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Feel Part of the Community
At Ecumenical Retirement Community, we believe that kindness is the foundation of a strong, connected community. When we practice kindness, we not only uplift those around us but also create lasting bonds that make our campuses and neighborhoods feel like home. Kindness knows no age—it bridges generations, bringing people together through shared experiences, understanding and compassion. Whether it’s a child sharing a favorite story, a senior passing down wisdom through the pages of a beloved book or a co-worker offering a simple act of generosity, kindness strengthens the ties that connect us all.
As part of our Practice Random Acts of Kindness Month, we are celebrating kindness in a way that reaches beyond our campuses and into the hearts of those around us. Intergenerational connections are at the heart of our mission, and through kindness, we foster meaningful relationships that enrich lives at every stage.
The Kindness Bound Library: Spreading Kindness and Literacy
One of our most meaningful initiatives is the creation of The Kindness Bound Library, a special place where books and kindness come together to inspire connection, learning and generosity. These libraries will serve as a testament to the power of kindness across all ages—a place where stories are shared, experiences are exchanged and bonds are built between generations and the pages in the books.
Each of our campuses will soon have their own neighborhood library, handcrafted with care and love by the students and members of:
- Milton Hershey School’s Carpentry and Construction Pathway program
- The Northampton 4-H Service Club
- Girl Scout Troop 20397
- Ella Del Rio, Dauphin County Technical School graduate and Country Meadows co-worker
These dedicated groups have chosen to build these libraries as their act of kindness, crafting a gift that will continue to give for years to come.
Giving Back in Action: Milton Hershey Students, Northampton Youth & Girl Scouts Join to Help Our Communities
We welcome everyone to participate in this initiative by donating books, leaving heartfelt 3 messages of why the books are special to them. Together, through our shared stories and small acts of generosity, we are building something bigger than bookshelves—we are strengthening our communities, one kind gesture at a time.
Through these libraries, we hope to encourage a culture of generosity, curiosity and lifelong learning—where kindness isn’t just an action but a way of life.
Because kindness isn’t just given, it’s shared.
Encouraging kind acts at a young age will inspire kindness for years to come.
Our President and CEO, Meredith Mills, and her son Beckett love to read together and shared kindness by reviewing their favorite children’s books about being kind.
Check out their recommended books and feel free to explore their one-sheet for more details.
Life Advice from Mary Jane Leader, Co-founder of Country Meadows and Believer in the Power of Kindness
Throughout her life, Mrs. Leader was a daily example of kindness to others. And she inspired us to do the same for our families and in our communities. We honor her memory by inviting you to brighten someone’s day through a random act of kindness. You may find it will brighten yours too.
So return a shopping cart for a mom with her hands full of kids, pay for someone’s coffee behind you in line, share your umbrella, hold a door, give a busy clerk a smile or maybe drop off a home-baked pie to an older neighbor (one of Mary Jane’s favorite random acts).
At Country Meadows, Mrs. Leader’s big heart remains an inspiration to us all. Feel free to pass it on.
