CELEBRATING RICH SCHUTT A Legacy of Purposeful Leadership at Providence Life Services
After almost five decades of dedicated service, Rich Schutt retired as Chief Executive Officer of Prov- idence Life Services on December 31, 2024. His remarkable tenure, including 38 years as CEO, has left an indelible mark on the organization and the countless lives it touches. As we honor his legacy, we reflect on his profound impact as a leader and someone who embraced his calling to serve. Rich’s journey with Providence began in 1969 when, as a teenager, he took a job as a maintenance worker at Rest Haven, the original name of Prov- idence Life Services. What seemed like a simple opportunity turned into a calling. “Once I came to that understanding, it became clear that the call I received from my cousin Ken (to work as a mainte- nance worker) was really a call from God,” Rich once shared. This realization transformed his work from earning a paycheck into a mission to serve others. Over the years, Rich’s role evolved, and under his leadership, Providence grew into a trusted name in senior living while remaining true to its faith- based roots. He believed deeply in holistic care— supporting not just physical needs, but the emo- tional, spiritual, and social well-being of residents and their families. “Everyone gets a ‘call’; the question is whether we recognize our calling and how we respond to it,” Rich explained. For him, answering that call meant building an organization that serves with com- passion and purpose. His leadership consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration and purpose-driven work. “This is His work, and His purposes are served in our efforts,” he said, reflect-
For over a decade, Park Place of St. John has provid- ed trusted Skilled Nursing care. In 2024, we ex- panded the licensure options on this campus to now include licensed assisted living in our Small House setting, creating a warm, homelike atmosphere. Additionally, in our long-term care houses, we now offer semi-private rooms that provide an affordable long-term care option while ensuring high-quality, compassionate service. With these changes, Park Place of St. John can serve individuals from Retire- ment Living to Assisted Living and on to higher care needs in Long-Term Care.
On all our campuses, our Transition to Home program supports short-term stays for residents needing ex- tra recovery time after hospitalization or a rehab stay before returning home. This program also introduces families to the comfort, security, and social connec- tions within our communities, with many choosing to return for the support and lifestyle they experienced. Providence at Home also celebrated 30 years of caring for patients in their homes during 2024. We are proud to have earned a 4-star quality rating from Medicare.gov, reflecting our commitment to time- ly care and patient improvement, placing us above industry standards. Providence Hospice and Palliative Care has expanded through new partnerships with Powers Health and Franciscan Health, now serving patients in Indiana and Illinois. As one of two preferred providers with Powers Health, we earned four stars in the 2024 CMS report, achieving 100% satisfaction in the latest hospice survey. We continue to enhance end-of-life care with more visits and prompt symptom manage- ment follow-ups. This past year has been one of progress and dedica- tion, and we look forward to serving our communities with excellence, compassion, and faith-driven care.
ing on Providence’s mission to enhance the lives of those we serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Rich’s legacy at Providence Life Services is a tes- tament to his unwavering faith, compassionate leadership, and commitment to making a difference. Although he has retired, his influence will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, ensur- ing that the organization remains a beacon of care and love for years to come. From all of us at Providence, we extend our deepest gratitude to Rich for his extraordinary service. His dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on our organization and the countless lives it touch- es. We pray that this new chapter of his life is as purposeful and fulfilling as the one he leaves behind, and we will always be appreciative and respectful of his contributions.
Recognizing the challenges of a changed workforce, post-COVID, Royal Park Place and Royal Atrium Inn began participating in Work that Matters, a grant program through LeadingAge Michigan aimed at improving employee retention in long-term care. Through weekly consultations, we’re enhancing recruitment, mentoring, and retention efforts while engaging employees as mentors to strengthen leadership skills.
16 Providence Life Services • With You, For You
2024 • Annual Report 17
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