Tree of Hope - Otterbein SeniorLife

Otterbein’s Tree of Hope philanthropic program symbolizes care and hope across all its communities. At its roots, no one could have likely predicted that a simple idea would blossom into a cherished tradition spanning decades. The Tree of Hope began not with grand fanfare, but with a thoughtful conversation and a view out of a window.

Watch this video featuring Dr. Marlen Y. and others as they share the history of the program and their passion for it. Then, keep reading for additional details.

The Spark of an Idea

As residents began to outlive their financial resources at Otterbein, campus leaders faced a challenge familiar to many senior living communities: how to support those who needed benevolent assistance. Marlen, then Otterbein St. Marys’ Administrator, approached his director of development, Jim Phillips, with a question: “Do you have any ideas on what we might do to maybe increase or augment giving toward benevolent assistance?”

Jim’s response was simple. He asked Marlen to give him time to think about it.

And that’s just what he did. Sitting at his desk, Jim looked out the window at a small, struggling tree on Otterbein’s campus. He told Marlen he felt the tree had little hope. He wondered what would happen if he added lights to it, with each light representing an act of giving.

The concept was beautifully simple: for every $25 donated toward benevolent assistance, a bulb would be added to the tree. Jim, known for his gregarious, outgoing personality, rallied Otterbein St. Marys’ residents around this vision, and they responded enthusiastically.

Related blog: Resident Stories: What You’ll Gain at Otterbein St. Marys >>

A Family Tradition of Giving

Jane G. tells the story of how her family became one of the Tree of Hope’s early supporters. “My mother came here to live, and she heard about the Tree of Hope. She got excited about it and thought it was a wonderful opportunity to maybe help one of her neighbors or a friend here at Otterbein who maybe had something tragic happen.”

Marlen adds that Jane’s mother’s sentiment captures what makes the Tree of Hope so special. “In a retirement community, residents become like brothers and sisters, so they want to help each other if they have a need,” says Marlen.

“We are a family here at Otterbein, and when one of your family members has a problem, you want to help,” adds Jane.

This spirit of family extends across generations, giving rise to selfless traditions.

“One of the things that is very uplifting is to see family members, whose mother and dad lived here 25 years ago, still giving money every year to the Tree of Hope,” says Marlen. “My wife and I give annually a gift to the Tree of Hope in memory of our parents, who all lived here.”

“John and I started giving in memory of his parents, in memory of my dad, and in honor of my mother,” adds Jane. “Now, John and I are residents here, and one of our sons and daughter-in-law last year gave a gift in honor of John and me. That was a thrill for us to see an ornament on the tree in honor of us.”

Related video: The History of Otterbein St. Marys >>

Growing Beyond a Single Tree

What began as a small tree on one campus has expanded to other Otterbein communities, carrying the same spirit of neighbor helping neighbor.

“It means a lot to me to see how it not only has grown in this campus, but it is now expanding to other Otterbein communities,” says Marlen.

Marlen expresses hope that “the Tree of Hope concept continues to expand from benevolent assistance to memory care and to other programs such as brain health or similar programs.”

The beauty of the tradition lies in its motivation. “It’s just a joy to think that every person who gives gave out of love for someone,” Jane reflects.

“Without question, one of the greatest joys we have in life is sharing with others what we’ve been blessed with,” adds Marlen.

For residents and families considering a gift, the message is clear: “We would encourage you to give out of your love,” says Jane.

“Knowing you’re supporting a program that enables residents to live a full, purposeful life is both rewarding and fulfilling,” adds Marlen.

Spotlight: Dr. Marlen Y.’s Legacy of Leadership and Service

The Tree of Hope story is deeply intertwined with Marlen’s remarkable journey with Otterbein — a journey spanning decades and reflecting his unfailing dedication to senior living excellence.

Marlen’s distinguished career began in education, where he served as an educator and superintendent before joining Otterbein in 1989 as a partner. After completing the Administrator-in-Training program at Otterbein Lebanon, he was appointed Administrator of Otterbein St. Marys, where he transformed a developing site into a thriving continuing care retirement community.

Over the next decade, Marlen’s vision helped shape Otterbein’s growth. After a brief retirement, he returned as Executive Director of Otterbein St. Marys and was soon appointed Chief Operating Officer for Otterbein Homes. His expertise was called upon repeatedly as Interim Executive Director for four Otterbein SeniorLife Communities, including the flagship Lebanon campus.

In 2009, at the invitation of President and CEO Jill Wilson, Marlen assumed the role of Vice President of Northwest Operations, overseeing four SeniorLife Communities in Northwest Ohio. His leadership bore remarkable fruit: under his guidance, all four communities achieved five stars for quality care from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in both 2013 and 2014 — the highest possible rating.

Today, Marlen and his wife, Lynn, reside at Otterbein St. Marys — in a home he helped design. His deep institutional knowledge and steady leadership continue to inspire and strengthen the Otterbein family.

Supporting Otterbein’s Mission

Otterbein’s philanthropy team has more than 150 combined years of fundraising experience. Focused on building trust and on preserving Otterbein’s heritage of disciplined stewardship, the team strives to enrich individual life journeys for all. Your donations make a difference in many ways, including: