The Winter 2024 issue of Lancaster Thriving included an article featuring the economic impact that Garden Spot Village has on the local community. The article, which appears on page 20, reads as follows:
Making an Impact
In the fall of 2023, Garden Spot Village, a continuing care retirement community located in New Holland, conducted an economic impact study to assess its economic and social contributions to the community. The findings were substantial, highlighting the significant role of Garden Spot Village and its non-profit parent corporation, Garden Spot Communities, in the local economy and society.
Economic Impact
Independent living residents at Garden Spot Village were invited to complete a confidential survey to estimate their annual spending in the local community. This included expenses such as shopping at local grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers, as well as purchasing vehicles and related services. Collectively, Garden Spot’s 1,053 residents reported spending over $12 million annually.
As an organization, Garden Spot Communities—which includes Maple Farm in Akron and Garden Spot Village—added $97 million to the local Lancaster County economy in 2023 alone, a figure that increases each year.
From Garden Spot’s inception, founder and board chairman Dale Weaver emphasized the importance of being a good neighbor. He once said, “Garden Spot needs to be a good citizen and a good neighbor. We could negotiate better tax rates, but we will pay our fair share.” This philosophy remains impactful. Garden Spot Communities annually pays over $2 million in municipal, county, and real estate taxes, with $1.2 million benefiting local school districts. Notably, this payment is made without adding students to the school system; Garden Spot is the largest taxpayer in the Eastern Lancaster County School District.
This economic activity supports 946 jobs, benefiting nearly 1,000 families across the county.
Social Impact
Dale Weaver also envisioned Garden Spot as a vital part of the broader community, not an isolated entity. Residents and staff actively engage in purposeful outreach through initiatives like the “Making a Difference” campaign, which gathers donations for local nonprofits. In 2023, these efforts provided $26,000 worth of material gifts, including food, clothing, and pet supplies.
Another example is the Swipe Out Hunger Initiative. Residents and staff donate funds through this program to support a monthly free community meal at CrossNet Youth Ministries. Over ten residents volunteer alongside Sodexo Dining staff to serve meals to approximately 100 people monthly.
A third example is Thistledown Cooperative Living community. Garden Spot welcomed residents to the first Thistledown home in 2018; a second home is currently under construction. These homes provide affordable housing for five members of the local community without government programs or housing subsidies.
Garden Spot Village exemplifies the economic and social benefits of the retirement living industry. With 17 nonprofit continuing care retirement communities in Lancaster County, the impact of senior living communities remains vital to the region’s prosperity and well-being.
For more information visit www.gardenspotvillage.org/economic-impact/