Snow, Safety, and Care: How Lutheran SeniorLife Teams Are Ready for the Storm Posted on January 23, 2026 With a major winter storm expected to hit our region this weekend, Lutheran SeniorLife is preparing early so our residents, patients, and team members are safe and supported. We’re making sure every community has what it needs to get through the storm comfortably and without disruption. Across our campuses, preparations are already underway. Snow removal and de-icing will be happening around the clock to keep walkways and entrances safe. At Passavant Community, extra beds have been brought in, and our snowplow and shovel partners from MMC Landscaping will be on site for immediate, nonstop support. Staff from every department will also be staying overnight to make sure residents have everything they need, from meals and personal care to a clean, safe environment. “Our team is incredible,” said Laura Roy, Executive Director of Passavant. “Nursing and personal care staff will be here to meet residents’ needs. Dining staff will stay to make sure everyone is fed. Maintenance will brave the snow to keep sidewalks safe, and Environmental Services will continue keeping the community clean. It really is teamwork at its finest.” At St. John Community, rooms have been set up for staff, including nurses and aides, who are planning to stay overnight to guarantee uninterrupted care, no matter the weather. In addition, Executive Director Samantha Rapuk, Director of Nursing Tanya DeFranciscis, and members of their management team will remain on site, providing hands-on leadership, additional support, and reassurance to residents, families, and staff. We’ve stocked extra salt at key locations, and additional Maintenance team members will be working throughout the weekend and into Monday if needed to keep everything running smoothly. “Managers know it’s all hands-on-deck this weekend,” stated Rapuk. Preparations go beyond our residential communities. VNA Home Health and Hospice will continue to serve patients through triage nursing. Visits will be made as conditions allow and prioritized based on need, with staff trained in winter driving safety. Across all Lutheran SeniorLife properties—including LIFE Programs, The Commons at Stonebrook, and HUD housing—teams and snow removal partners are ready. Buildings have extra shovels, salt, and fuel for generators, and everyone is coordinating closely to make sure services continue no matter the weather. “We’re preparing for the worst while hoping for the best,” said Paul C. Harman III, Supervisor of Property Management for HUD Housing. “Our teams and partners are ready, and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep our residents safe and cared for.” Because when the snow is falling, and conditions are tough, our priority is people first, care always.