Luther Home of Mercy

LHM's purpose is ministry to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This ministry includes providing long term residential and/or nursing care in a secure environment as well as providing home-based services conducive to physical well being, life enrichment and spiritual growth. Such a program is to be characterized by individualized, personalized care endeavoring to discover and develop the maximum potential of each resident within the limits of their ability. All staff members of LHM share in this purpose and ministry.
History

Founded in 1928, Luther Home of Mercy (LHM) is a ministry devoted to people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LHM provides comprehensive care and treatment services through residential and community based programs, constantly aspiring to serve all client needs while nurturing development of individual abilities. LHM’s quality program and the uncommon devotion of LHM staff have earned statewide honors along with the genuine appreciation of those served by our special ministry.

We recognize that the ministry of Luther Home of Mercy could not be accomplished without a devoted team effort. We welcome you as a colleague in this important work; and we hope that you find your employment with LHM a rewarding and personally satisfying experience
Rev. Max Schleicher was the Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church (Williston)-St. Peter Lutheran Church (Blackberry) in l9l2. Being especially committed to a ministry of service, he repeatedly voiced his dream of a "Home of Mercy" for people living with developmental disabilities. In 1928, Pastor Max and a small group of friends pooled their resources to establish Luther Home of Mercy. At that time, facilities for people with special needs were almost non-existent. Pastor Max and his friends did not have a lot of money, nor were they experts in the field of disabilities. They simply saw a need and were committed to doing something about it. With a few volunteers and some farmland, they turned a cornfield into a community of care.

The first resident came to live in Cottage One early in l929. Although a severe economic depression troubled the next ten years, additional cottages were built in l932, l936, and l938. Two more cottages were added in l953 and l970. Then, in 1982, for the first time, the Home conducted a public appeal for funds to build a 32-bed unit and the Habilitation Center, both completed in l984. As part of a long-range plan for eventual replacement of older structures, new cottages were added in 1992, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2009. Habilitation Center renovations were completed in 2000 adding an indoor therapy pool and gymnasium to the building.

In 1999 Luther Home of Mercy began development of Community Ministries. These community-based services operate in several Ohio counties and include in-home care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, housing accessibility renovations/adaptations, vocational services, day habilitation programs and transportation. In addition, grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and private donors have enabled the construction and purchase of additional off campus housing for clients.

Our mission cannot be accomplished apart from the conscientious teamwork of our devoted staff. The mission spirit, which marked the beginning of our special ministry, is the hope of its present and future.