Beth is one of our speech therapists at VMRC, and she will tell you that the most meaningful moments in her work are the ones she does not see coming.

This year marks the 40th VMRC Golf Benefit, held in honor of Diane Weaver. For four decades, this special event has brought together individuals, families, and businesses from Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and beyond to support and strengthen memory care at VMRC.

Pablo never expected a simple visit to his property would change everything. While checking on improvements near his pond, a misstep led to a fall that resulted in a serious head injury. In a moment, everything shifted from routine to recovery. After being transported to the hospital, Pablo faced the uncertainty that often follows such an unexpected incident.

At Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, care goes beyond meeting physical needs. It is about embracing each person fully, recognizing their purpose, and walking alongside them in daily life. Montessori inspired lifestyle reflects this belief by focusing on doing things with residents rather than doing things for them.

VMRC’s partnership with James Madison University reflects a shared commitment to learning, service, and community connection. Through the Madison Community Scholars Program, students step beyond the classroom to support a local non-profit, school, or government agency while gaining valuable professional experience.

Larry Hershberger’s connection to VMRC grew through his mother’s life and the experiences she had within the community. As a long-standing employee of Eastern Mennonite University’s dining team, she lived and worked closely within the area and came to know VMRC as a neighboring community she respected and trusted.

At VMRC, our commitment to holistic care shapes everything we do. Through the eight dimensions of wellness, we seek to support residents socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually each day. That commitment calls us to look for tools that do more than entertain. We look for resources that enrich the whole person.

For Iris, nursing is rooted in compassion, connection, and a commitment to quality care. Each day at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, she finds purpose in supporting patients through skilled nursing and assisted care. Watching individuals grow stronger, regain confidence, and feel more at ease in their care continues to inspire her work as a nurse.

At VMRC, dining has always been about more than just a meal—it’s about the gathering, the connection, and the daily rhythms that make our community feel like home.

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Forefront, a premier culinary services provider and trusted partner of LeadingAge Virginia. This collaboration marks an exciting evolution in our mission to nourish both the body and the spirit of our community.

Even after 16 years, Eugene still wakes up on Monday mornings excited to head to VMRC. What began as a summer lifeguarding job evolved into a lifelong calling as a physical therapist. Read more about how Eugene built a rewarding career within a community where patients become family and professional growth is always supported."

For many students, service hours or field placements are simply a step toward earning a degree. But for one student volunteer at VMRC, what began as a class requirement turned into a lifelong calling.

For the first time, VMRC is celebrating its Mennonite Heritage in a unique and significant way. January will now serve as Mennonite Heritage Month throughout campus, honoring the Mennonite ethos from which its buildings and community emerged.

For more than a decade, VMRC has joined hands with James Madison University’s choral music education program to create something truly special, the Intergenerational Choir.

There was something unmistakably special in the air the evening our community gathered for the 2025 Celebration of Lights. Presented by the VMRC Foundation, the program celebrates the light of those who have gone before us, the light of family and friends, and the light of Christ, which guides us.  Words, both spoken and offered through song, created a palpable feeling of energy, inspiration and joy for audience members.

When Abe and Ruth Rittenhouse moved to VMRC, they discovered something they hadn’t expected: their world grew larger, not smaller. “When I came to VMRC, I gained more than I gave up,” Abe reflects.

With the nation facing an unprecedented demand for caregiving professionals, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community is proud to announce that applications are now open for the second annual round of its Mary Reitz Nursing Scholarship.

The story of the Wenger and Showalter families is one of enduring care and dedication that spans generations. It began with George B. Showalter, a visionary businessman of faith, who set aside a portion of his estate to establish the Virginia Mennonite Home, laying the foundation for what is now VMRC.

This fall, residents enjoyed a trip to our local Myers Pumpkins pumpkin patch.

Last month, we kicked off Active Aging Week with another successful Wellness Fair. The annual event serves as a celebration for our community to come together and celebrate our residents living vibrant, active lives on campus.

At VMRC, Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) is more than just a creative program. For us, it’s a bridge between older and younger adults.