Larry Petry, Heritage Ministries Senior Chaplain, shared that Heritage will recognize their staff in Gerry, NY, this Friday by hosting a “Community Encouragement Parade” as a community thank you to their healthcare heroes for all of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Petry explained, “Our staff members are our most important asset. As a senior living provider, we understand how easy it is for our residents to feel lonely or isolated from their loved ones during these uncertain times. Our staff leave their own family at home as they come to Heritage. They work tirelessly to be that “second family” for our residents, and continue to support the Heritage mission each day, to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living to all those entrusted to our care. We wanted to find a way to be a part of a community event that lets them know we are thinking about ALL of them during this time. We are honored to develop this socially distanced celebration to brighten the day for our Heritage employees and let them know how much our community appreciates them.”

The organizers shared the parade will not be open for public spectators to gather together outside, but is intended for seniors and staff members to view from their windows or porches as it drives by, in order to abide by all social distancing and safety guidelines.

Heritage is asking churches and community members to participate in the “Community Encouragement Parade” on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 1pm. Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and create signs of encouragement. Notes, gift cards, flowers, or other expressions of encouragement for Heritage staff may also be delivered to a Heritage representative that day.

Those interested in being a part of the parade will gather in the Gerry Free Methodist Church parking lot beginning at 12:30pm. An organizing member of the event will direct all participants to their location in the parade. For safety, all participants must remain in their enclosed vehicle, and not gather outside of vehicles. The parade will drive in a loop through The Village and The Homestead campuses before dispersing.

Those who would like to participate, or have questions regarding participating in the parade, may contact Chaplain Larry Petry at (716) 490-5480 or LPetry@heritage1886.org. For all media inquiries, please contact Melissa Anderson, Heritage Marketing Manager, by emailing manderson@heritage1886.org.

Heritage Ministries was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY, to six locations in New York with additional affiliations across the United States. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members, and serving over 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. Homestead Stables provides intergenerational equestrian opportunities as well as boarding, training, lessons, and a therapeutic riding program. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses, allowing for intergenerational programs. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org