The United Church Home Society

Our sponsor, The United Church Home Society, was formed in 1877 by members of six German Evangelical Churches in Western New York. The need for such a Society developed out of a concern for the growing problems of the elderly who were experiencing difficulties in finding appropriate housing arrangements.

The United Church Home Society began by establishing the United Church Home at Forks, New York. This was a residential care facility housing about twenty-five residents who received services of room, board, and social activities. Short term health care needs were provided as needed.

In 1954, the property at Forks was sold and the United Church Home was relocated to Amherst Street in Buffalo, New York. A new building was constructed which housed 70 residents, and provided the services needed to make life more enjoyable. In 1976, a new wing was completed, increasing the total capacity to 148 residents. The United Church Home was sold in 2003.

With a goal of building affordable housing for low-income elderly and the disabled, The United Church Home Society partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1985. As a result of this partnership, the United Church Manor, located in West Seneca, NY was completed and opened in March of 1987. Today, the United Church Manor continues to provide housing to low-income senior and disabled persons.

The United Church Home Society established a new corporation, Orchard Park CCRC, Inc. in 1999, and as a result, a lifecare community named Fox Run at Orchard Park opened in November 2007. The lifecare concept offers individuals the peace of mind of knowing that their long term care needs will be met. Fox Run’s opening marked the continuation of the Society’s long tradition of supporting the needs of an aging population.

In 2013, the United Church Home Society began a new program, 'Senior Wishes.' The Senior Wishes program recognizes that seniors still have things they want to do, people they wish to see, or places they'd like to go and they assist lower income seniors in making their life enriching wishes come true. Additionally, they deliver Christmas presents to needy seniors each holiday season as part of the "Simple Wishes for the Holidays" program.

Although much has changed since the original Forks home, the essence of the organization remains as clear as ever to be a blessing to seniors.