The Story of National Church Residences

Who We Are

National Church Residences is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors by providing quality housing, care, and services. Our commitment is to serve all individuals in need of support, fostering communities where older adults can live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

Our Origins

In 1961, Reverend John R. Glenn took a bold step to support seniors, mortgaging his own home to purchase 323 houses from the FHA. What began as a grassroots effort has since grown into a $450 million organization committed to providing housing and services that help seniors thrive.

Originally founded as Ohio Church Residences with support from four Presbyterian churches, our organization was built on a foundation of service. While our history is rooted in faith-driven values, our mission today extends beyond religious affiliation—we are dedicated to inclusivity, compassion, and community, welcoming and supporting people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Bristol Village Groundbreaking

Bristol Village Original

Who We Serve

From our first senior living community, Bristol Village in Waverly, Ohio, to now operating more than 360 affordable housing and senior living communities across 25 states, we have grown to become the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable senior housing. Each year, more than 65,000 older adults benefit from quality housing and services through our communities, outreach programs, and home and community-based services, including chaplaincy and service coordination.

This impact is made possible by our 2,300 dedicated staff members, who bring our mission to life every day, ensuring seniors have access to safe, welcoming communities and services.

Our Growth and Evolution

Our journey from a single residential community to a national leader in senior housing was driven by one question:

How can we better serve aging members of our communities, wherever they are?

In response to the evolving needs of older adults, we expanded our offerings beyond traditional senior living to include:

• Affordable Housing – for low to moderate income seniors.
• Independent Living – for those desiring a more carefree and community focused setting.
• Assisted Living & Memory Care – for those needing additional support.
• In-home care and outreach programs to serve seniors in their own homes to improve health and independence. 

This evolution reflects our commitment to holistic care—addressing not only housing but also health, well-being, and overall quality of life.

Pillars of Growth & Future Strategy

• Expanding Housing & Services – Building and acquiring new communities to meet the increasing demand for senior housing.
• Enhancing In-Home & Outreach Services – Growing programs to support seniors wherever they call home.
• Strengthening Partnerships – Collaborating with community organizations, including faith-based and nonprofit groups, to maximize our impact.

Our Mission & Vision

Rooted in a commitment to service, we provide high-quality care, services, and communities for seniors. By 2030, National Church Residences will scale for mission impact, enhancing the lives of 100,000 seniors—wherever they call home.

Our Core Values

• Purposeful Service – We are driven by a deep commitment to serving seniors with dignity and respect.
• Compassion – We foster a caring community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
• Equity & Inclusion – We embrace diversity and fairness, ensuring all employees and residents are valued and respected.
• Excellence – We uphold the highest standards of integrity, quality, stewardship, and safety while continuously improving.
• Servant Leadership – We put others first, uplift one another, and celebrate shared successes.

With these guiding principles, we are building a future where more seniors can thrive in safe, welcoming communities—wherever they choose to call home.