At Pleasant View Communities, we’re fortunate to have passionate team members who bring their unique experiences and skills to serve our residents and community. We recently sat down with Mindy Fetherman, our new Development Associate, to learn more about her background, her role at Pleasant View, and her vision for the future.
Pleasant View: Mindy, can you tell us about your background and what led you to Pleasant View Communities?
Mindy Fetherman: I grew up in western Berks County and studied Business, Management, and Marketing at the College of William and Mary. After college, I spent 18 years in ministry, including campus ministry and serving as mission director at a large Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. I led international service-learning teams and developed a passion for connecting people with meaningful causes.
In 2008, I moved back to Berks County to help care for my grandmother, which exposed me to senior living communities.I did fundraising and marketing with Bridge of Hope, an organization that partners with churches to end homelessness for single mothers and children, and then transitioned to senior living fundraising with Presbyterian Senior Living.
Most recently, I took time off to care for my father, who passed away in May of this year. After his passing, I was looking for a new opportunity, and Pleasant View seemed like a perfect fit. The timing was truly a blessing.
PV: What attracted you to Pleasant View specifically?
MF: What drew me to Pleasant View was their commitment to serving not just the residents but the wider community as well. I was inspired by initiatives like the Kreider Farms Cultural Center, the library, and future plans for the Hoffer Farm and Makerspace. It’s rare in senior living to have a restaurant like Hearth and Harrow open to the public, and it’s unique for a senior living community to offer so many programs for the external community.
I was also encouraged by the successful capital campaign for the cultural center. It showed me that there are residents and people in the community willing to support Pleasant View’s vision. I was impressed by the choice of Dr. Lew Jury and Coach Mike Williams as campaign chairs and humbled by the transformational gift from Kreider Farms.
PV: Can you describe your role as Development Associate at Pleasant View?
MF: As the Development Associate, I invite gifts for Pleasant View’s mission. Our focus areas include benevolent care (PV provides $3 million annually), wish list items for residents and staff, and initiatives like Hoffer Farm.
I also work closely with the marketing team to share stories about the impact of donations and the experiences of our residents and staff. It’s all about connecting donors with the meaningful work happening at Pleasant View and showing them how their contributions make a difference.
PV: What are some of the exciting projects you’re currently working on?
MF: We’re looking forward to the opening of the cultural center, hopefully in the spring. Planning continues for the Makerspace, which will offer classes and studio time for ceramics, fabric and fiber arts, art and printmaking, and technology. We hired a farm manager on September 23 and welcome gifts for the animal therapy, hydroponics, and future food production for the Central PA Food Bank.
We’re also developing a “wish list” of items that will benefit residents and staff. This might include a virtual activity table for memory care residents, a dock for the pond, or a sail shade for the recreation area.
PV: How has your personal experience with caregiving influenced your work at Pleasant View?
MF: Caring for my father in my home for three years made me more aware of the challenges faced by spouses and family members who are caring for loved ones (and of grief after saying goodbye).
I am grateful for how Pleasant View staff members walk with families and provide respite. I hope to share with donors ways they can bless these staff, residents, and families.
PV: What’s your approach to connecting with donors and sharing Pleasant View’s story?
MF: For me, it’s all about quality conversations and really listening to people.
I also believe strongly in the power of storytelling. Donors want to hear about the real impact their gifts are making in people’s lives. So, I always try to share stories about how donations have helped specific residents or staff members. It might be about a music therapy session that brought a memory care resident to life, or how an emergency fund helped a staff member through a difficult time.
I also think it’s important to share stories about the donors themselves – why they chose to remember Pleasant View in their will, how an IRA QCD gift helped with taxes, or why they’re passionate about supporting a particular program.
These stories can inspire others and help them see the difference they can make.
PV: What are you most looking forward to in your role at Pleasant View?
MF: I’m really excited about the opening of the Kreider Farms Cultural Center and seeing how it will benefit both our residents and the Manheim community. I’m also looking forward to the development of Hoffer Farm and the Makerspace. These initiatives have so much potential to enrich lives and create new connections.
On a personal level, I’m looking forward to getting to know more of our residents and hearing their stories. Every resident here has led a fascinating life, and I feel privileged to be in a position where I can learn from them and share their experiences with others.
PV: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
MF: I want to express how grateful I am to be part of the Pleasant View community. The kindness and welcoming spirit I’ve experienced from both residents and staff has been incredible.
If you’re inspired by the work we’re doing at Pleasant View Communities, we invite you to join us in making a difference. To learn more about how you can support Pleasant View Communities and explore various ways to give, please visit our Gift Options page.
Together, we can provide healthy, vibrant living for seniors and our community. Thank you for considering a gift to Pleasant View Communities!
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For more information on how you can help make a difference for the residents of Pleasant View Communities, please click here.
