History in Our Hometown
Since 1945, Heritage Community has built a local legacy of vibrant senior living by nurturing a passion for providing the seniors and families of West Michigan with exemplary personalized care. Located in one of Kalamazoo’s historic neighborhoods, we are the only locally-owned, non-profit senior living residence in the area. Our organization is grounded on principles of honor, community and meaningful living, and we exist to support your desire to continue enjoying life fully. That’s why at Heritage Community we offer different branches of care, tailored to your tastes and needs and designed to fit your income. Here, you decide what suits you best. Our dedicated staff ensures that whatever your choice, you find freedom, ease and peace of mind in the coming seasons.
Our History
Heritage Community’s promise to seniors began in 1944, when Mayor Louis Sutherland gathered together local residents to improve Kalamazoo’s system for senior care. With an aging mother in need of compassionate assistance, Sutherland worked with Dr. Richard U. Light, Mrs. Gifford “Love” Upjohn and other community members to invest in secure, comfortable living for all seniors, regardless of their ability to pay. The Michigan Department of Social Welfare, the Upjohn Company, First National Bank and Trust, the Kalamazoo Foundation and the Sutherland Paper Company all offered their support. The result of the community’s combined efforts was, and is, Heritage Community of Kalamazoo.
Today, with seven opportunities/options for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, including the brand-new Ridge Creek, Heritage Community continues to thrive. Thanks to the steadfast commitment of local community members, Heritage Community is the largest and oldest continuum of care in Southwest Michigan, serving more than 400 residents. We also offer the most comprehensive Memory Care in the area and have equipped our entire staff in the internationally-praised Best Friends™ approach to care.
Vision
The place where everyone wants to be.
With a culture of hospitality that delights and surprises residents, staff, families and guests, Heritage Community of Kalamazoo will become an in-demand destination that challenges stereotypes and transforms the way people think about senior living.
Mission
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo will be the premier senior living provider that celebrates the whole person while embracing families and partnering with the community.
Core Values
Empower: Put People First
Here, all of our focus is on the person. From residents to staff, personal wellbeing is our top priority. Employees at every level are empowered to personally engage with each other and with individual residents to always do the right thing.
Delight: Create Memorable Moments
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is transforming customer service into exceptional hospitality. We aim to delight every member of our community by creating meaningful moments that result in heartfelt and positive memories for all.
Collaborate: Accomplish Great Things Together
Within our community, we all share “One Heritage.” As an organization, we are constantly learning, growing and succeeding together. Innovation and excellence are woven into the fabric of our heritage and are evidenced in the service we consistently provide to residents across our whole campus of united individuals.