Transitioning Into the New Year with Gratitude

When reflecting on 2024, we celebrate a year of great achievements at Peaceful Living. Our team delivered perfect inspections, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to quality care. We increased the caliber of services through staff credentialing initiatives, ensuring those we serve benefit from the best possible support. Additionally, our unified advocacy efforts contributed to a historic investment in IDD services through the Governor’s state budget—an incredible step forward for our community. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our staff, the passion of our families, caregivers, and supporters, and the vision of our leadership.

With this in mind, we share news of an important leadership transition. After seven years of service at Peaceful Living, and the last two as CEO, Mike Czekner will be stepping down at the end of February 2025. Mike’s leadership has been characterized by a deep care for the men and women we serve, a commitment to building a strong team, and expert stewardship of the organization’s resources. The Board of Directors thanks Mike for his outstanding service, which has laid a foundation that will benefit the organization for years.

To ensure a smooth transition, we are pleased to announce that Michelle Rassler will move into the CEO position and serve as Interim CEO, effective February 10, 2025. Michelle joined our board in the fall of 2023 and brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, serving mission-focused senior living organizations for 25 years. You can learn more about her career on her LinkedIn profile. Michelle was selected by the Board for her expertise and history in guiding organizations through periods of transition. During this time, she and the Board will continue to collaborate with our partners at Mennonite Health Services (MHS) to strengthen Peaceful Living’s foundation and ensure a smooth transition.

The Board has asked Michelle to focus on four key areas:

1. Maintaining Quality Care and Programming: Ensuring that individuals continue to receive exceptional services and support.

2. Mentoring and Supporting Our Team Members: Strengthening our dedicated staff and fostering professional growth throughout the organization.

3. Continued Stewardship of Resources: Managing Peaceful Living’s assets responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability.

4. Exploring Areas for Growth: Identifying opportunities to increase the number of individuals we serve beyond the current 150 and broaden our overall impact.

We ask for your prayers for discernment as the year unfolds. This is an exciting time for Peaceful Living, with a significant milestone on the horizon as we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary in December 2025. The Board of Directors is deeply committed to guiding Peaceful Living through this period of transition, and this commitment includes maintaining open communication. You can expect quarterly updates to keep you informed of our progress and plans.

Thank you for your continued support, prayer, and partnership. Together, we will continue to create belonging and build a strong future for the individuals and families we serve.

Warm regards,

Steve Schwendy

Board President

Peaceful Living

Our Community: Jasmine Jackson

Jasmine Jackson

Lead DSP - Delco Creative Gifts

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Delaware County Pennsylvania.

What is your role at Peaceful Living, how did you come to the role you occupy now, and what is something that many may not know about what you do?

I started as a DSP at Peaceful Living in 2021, but now I’m currently a Lead Staff, serving the organization at our Delco location. Having been with Peaceful Living for soon to be four years, stepping into the Lead Staff role was a great opportunity! I've been able to accomplish a lot of my goals as a DSP and now can serve as a role model for my peers.



What is your favorite part of working at Peaceful Living?

My all-time favorite part is coming in to work to see all the beautiful smiles and laughter from my co-workers, but more so from the individuals I love to serve!

One thing my colleagues don’t know about me outside of my responsibilities at Peaceful Living is ______. I am sharing this with you because ______.

My kids are my number one priority! I love sharing this because I want to be a role model to them, too.

I can never resist a good _______

Laugh or conversation.

When I grow up, I want to be a _______

Dental Hygienist.

Who is your hero? Why?

My father is my hero, because not only he has been an amazing father, but he has also been a strong single parent to raise me into the woman I am today!

Peaceful Living Newsletter: July 2024

Click the image above to read more!

Our Community: Tenika Christian

Tenika Christian

Director of Residential Services

Where did you grow up?

Originally, I'm from Antigua which is a Caribbean Island. From there I lived in New York and then settled in Philadelphia, PA for most of my fun years.

What is your role at Peaceful Living, how did you come to the role you occupy now, and what is something that many may not know about what you do?

Currently, I'm the Director of Residential Services. I started working with the IDD provider field in 2007 and started my journey as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). From there I became an in-home supervisor, to a manager of multiple homes, to the Assistant Director of Residential Services to where I sit today.

Knowing where I started as a DSP and reflecting on what I’ve accomplished has me pushing our current DSPs, in-home supervisors, managers, and assistant directors. We all can be guilty of placing limits on ourselves! As a newer leader at Peaceful Living, I make sure to value the relationships, achievements, and goals of our entire residential staff. Playing a part in their success is my responsibility and brings me great satisfaction.

What is your favorite part of working at Peaceful Living?

Hands down, my favorite part of working at Peaceful Living is those we serve. I can visit any one of the homes and our individuals are laughing, smiling, dancing, or giving out hugs.

One thing many of my colleagues don’t know about me outside of my Peaceful Living responsibilities is ______. I am sharing this with you because ______.

I'm not sure, I’ve been here so long I think everyone knows it all. Ha!

My favorite thing to do when I am away from work is...

I love tapping into my creativity and putting my artistic skills to work. Baking, painting, decorating (peep my office), or gardening; anything that’s visually engaging and results in a different outcome from the start, is my thing.

Finish this sentence - I can never resist a good _______

Laugh!

Finish this sentence - When I grow up, I want to be a ________

Nurse

Who is your hero? Why?

God, because his standard is the highest. His lessons and examples always remind me of the daily work I can do to improve.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Not everyone will meet your expectations or standards. Because of that, you must meet people where they are and build from there.