Rebranding of Lutheran Social Services into a more compactly named Lutheran is complete.
Friday afternoon, dozens of people found themselves standing in the fall air on Falconer Street, as officials unveiled the new Lutheran sign during a dedication and branding ceremony.
"We are here to announce, formally, the new branding initiative here at Lutheran," said Tom Holt, president and CEO of Lutheran. "We have been evolving over the course of the last several years. The one thing that hasn't changed has been our ongoing commitment to this community."
Article Photos
Dave Sturges, resident of Hultquist Place, sitting, listens in as Tom Holt, president and CEO of Lutheran speaks during a dedication and branding ceremony at Lutheran on Friday.
P-J photo by Liz Skoczylas
Dean Weaver, chair of the board of directors, spoke of the future of Lutheran during the short ceremony.
"Lutheran is working toward a future where people have choices based on need and can access appropriate and cost-effective services in an environment that enhances their quality of life and allows them to be contributing and active members of their communities," Weaver said.
He continued, saying that Lutheran will be the premiere provider of the services as well as a brand that people turn to in their time of need, or as a career opportunity.
Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Chautauqua County, as well as Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi also spoke at the event. The two congratulated Lutheran staff for their efforts in health care.
Additionally, Dave Sturges, a longtime resident of Hultquist Place, shared his story with the crowd, many of which were his own family members. Sturges expressed how much he enjoys his life at Hultquist, and joked that he would unofficially adopt Holt.
The purpose of rebranding Lutheran, according to Holt, is to help Jamestown and surrounding communities better understand the services it provides.
"Folding all of our programs and services under one unified brand or identity, which will be known as Lutheran, we think is going to be very, very helpful to the senior community and their families as they need to learn how to access the long-term care system," Holt said.