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This October, Valley View Retirement Community is celebrating 10 years of our award-winning Short-Term Rehab and Memory Care programs. It’s a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to serving older adults.
“Valley View has grown to meet the needs of older adults in our area since 1968,” says Nicole Sarver, CEO. “This milestone is a testament to the commitment of our team and the vision of our founders.”
Founded in 1968 as a 50-bed nursing home by local church leaders, Valley View has continually expanded to meet the needs of the community. Over the years, residential cottages and personal care options were added, and in 2015, a new building opened featuring 21 private rehab rooms and a dedicated memory care neighborhood, Memory Lane.
Memory Lane has set a new standard for dementia care. “You can feel the difference the moment you walk in,” shares Drex Treaster, Memory Lane Coordinator. “It’s a place where friendships are built, possibilities are embraced, and joy is part of every day.”
Valley View’s Short-Term Rehab program has also earned statewide recognition. Ranked #1 in Pennsylvania by Highmark Health for quality outcomes, it helps residents recover faster while reducing healthcare costs. The program was also part of a first-in-the-country pilot introducing smart room technology in skilled nursing, giving residents more comfort and independence during recovery.
Looking to the future, Valley View is planning new Memory Personal Care studio apartments with a secure Memory Garden as part of a multi-year renovation of our skilled nursing center.
“The leaders before us laid a foundation: see the needs of the community and meet them,” Sarver explains. “As more people are diagnosed with dementia, we continue answering the call with compassion, innovation, and excellence.”
At Valley View, the focus has always been on creating spaces where older adults thrive, friendships flourish, and every day is lived to the fullest. Here’s to the next 10 years of care, connection, and community.
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This summer, VVRC welcomed Thomas Gutshall, a sophomore at Bloomsburg University studying Digital Forensics, to our IT team. Thomas spent his internship diving into the tech side of life at Valley View—and discovered that a retirement community can be full of surprises.
From day one, Thomas says that he noticed the friendly atmosphere: “Everybody’s been encouraging and supportive.”
A Day in the Life of a Valley View IT Intern
Thomas’s days were anything but boring. His responsibilities included setting up and updating computers, configuring printers, and handling a variety of IT tickets that kept him on his toes.
He says that he enjoyed the small, heartwarming moments throughout the day, like residents playfully calling out to him and his colleague as they walked through the halls.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
While Thomas gained valuable technical experience, he also learned lessons that go beyond IT. “A non-IT thing I learned was how to communicate with people,” he reflects. And on the technical side, he became more confident navigating Windows systems and updating PCs—skills that complement his academic studies in digital forensics.
Why Valley View is Different
What makes Valley View unique, according to Thomas, is that an internship here isn’t your typical IT job. “You’re doing a little bit of everything,” he says. He said that the internship opportunity gave him a hands-on, well-rounded experience.
A Recommendation from Thomas
For students considering an IT internship, Thomas has this advice: “Valley View is a great place for an internship because of its peaceful environment and the variety of experiences you gain. Plus, you’re surrounded by supportive people who make learning enjoyable.” He gives a special shout-out to Director of Information Technology Jeff Foflygen and Information Technology Project Engineer Slava Gusev for their guidance and support throughout the summer.
At Valley View, we’re proud to provide opportunities that combine learning, community, and a little bit of fun along the way. Thomas’s summer reminds us that technology—and kindness—can go hand in hand.
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When Audrey Jordan walked through the doors of Valley View Retirement Community last spring, she knew two things for sure: she was heading into her senior year at Slippery Rock University, and she wanted a future in healthcare administration. What she didn’t know was just how much her summer internship would shape her plans — and her heart.
She says that she knew that she wanted to intern at VVRC after working here during her summer break in 2024. “Last year, I worked as an RA (Resident Assistant) in the Terrace,” Audrey says. “I got to see firsthand how we care for our residents, and I knew right away it was a special place. Everyone treats residents with so much respect, and that’s important to me when thinking about where I want to work.”
She says that this summer’s internship gave her a unique opportunity to rotate through multiple departments — from human resources and finance to dietary services, housekeeping, and nursing. That variety not only gave her a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a retirement community but also helped her discover what she enjoys most.
“I thought I might want to work in finance, but after spending time in the business office, I realized that’s probably not for me,” she laughs. “I really liked HR, though, and I’ve gained so much respect for departments like dietary and housekeeping…seeing how they impact residents’ daily lives — making sure they’re eating well and living in a clean, home-like environment — it opened my eyes.”
One of Audrey’s biggest takeaways wasn’t about policy or procedures but about people.
“You can’t get from point A to point B here without stopping to talk to someone along the way,” she says with a smile. “Even if you’re busy or heading to a meeting, people make time to connect. That says a lot about the culture at Valley View.”
Some moments will stick with her forever — like the resident she met during Valley View’s summer carnival.
“I’d never met Ken before, but he was so fun to talk to,” Audrey recalls. “All he wanted was to be outside. He watched me get my face painted and just laughed. It was such a simple, happy moment — one I’ll remember.”
Looking ahead, Audrey plans to continue her education after graduating in December, with the goal of becoming a licensed nursing home administrator. Her Valley View experience has already influenced how she hopes to serve in that role.
“Being here, I’ve seen what great communication looks like and how much of a difference being a non-profit makes,” she says. “At Valley View, it’s clear we’re here for the residents — not for profit. That changes everything about how care is delivered.”
For other students considering internships, Audrey has one piece of advice:
“Do it,” she says. “Being in a classroom is one thing, but being here, seeing residents and their daily lives, especially those living with dementia — it’s eye-opening. You learn so much you could never get from a textbook.”
As Audrey wraps up her internship, she’s grateful not only for the experience but also for the people who welcomed her with open arms.
“Everyone here has been so kind,” she says. “Even when people were probably wondering why I was in the kitchen one day and HR the next, they were always patient and willing to teach me. I’m so thankful for that.”
Valley View is proud to have been part of Audrey’s journey — and we can’t wait to see where her future takes her.
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In this issue:
Learn more about Memory Person Care expansion, this year’s renovation progress, partnering with Penn State Research, and innovating a first-of-its-kind Smart Room in the Spring/Summer Newsletter!
Read each article here, or scroll down to see the full newsletter as a pdf.
Building on a strong foundation
Memory Personal Care FAQs
Renovation Update
In Memory of Nancy Rowe, Valley View’s First Director of Nursing:
Valley View just got smarter
Help direct charitable funding
Shining a Light on Well-Being
“My Hairdresser Saved My Life”
Q&A with Board Member Lynn Reed
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A Summer in IT at Valley View: Thomas Gutshall’s Internship Experience
August 26, 2025
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Finding Her Path: Audrey Jordan’s Internship Journey at Valley View
August 26, 2025
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