Brewster Place Offers Senior Living Rooted in the Ministry of the UCC

Living a full and meaningful life is enhanced when living close to family and friends. This is especially true as we reach retirement age where independence and a sense of purpose are vital to our well-being. Life Plan Communities/Continuing Care Retirement Communities are a type of senior living community that offers an active lifestyle while also providing healthcare options when needed. Brewster Place in Topeka, Kansas is a Life Plan Community with a unique history and a foundation tied to the United Church of Christ.

Nestled in the northeast corner of Kansas—just east of the Flint Hills and west of Kansas City—Brewster Place was founded in 1958 by members of the four Congregational churches in Topeka. As a faith-based, mission-driven, not-for-profit Life Plan Community, Brewster Place has served seniors in Topeka and the surrounding area for almost 60 years.

The idea to build a home for senior citizens was the dream of Roy and Frances Engler, who were members of Central Congregational Church in Topeka. The Englers proposed their idea to their pastor, the Rev. Ned Burr McKenney, who was intrigued by the concept and solicited the interest of the other three Topeka Congregational churches (First, Seaman and Seabrook). Excitement grew and by May 1958, articles of incorporation were filed with the State of Kansas and The Congregational Home, Inc. was founded. After hiring Nathan Barr as executive director, securing land, designing the five-story building, and construction, the work of many became reality when Brewster Place opened its doors in April 1964.

Brewster Place is governed by a volunteer board of directors, 25% of whom must come from the Congregational church. In March 2023 Tim Wetzel began his tenure as the new President and CEO of Brewster Place. Tim has a lifelong history with the United Church of Christ as well as over 25 years of executive leadership experience in continuing care retirement communities. Tim also earned the Diaconal Ministry Certification from the Council of Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ, so his leadership fits perfectly as Brewster Place builds on its history and tradition with the United Church of Christ.

Since 1964, Brewster Place has continued to expand and grow and now sits on 35 tree-lined acres in the heart of Topeka. The community boasts a wide variety of living spaces as well as state-of-the-art services and amenities. Independent living homes range from large 2,400 square foot Grand Homes to smaller one-bedroom apartments, thus fitting the lifestyle and needs of many people. As a Life Plan Community that emphasizes person-centered care, residents have the option to move to assisted living, skilled care or memory care, as the need arises. The David Beck Rehab Center attached to the Brewster Health Center offers inpatient care to those needing assistance after surgery, illness, or injury. Brewster’s in-house therapy team also offers out-patient services with the goal of keeping residents as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Recent expansion includes the addition of a cultural arts center for programs, concerts and events, a new restaurant, an indoor salt-water pool, an expansive woodshop, and a large wellness center. Currently the original five-story building called Redwood is undergoing a $17 million dollar renovation that will include a new restaurant, art studio, game room, renovated apartments, and six new luxury penthouse suites.

Brewster’s guiding principles state that, “those we serve are the reason we exist” and “our greatest asset is a caring, competent and trustworthy staff.” It goes without saying that Brewster Place has beautiful spaces for resident engagement. The difference, however, comes from dedicated staff who provide services and programs that keep residents safe, healthy, engaged and fulfilled.

Brewster’s resident services team provides a wide range of classes to enhance physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual wellness. Currently Brewster Place is in search of a full-time chaplain who will serve as a member of the social services team to provide person-centered care. The chaplain works with residents, residents’ family members, and staff to provide visitation and spiritual guidance as well as providing meaningful worship opportunities. This is a wonderful opportunity for those in the UCC ministry to serve seniors as they deal with life transitions, loss, and grief. To learn more about living or working at Brewster Place, please visit BrewsterLiving.org.

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A Message from Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros, Conference Minister and Synod 34!