Light of Hearts Villa was established in 1989 by the Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Bedford, Ohio. The Light of Hearts Villa mission is rooted in the spirit and charism of St. Vincent DePaul and St. Louise de Marillac, who founded the first ministry to the elderly in the mid-1600s. This Catholic, faith-based spirit is marked by charity and love for all people, regardless of their faith or life circumstances.
To read more in depth about our history, a PDF is available for viewing.
Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Bedford, Ohio established
Established by Bishop Joseph Schrembs of the Diocese of Cleveland to meet the needs of a large Slovak population in the area. By the 1960’s that need lost its dominance and the Sisters expanded their ministries.
Lumen Cordium High School established
The all-girls Catholic high school had 24 years of success. So much so that the alumni of the high school extend the love and pride in their alma mater by taking an active role in supporting the Villa by serving on the board, moving their own loved ones in as residents, volunteering, donating and more.
Lumen Cordium High School closed due to declining enrollment
Immediately the Vincentian Sisters took the words of St. Vincent DePaul, ”be open to the needs that God lets us see” and dreamt of a ministry to those whose needs were not being met. The concept of an independent and assisted living residence was unheard of in 1987 – unless connected to a nursing home.
Light of Hearts Villa opened and welcomed the first residents
It took only two years to raise the funding and complete the transformation of a school into a senior living space.
Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Bedford, Ohio formed a 50/50 partnership with the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
This endeavor offered additional benefits to the residents of Light of Hearts Villa. The combined and enhanced efforts of these two communities strengthened the mission and vision.
Vincentian Sisters of Charity merged with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati
The combined congregation experienced new life and an expansion of efforts for the sake of the Gospel.
Addition of the Sister Helen Therese Scascny, SC Administrative Wing
The building was slightly expanded as there was a need for administrative office space.
Sisters of Charity Health System becomes sole sponsor of Light of Hearts Villa
Today, with the active support and sponsorship of this community of the Health System, the mission and vision of Light of Hearts Villa continues to flourish and is strengthened.
Expansion and Renovation of the Lumen Lane Memory Care Neighborhood
Answering the need for a larger memory care area, the renovation and expansion was completed in May of 2021.
Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Bedford, Ohio established
Established by Bishop Joseph Schrembs of the Diocese of Cleveland to meet the needs of a large Slovak population in the area. By the 1960’s that need lost its dominance and the Sisters expanded their ministries.
Lumen Cordium High School established
The all-girls Catholic high school had 24 years of success. So much so that the alumni of the high school extend the love and pride in their alma mater by taking an active role in supporting the Villa by serving on the board, moving their own loved ones in as residents, volunteering, donating and more.
Lumen Cordium High School closed due to declining enrollment
Immediately the Vincentian Sisters took the words of St. Vincent DePaul, ”be open to the needs that God lets us see” and dreamt of a ministry to those whose needs were not being met. The concept of an independent and assisted living residence was unheard of in 1987 – unless connected to a nursing home.
Light of Hearts Villa opened and welcomed the first residents
It took only two years to raise the funding and complete the transformation of a school into a senior living space.
Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Bedford, Ohio formed a 50/50 partnership with the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
This endeavor offered additional benefits to the residents of Light of Hearts Villa. The combined and enhanced efforts of these two communities strengthened the mission and vision.
Vincentian Sisters of Charity merged with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati
The combined congregation experienced new life and an expansion of efforts for the sake of the Gospel.
Addition of the Sister Helen Therese Scascny, SC Administrative Wing
The building was slightly expanded as there was a need for administrative office space.
Sisters of Charity Health System becomes sole sponsor of Light of Hearts Villa
Today, with the active support and sponsorship of this community of the Health System, the mission and vision of Light of Hearts Villa continues to flourish and is strengthened.
Expansion and Renovation of the Lumen Lane Memory Care Neighborhood
Answering the need for a larger memory care area, the renovation and expansion was completed in May of 2021.
Sister Regina Kusnir, SC, has lived a life of extraordinary charity and has been an integral part of Light of Hearts Villa. She helped coordinate the transition of Lumen Cordium High School into an assisted living facility in 1989. Since 2005, she has served as the director of pastoral and special ministries, where she helps address the spiritual life of residents.
Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $114,060 during this year’s #weGiveCatholic campaign! Your generosity is helping us continue our mission and make a lasting impact in the lives of our residents. Thank you!
Over $215,000 was raised last week to help support the residents and community of Light of Hearts Villa, a Bedford-based nonprofit senior living facility, celebrating its milestone 35th anniversary at the Light the Way Gala. The event brought together 350 guests on September 27 to support of the Villa’s highly regarded, faith-based, compassionate care provided for older adults.
