There’s a saying that the strength of a community isn’t measured in its easiest moments, but in how it responds to adversity. For Otterbein North Olmsted, that test came on a December evening, and the response has become a story worth telling.
As residents return to a beautifully renovated community, we’re reflecting on the journey and celebrating the partners, families, and residents who made it possible.
An Unexpected Flood in the Night
“We started to receive calls in the evening, and some of the managers were already on the way here to see what was going on at the community,” recalled Executive Director Kaitlin Schindler. “When I arrived, it was clear that there was a lot of water coming from the third floor, and it was creating a significant issue.”
What followed was a rapid, coordinated emergency response. Three wings of the community needed to be evacuated. The fire alarm was sounding. Residents gathered in two lobby areas as the team worked to assess the damage and make decisions in real time.
“The east wing was completely saturated, especially the second floor,” Kaitlin shared. “And we had to work really quickly to see where everyone was going to go that night.”
A Christmas Season, Reimagined
The timing made the situation especially heartbreaking because the Otterbein North Olmsted team had been preparing for one of the most joyful events of the year.
“This was not the plan this team had in place for Christmas,” said Regional Marketing Director Molly Good. “We were so excited to welcome the families to Otterbein North Olmsted for a large Christmas feast. But instead of celebrating over a family-style meal, our families came in to comfort their family through a tragic loss, through a form of a flood.”
Some residents went home with family members, while others were placed in nearby hotels. And throughout it all, the Otterbein team worked together to make the best of a tough situation and to ensure no resident felt alone.
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Strength and Resilience in a Time of Adversity
What emerged in the days that followed was something extraordinary.
“I’ve heard it said a lot that out of times of adversity, you can see a person’s true colors,” Molly reflected. “And what I saw the morning after the flood was really beautiful.”
Otterbein partners supported residents around the clock at their temporary locations. Resident assistants stayed onsite at the hotel full-time. Nurses traveled back and forth daily to ensure every medical need was met. The dedication went so far that two resident assistants — along with their newborn baby — moved into a hotel room to be with the residents they cared for.
“At Otterbein, we say it all the time,” said Molly. “We say inspired by faith, we strive to enrich individual life journeys for all. It’s one thing to say it, and it’s another thing to do it. And this team accomplished this goal on that day.”
Another example of compassion shown during this displacement was the strength of the broader Otterbein SeniorLife family. Sister communities across the northern region stepped forward without hesitation.
“Thankfully, other Otterbein ministries in the northern region welcomed Otterbein North Olmsted residents with loving arms,” Molly said. “It was such an incredible experience to be a part of something so meaningful for these residents. The spirit was evident.”
That coordination — moving residents, maintaining their care plans, honoring their routines — was, in Molly’s words, doing “the impossible” right before Christmas. And they did it together.
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Returning to Otterbein North Olmsted — Better Than Ever
Now, as renovations are completed floor by floor, residents are returning to a community that has been thoughtfully restored and refreshed.
“As each floor has been completed, our residents have been able to return from their temporary location back to their apartment and to their home,” said Kaitlin. “And honestly, it’s nicer than ever.”
The renovations represent more than repairs. They reflect Otterbein’s commitment to its vision:
“Our partners shined, and they really brought our vision to life of being the best place to live, to work, for care, and for a fulfilling future,” added Kaitlin.
In the Words of Those Who Live Here
The true measure of Otterbein North Olmsted isn’t found in the building — it’s found in the people who call it home. Just listen to the residents:
Marie G. put it simply:
“I love Otterbein because I told my daughter that she gave me a little piece of heaven, and I said, I love it here. Everybody is kind and wonderful. Everybody helps everybody. Everybody loves everybody.”
Bill T. echoed the sentiment:
“It’s loving. It’s peaceful. Everybody cooperates and cares for one another. There’s true love in here.”
And Joyce S. spoke to the heart of community life:
“Oh my gosh, the friendship here is wonderful. The people here are wonderful.”
When asked to describe Otterbein North Olmsted in just one word:
- Marie: “If I could describe one thing about Otterbein, it would be love.”
- Bill: “Otterbein North Olmsted is loving.”
- Joyce: “Friendly. That’s all I can say. It’s very friendly.”
Joyce went on to describe the peace of mind that comes with living here:
“When I need something, they’re here.”
Why Otterbein North Olmsted Is the Place to Be
As Marie said, “It is a very special place, and we welcome you. We love you. And we’ll help you in any way we can. Just ask. Everybody is kind and generous.” Bill confirmed, “It is truly, as I say, the place to be.”
Otterbein North Olmsted is back — beautifully renovated, joyfully reunited, and stronger than ever. If you or a loved one are looking for a senior living community defined by faith, family, and unwavering care, we’d love to welcome you home.
