GentleBrook is pleased to announce the opening of The HomeStead of Coshocton, a 58-bed, 52,700 square-foot senior living community. The project will be a $14 million investment in Coshocton County and will create approximately 50 jobs. The facility will be at 48241 Genesis Drive, accessible from SR 36. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Sept. 18, with construction beginning soon after. The facility will open in the spring of 2026. 

“We are excited by the opportunity to open a second senior living community. It reflects our commitment to the original purpose and vision of our founding community and board members,” said GentleBrook CEO Norm Wengerd. “We look forward to growing our relationships here in Coshocton.”

“I’m proud to be a part of this non-profit that means so much to its clientele and its community,” said Jandi Adams, GentleBrook board member. “This opportunity allows for those in Coshocton and surrounding areas to have an option for the quality of care I would want for my own family.”

GBC Design (Akron, OH) is the architect, and Ivan Weaver Construction (Fredericksburg, OH) is the builder. The project is being financed by Peoples Bank along with grants from the Coshocton Foundation.  

The participation of the Coshocton Foundation, with grants from several of its restricted funds within the organization, was critical in GentleBrook’s decision to move forward with this project. The lead grant, totaling $2.4M, comes from the Hospice of Coshocton Legacy Fund, which was established by the former board of directors of Health Services of Coshocton County to benefit healthcare needs of the residents of Coshocton County. This restricted fund at the Coshocton Foundation was created from the many contributions which were directed to Health Services of Coshocton County through the years, frequently in memory of individuals who were served by the Hospice organization.

The other major contributions, totaling an additional $1.6M from the Coshocton Foundation, have been granted through the following restricted funds: The Joseph W., Fred E. and Helen LeRetilley Johnston Fund; The Joan Hartley Gross Memorial Fund; The Edwin F. Mulligan Endowment Fund; The R. Larry and Judith Ann Heagle Robinson Fund and the Ralph D. and Judy P. Wisenburg Fund.

Coshocton Foundation Executive Director Bob Pell noted that this is the Coshocton Foundation’s largest investment in the community to date. He is especially pleased with The HomeStead’s emphasis on providing a “continuum of care,” including secure memory care units, which he feels are in heavy demand locally. 

“The HomeStead of Coshocton will provide seniors and their families with a secure, conveniently located and modern facility for those who are in need of additional services due to the challenges posed by cognitive decline in their loved ones,” Pell said. 

The HomeStead sits on a 5.5-acre lot purchased from the Coshocton Christian Tabernacle. Coshocton native, Tana Fischer, RN, CEAL, CDP, will serve as Executive Director. 

“I’m excited to neighbor with the Coshocton Tabernacle and school, Genesis Medical Center, and Old Thyme Market. There are so many opportunities for relationships at this location,” Fischer said. 

The facility will feature 32 assisted living units and 26 secure memory care units. Residents can rely on a 24-hour, on-site licensed nurse as well as a dedicated staff of wellness aides.