Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 22, 2026 – In celebration of two decades helping older adults remain healthy and independent, Care Resources PACE will host a 20th anniversary open house on Thursday, Oct. 8.
The community is invited to visit the nonprofit’s Lowell location, 11730 Fulton St. E, between 4-7 p.m. for a behind-the-scenes look at the PACE organization, which serves more than 400 older adults in Kent County and portions of Allegan, Barry, Ionia and Ottawa counties.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour the site, which is one of two locations in West Michigan. The event is free to attend and will include light refreshments, a food truck selling Americana cuisine and activities such as a live string band, petting zoo and a Mega Plinko game.
Over the past 20 years, Care Resources has helped more than 1,360 older adults maintain their independence while providing peace of mind and support for their loved ones. The nonprofit was established in 2006 to provide comprehensive medical care, home care, transportation, social connection and other supportive services to eligible individuals 55 years and older.
By coordinating virtually every aspect of participants’ health care and daily support, Care Resources helps older adults with complex medical needs and often limited income continue living safely in their own homes rather than a long-term care facility. Since PACE is funded by Medicare and Medicaid, there are no deductibles or copays for most participants. Individuals can also pay for PACE services privately.
“Care Resources has had the privilege of supporting older adults since 2006 with coordinated care, essential services and meaningful activities that promote health and independence,” CEO Kim Smith said. “That impact belongs to every participant who has trusted us, every family who has partnered with us, every team member who has dedicated themselves to our mission and every community partner who has helped make this work possible.
“As we look ahead to the next 20 years, we are more committed than ever to carrying our mission forward and ensuring we continue serving as a doorway for older adults to remain healthy and independent in the communities they call home.”
20 Years of Impact
Care Resources’ story began in the early 2000s when community leaders recognized a need to bring the PACE model of care to Kent County. PACE helps people 55 years and older who qualify to live in a nursing facility remain independent with the support of comprehensive medical and social services in their homes and at community-based centers.
Through a nonprofit partnership between Trillium Living, Reliance Community Care Partners, Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Care Resources opened its doors on Oct. 1, 2006, in the historic Fulton Manor facility. At the time, Care Resources was only the second PACE organization in Michigan and 32nd in the nation.
The years that followed were defined by growth, collaboration and innovation. Milestones included:
- Reaching a census of 100 participants in 2008, a turning point in the organization’s journey to becoming a self-sustaining organization.
- Strengthening and expanding PACE at both the state and federal levels through service on the National PACE Association Board in 2010 and as a founding member of the PACE Association of Michigan in 2015.
- Expanding service area in 2013 to improve access for older adults living near the Ottawa-Kent county line.
- Bringing transportation services in-house in 2016, allowing participants to enjoy more reliable transportation with familiar drivers who became trusted members of their care team.
- Growing to 225 participants in 2017, highlighting the need for a larger facility.
- Opening a newly renovated 36,000-square-foot facility in Grand Rapids at 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE in 2019.
- Securing ZIP codes in Allegan, Barry and Ionia counties in 2021 that were not yet assigned to a PACE program, ensuring more older adults would have access to PACE services close to home.
- Forming a partnership with the Dementia Institute in 2023 that strengthened participant care through advanced dementia education while also launching the Day Center at Care Resources, a program that offers specialized support and caregiver respite for older adults not enrolled in PACE.
- Opening a second location at the start 2025, a 16,500-square-foot facility in Lowell Township that was one of the first in Michigan to be designed from the ground up for the needs of PACE participants.
- Reaching 400 participants just months later, a milestone that reflected both growing community need and the trust families continue placing in the organization.
Today, Care Resources is one of 15 independent PACE organizations in Michigan and more than 200 nationwide. The nonprofit employs more than 200 team members and relies on the support of generous donors and volunteers to supplement support that goes beyond basic medical care to support the whole person.
The organization extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity helped make the 20th anniversary celebration possible:
Care Resources offers personal tours year-round at both its locations. Community members who are interested may schedule by calling 800.610.6299 or emailing info@CareResources.org.
For more information, visit CareResources.org/Doorway.
About Care Resources PACE – Doorway to Senior Living
Care Resources PACE is a community-based program for people 55 years or older that promotes health and independence, while helping to prevent or delay nursing home placement. The Care Resources team of healthcare professionals partners with older adults and their families to create a care plan that supports individual physical, mental, emotional and social needs. For more information, visit CareResources.org.
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