kelli Smith, President & CEO of the Foundation, “If you have ever experienced postponed hopes or dreams, you understand how important programs like this one are. Our Scholarship program allows us to invest in team members’ professional growth and personal fulfillment.”

Adam Kipfmiller, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, shared, “Working in Human Resources, I see the positive impact the Scholarship Program has on helping team members grow within the organization. I enjoy hearing from team members who have become a registered nurse or manager, thanks to their Scholarship. This is one of the reasons I give to the Foundation, because I know how it truly impacts the lives of our team members.”

Cristina Manly, Regional Sales Director for Brio Living Services, is pursuing a master’s degree in human services counseling with a focus on crisis response and trauma. She expressed her “heartfelt gratitude” to the Foundation and the generous donors who support the Scholarship Fund. “Your support and belief in my potential mean more than words can express.”

Did you know? Since 2014, the Foundation has awarded more than $881,000 in Scholarships to 171 team members. Learn how you can help support Foundation Scholars or find a career you’ll love!

Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month: The Heroes of Movement and Recovery!

Every October, we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month—a time to recognize the contributions of physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) within Brio Living Services. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to help our residents, clients, and participants regain mobility, improve function, and help with overall quality of life.

Physical therapy is a branch of rehabilitative care that focuses on restoring movement and function following injury, surgery, illness, or chronic conditions. PTs use a variety of techniques—including fitness, education, and specialized treatments—to support recovery and prevent future issues. Brio Living Services is fortunate to have these knowledgeable team members at several locations, including Chelsea Retirement Community, Porter Hills Home Health Care, and our Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®) across the state.

Designated by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), this years’ National Physical Therapy Month’s theme is “Moving Better, Living Better.”  This year’s theme reflects the core mission of physical therapy. Movement is essential not just for physical health, but for mental and emotional well-being. Linda Skinner, who is a physical therapist at LifeCircles PACE in Holland, loves that particular aspect of her job and says, “Therapists take as much delight in our participants’ successes as they do.  Getting someone walking again who was told they never would or having someone get out of the house for the first time in years are always highlights.”

It is especially apparent how much the PTs and PTAs of Brio Living Services love their job and the services they provide. Marie Eberle, a team member of Porter Hills Home Health Care shares, “I absolutely love the Home Care setting with Brio! Implementing ways for patients to get around more efficiently and safely in their homes is a big part of my job. Being in their home and seeing what they’re struggling with daily helps me create their strength goals. It also determines which exercises we do, so that patients can see a functional improvement. I am grateful for my fellow team members; our therapy managers are very supportive, and everyone is knowledgeable and fun to work with.”

Our team members chose the physical therapy realm as a career for a variety of reasons, from having athletic backgrounds, to watching family members struggle during recoveries. Katie Moore, a PTA at Chelsea Retirement Community, says her reason was, “Because I love seeing people accomplish their goals. A big part of my job is providing encouragement when a resident does not feel they can complete a task or reach a goal. I find great satisfaction when they find that they can complete that task to improve their function or daily life.”

Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants serve as motivators, problem-solvers, educators, and in Brio’s case, as friends. Our team members pride themselves on helping achieve our vision of “A world in which we are all empowered to age well” in their daily work, and we encourage you to help celebrate them this National Physical Therapy Month! Write a handwritten thank you note, nominate someone for a POM (Promoting Our Mission) Award, or simply take time to tell them how much they are appreciated.

Brio Living Services has career opportunities of all kinds to make an impact in others lives. If you are interested in a career where you make a difference, check out our openings at our Careers Website.

The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, the fundraising arm of Brio Living Services, welcomes three new members from across Michigan to its Board of Directors. These include: Dr. Iris Boettcher (Grand Rapids), Terrence Quinn (Ann Arbor), and State Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr. of the 32nd District of Michigan (Ypsilanti).

Iris Boettcher, MD is board-certified in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care, with an added qualification in geriatric medicine. As Division Chief of Geriatric and Specialty Care for Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health Medical Group), Dr. Boettcher and the team provides medical care to older adults across West Michigan. In addition, she holds several Medical Directorships, including as Chief Medical Advisor for Brio Living Services’ LifeCircles PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), Meadowlark Retirement Village, Porter Hills Village, and Home Health Care; and Medical Director for Freedom Village in Holland, MI.

Terrence Quinn, Esq. is a distinguished attorney with over two decades of experience specializing in estate planning and elder law. Terrence’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice and his passion for sharing his knowledge are evident throughout his career. He has served on the Executive Committee of Michigan’s Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) and as Chair of the Real Property Trusts and Estates Section of the National Bar Association. In addition, he serves on the National Bar Board of Governors and its Executive Committee and is a past member of the Character and Fitness Committee of the State Bar of Michigan.

State Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr. represents the 32nd District of Michigan, including Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, an area he and his family have called home for generations. His career has spanned from work as a licensed aircraft mechanic, to the field of renewable energy, to an electrician at the Ford Motor Co. Rawsonville Plant. There he realized his passion for public service, becoming active in UAW Local 898. In 2016, he was elected to the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees. As an active member of his community, Rep. Wilson held positions at Ypsilanti Township Zoning Board of Appeals, Washtenaw County Community Action Board, and Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley Board of Directors, to name just a few of the organizations he has served. In 2022, Jimmie Wilson, Jr. was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives from the 32nd District and was re-elected in 2024.

UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation President & CEO Kelli Smith, CFRE, said, “As the Foundation works diligently to support the mission and vision of Brio Living Services, I am honored to welcome these three new board members to our incredibly talented and respected Foundation Board of Directors. We are at a critical juncture in Michigan as the population of older adults is growing rapidly, along with their care needs. I am excited to have these new voices at the table as we strive to do all we can to promote vibrant aging for the older adults we serve at Brio Living Services.”

Brio Living Services’ new members to its Board of Trustees include: Matt Bazzani (Ann Arbor) and John Flietstra (Grand Rapids).

Matt Bazzani has thirty years’ administrative experience in the fields of academic medical centers, consulting, higher education, and pharmaceuticals. Currently, Matt is Chief Department Administrator for Family Medicine at the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), a position he has held since 2007. His institutional service at UMHS includes participation and leadership in the Business Operations Design Team, Finance Advisory Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, and the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research Senior Leadership Committee.

John Flietstra is a retired CPA whose career has spanned a variety of public accounting, internal auditing, and finance roles. Most recently, John served as Controller for Alco Manufacturing/Lakeshore Fittings before retiring in 2024. John is active in nonprofit service across Grand Rapids, including serving as treasurer for the Baxter Community Center in Grand Rapids, West Michigan Parkinson’s Support Center, and Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he also served as a trustee. John is the Westminster Presbyterian Church representative on the Brio Living Services Board of Trustees.

Brio Living Services President & CEO, Steve Fetyko said, “Since 1906, our organization has been blessed with outstanding, caring, and visionary board members who have led us from serving twelve older adults when we started, to 8,000 older adults annually today. I am thrilled these outstanding individuals will continue that long history of stellar board service and help Brio achieve its vision of a world in which all are empowered to age well.”

Learn more about the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation and Brio Living Services, including ways you can make a difference through volunteer opportunities.

 

UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Announces $28 Million “Live Life with Brio” Campaign at Grand Rapids Kickoff Event

UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, the fundraising arm of Brio Living Services, publicly announced the launch of its Live Life with Brio campaign at a kickoff celebration held last night at the Cascade Hills Country Club in Grand Rapids. To date, more than $17 million in gifts and grants, or over 60% of the $28 million goal, have been received during the quiet phase of the campaign.

The Live Life with Brio Campaign Kickoff event included dinner and remarks from Kelli Smith, CFRE, President & CEO of the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, as well as other speakers involved with the campaign. The event brought together donors, residents, community leaders, and event sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Huntington Bank, in support of Brio Living Services’ vision of a world in which all are empowered to age well.

“Our community is founded on a simple yet powerful belief: every person deserves to age vibrantly, with dignity, purpose, and connection,” Smith stated in her remarks. “Through compassionate care, we are transforming the way aging is experienced and supported. Together, we are building a future where aging is embraced, and community is strengthened because you are part of it.”

The $28 million Live Life with Brio comprehensive campaign supports the Foundation’s four fundraising pillars that promote vibrant living for older adults and investment in the team members of Brio Living Services. These include:

  • Benevolent Care, the Foundation’s cornerstone, helping to ensure that qualified Brio residents continue to receive the loving care and services they need, even if they outlive their resources through no fault of their own;
  • Capital Improvements, creating beautiful spaces in Grand Rapids and Chelsea to live, work, and engage with others;
  • Team Member Investment, providing for Team Member Scholarships, Emergency Aid, and other emergent needs for Brio team members who give so much of themselves to serve older adults; and
  • Program Investment, supporting meaningful and engaging Life Enrichment activities that foster joy and purpose for the older adults served at Brio Living Services.

Among Brio Living Services’ capital improvement projects is a $130 million transformation of Porter Hills Village, built in 1970 on East Fulton Street in Grand Rapids. This project will be augmented through other revenue streams, in addition to campaign dollars raised. It includes new construction to create expanded homes and living spaces with a focus on person-centered care for residents in assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. An addition of 55-60 new independent living apartments is also underway to meet the growing demand for senior housing in the Grand Rapids area.

“This campaign could not come at a more critical time in Michigan as the number of our state’s residents aged 65 and older is now greater than the number of children aged 18 and younger,” said Steve Fetyko, Brio Living Services President and CEO. “At Brio Living Services, it is our mission and our privilege to serve the older adults of today and tomorrow, of all socioeconomic backgrounds. It is what we all want: to have the opportunity to age with joy and vibrancy.”

Smith thanked Campaign Co-Chairs Tom and Barb Jackoboice, Jim and Marie Preston, and Russ and Susan Ives, members of the Campaign Cabinet, and dozens of volunteers for their hard work and devotion to the campaign.

“I am grateful for the Campaign Co-Chairs, Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs, our Campaign Cabinet members, Honorary Cabinet Members, and Endorsers,” said Smith. “The success of this campaign is possible, thanks to their tireless efforts and the generosity of all our friends and donors, to ensure that the older adults we serve, and our dedicated team members, will be cared for, both now and in the future.” 

Live Life with Brio Campaign Co-chair Barb Jackoboice said, “The fastest growing group in Michigan is those aged 85 and above, and, today, one in four Michiganders is over the age of 60. With the projected growth in the senior population, our campaign arrives at the perfect moment. Brio values the wisdom, experience, and many contributions of older adults. It is important to all involved with the Live Life with Brio campaign to provide the opportunity for more adults to age with dignity, comfort, security, top-notch care, and a sense of community.”  

An east-side Campaign kickoff event will be held in Chelsea, Michigan in Spring 2026 to coincide with Chelsea Retirement Community’s 120th anniversary.

Learn more about the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation and the Live Life with Brio comprehensive campaign for ways you can help reimagine aging for the older adults we serve—today and tomorrow.