Resident volunteers are the heartbeat of Pleasant View Communities.
The passion and commitment of these selfless stewards is one of the many reasons why Pleasant View is such a special place to call home. Ron and Brenda Lausch, who moved to Pleasant View three and a half years ago, embody this spirit of giving.
“Volunteering is just part of who we are,” Ron said. “It fits into our faith, our values, and our desire to make this community the best it can be.”
Their volunteering journey began long before they moved to Pleasant View. Ron and Brenda said they developed a deep-rooted tradition of service during their careers and involvement with their church. From food pantries to community initiatives, they said they’ve always found joy in helping others.
“We get back way more than we give,” Ron said.
A Lifetime of Service
Volunteerism in their personal lives was reflected in their professional lives as well. Ron and Brenda made careers out of their commitment to serving others.
Brenda worked as an executive secretary at a community hospital, while Ron dedicated 31 years to teaching in public schools, before expanding his career into higher education. He first served at Marywood University, where he developed his own curriculum to get his foot in the door.
“I actually sat down and wrote an entire course,” Ron said. “I submitted it to them, and they liked it. They asked me to join as an adjunct professor. They sent me all over the state.”
After Marywood, Ron took a position supervising student teachers at Cedar Crest College, before ultimately serving as an academic advisor at DeSales University.
Originally from Lancaster, the couple spent most of their working years in Bucks County before deciding to move back home after retirement. Family drew them back – their son, J. Michael Lausch, now serves as director of COBYS Family Services in Leola, a nonprofit organization that cares for children and families in need.
“We’re so proud of all of them,” Brenda said of their family, which includes three married grandchildren.
Making an Impact at Pleasant View
The Lausches began volunteering at Pleasant View almost immediately after moving in. Brenda said she started by helping with the annual golf tournament, a major fundraiser supporting benevolent care for Pleasant View residents. This led to her joining the auxiliary, where she now serves as secretary.
Ron said his most significant contribution thus far has been assisting with the Hoffer Farm Campaign, which raised $8.6 million to build the Kreider Farms Cultural Center. The campaign aimed to transform Hoffer Farm into a living community center that would connect Pleasant View residents with the wider Manheim community.
“I did close to 30 presentations,” Ron said. “They included the Manheim Community, Pleasant View residents and specific groups such as the Pleasant View Board of Directors and the Manheim Lions Club.”
Sometimes, the smallest acts of service create the most meaningful impact. Brenda regularly assists residents and both Ron and Brenda volunteer at Hearth & Harrow Restaurant on the Pleasant View campus.
“I just like helping people,” Brenda said. “If I see someone struggling with something, I’ll try to help them.”
One of Ron’s most rewarding experiences has been mentoring a student in the OneLife program, a faith-based gap year initiative hosted on Pleasant View’s campus.
“Just last night, I took my mentee to see ‘Daniel’ at Sight & Sound Theatre,” Ron said. “At the end, he turned to me and said, ‘I could feel the Holy Spirit in this room.’ That just was worth every penny of whatever we paid for those tickets.”
Creating Community Through Service
Ron has become something of a digital cheerleader for Pleasant View, sharing inspiring messages on Wellzesta, the community’s digital platform.
“I had a resident say to me, ‘I enjoy reading your posts,’” Ron said, adding with a chuckle, “She said I’m ‘the voice of reason.’”
The Lausches credit Pleasant View Communities CEO Jonathan Hollinger for fostering an environment rooted in the mission of “Christ-like service.”
“Jonathan takes that very seriously,” Ron said. “For example, on Fridays, the Manheim Central School District sends their life skills students here. We provide them with job-related experiences using many areas of our campus, such as the dining room and housekeeping. Those young people are just wonderful.”
The Lausches encourage new residents to join Pleasant View’s volunteer community. Pleasant View is grateful for all volunteers, including residents, those who are on the wait list, and friends from the Manheim-area and beyond.
Asked for his advice to new residents of Pleasant View, Ron said, “Get involved. Not only will you get to know wonderful people, but you’ll get back from your involvement much more than you give.”
For Ron and Brenda, Pleasant View isn’t just a retirement community – it’s home. And through their ongoing volunteerism, they’re helping make it feel like home for others too.
“I wasn’t the one who wanted to come here initially – it was my wife,” Ron said. “She’s the one who convinced me, and now I think it’s the best move we’ve ever made.”
Ready to make a difference in our community? Click here to learn more about volunteering at Pleasant View Communities and becoming part of something special!
