Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS), one of Cincinnati’s premier 501(c)(3) not-for-profit senior living organizations, is honored to announce a landmark $1 million commitment from longtime supporters, David and Linda Stetson, to expand “Well Being,” a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster wellness and connection in ERS’ Affordable Living communities for older adults. This gift stands as the largest living-donor contribution in the nearly 20-year history of Affordable Living at ERS.

The Stetsons, whose early generosity helped launch the Well Being program, have deepened their investment to support its growth and long-term impact. Their connection to ERS began more than a decade ago, when Linda’s mother received care at two of ERS’ retirement communities, Marjorie P. Lee and Deupree House Cottages in Hyde Park. Deeply moved by the quality and kindness her family experienced, Linda—then a healthcare executive—became actively involved in advancing ERS’ mission.

Linda’s dedication led her to serve on multiple committees and the ERS Board of Directors, where she brought both professional expertise and personal passion to her leadership. Together with her husband, David, she embarked on a philanthropic journey that continues to enrich the lives of the elders served by ERS.

About the Stetsons: As a Kentucky resident for many years, Linda built a meaningful career in medical social work, gerontology (the study of aging and older adults), and healthcare administration before moving to the Greater Cincinnati area in 2000. Her commitment to community causes remained strong, serving as President of the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and later as Planned Giving Director for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. David, a seasoned executive in the energy and corporate finance sectors, retired in 2023 as CEO of Alpha Metallurgical Resources. He continues to contribute his leadership and financial expertise through board service, including with Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Together, Linda and David have championed causes that improve lives. Through their generous support of ERS and its affordable living Well Being program, they are helping older adults live healthier, more fulfilling lives—with dignity, purpose, and joy.

The Stetsons’ generosity, which includes support for the original launch of Well Being in 2022, now totals more than $1.65 million. This latest donation will also support the sustainability of Well Being across ERS’ Affordable Living communities in Greater Cincinnati, laying the foundation for future expansion to all 30+ ERS Affordable Living communities in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

“None of this would be possible without the extraordinary generosity and partnership of Linda and David,” said Laura Lamb, ERS President and CEO. “I truly believe the Well Being initiative will be far reaching, elevating wellness for low-income older adults across ERS and beyond.”

Well Being offers more than just wellness programming— it creates a structure for belonging. Recent findings from the U.S. Surgeon General reveal that loneliness poses health risks on par with smoking 15 cigarettes a day. With nearly half of all older adults experiencing loneliness, Well Being steps in to make a difference.

The initiative is built on the belief that every older adult, regardless of income, deserves the opportunity to thrive. With guidance from trained staff, each resident crafts a personalized wellness plan that reflects their needs and goals—whether that means improving mobility, managing a health condition, exploring a new hobby, or reconnecting socially.

Since its launch, Well Being has engaged hundreds of residents in nearly a dozen ERS communities—free of charge.

With the Stetsons’ $1 million gift, ERS will be able to add enough staff members to expand the Well Being program in the Cincinnati region and with a goal to fully expand to all of its communities in the surrounding regions by 2031. The long-term goal is to become the gold standard in wellness programming for lower-income senior housing.

“This is a pivotal moment for ERS and many of the older adults we serve,” said Jimmy Wilson, Vice President of Affordable Living. “Our research-based wellness program was built with heart and designed to help residents age with dignity, live independently, and thrive in health and happiness.”

Well Being is anchored by a research partnership with Xavier University’s Center for Population Health, which measures impact and informs program strategy. This evidence-based approach ensures the initiative is not only effective but can be replicated nationwide.

The program’s growth has been led by Well Being Manager, Wes Bogard, who joined ERS in early 2024. Under his leadership, the initiative has expanded reach, deepened resident engagement, and built strong partnerships to offer inclusive and culturally competent programming.

“Visiting Affordable Living communities and witnessing the joy and renewed sense of purpose in the lives of older adults deeply moved me,” said Linda Stetson. “What started as small acts of giving has grown into an opportunity for us to give back in a bigger and more meaningful way. We feel blessed to support something so close to our hearts—helping create safe, welcoming homes where older adults can thrive.”