History

The Churches of the Brethren in Indiana have a long heritage of serving older adults. The ministry, which began in 1889, was incorporated as The Old Folks and Orphans Home two years later. The ministry served children as well as older adults until 1942. In November of that year, the children's department was closed and for the first time, the ministry focused solely on older adults.

During the decade of the 50s, the Board of Trustees knew that changes had to be made in the facilities. Buildings could not be adequately renovated to meet a changing regulatory climate. It was either demolish and rebuild on that site, or rebuild on a new site. Ultimately the Board of Trustees voted to close the home at Mexico and build a new facility in North Manchester.

Timbercrest, in North Manchester, opened its doors in March of 1968 to the residents transferring from the Mexico Home. Timbercrest became a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that offers several levels of accommodations and care to those it serves. The facility continues to grow and change to meet the changing needs and wants of its residents and future residents.

Timbercrest continues as a not-for-profit charitable organization. In most ways, Timbercrest today bears no resemblance to the ministry that began in Mexico, Ind., in 1889. However, the Christian heritage and values, on which the work began, laid the foundation for the work that continues today.

The Timbercrest Campus Today