
Dear MAX, When reflecting on 2024, we celebrate a year of great achievements at Peaceful Living. Our team delivered perfect inspections, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to quality care. We increased the caliber of services through staff credentialing initiatives, ensuring those we serve benefit from the best possible support. Additionally, our unified advocacy efforts contributed to a historic investment in IDD services through the Governor’s state budget—an incredible step forward for our community. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our staff, the passion of our families, caregivers, and supporters, and the vision of our leadership. With this in mind, we share news of an important leadership transition. After seven years of service at Peaceful Living, and the last two as CEO, Mike Czekner will be stepping down at the end of February 2025. Mike’s leadership has been characterized by a deep care for the men and women we serve, a commitment to building a strong team, and expert stewardship of the organization’s resources. The Board of Directors thanks Mike for his outstanding service, which has laid a foundation that will benefit the organization for years. To ensure a smooth transition, we are pleased to announce that Michelle Rassler will move into the CEO position and serve as Interim CEO, effective February 10, 2025. Michelle joined our board in the fall of 2023 and brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, serving mission-focused senior living organizations for 25 years. You can learn more about her career on her LinkedIn profile. Michelle was selected by the Board for her expertise and history in guiding organizations through periods of transition. During this time, she and the Board will continue to collaborate with our partners at Mennonite Health Services (MHS) to strengthen Peaceful Living’s foundation and ensure a smooth transition. |
![]() The Board has asked Michelle to focus on four key areas: 1. Maintaining Quality Care and Programming: Ensuring that individuals continue to receive exceptional services and support. 2. Mentoring and Supporting Our Team Members: Strengthening our dedicated staff and fostering professional growth throughout the organization. 3. Continued Stewardship of Resources: Managing Peaceful Living’s assets responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability. 4. Exploring Areas for Growth: Identifying opportunities to increase the number of individuals we serve beyond the current 150 and broaden our overall impact. We ask for your prayers for discernment as the year unfolds. This is an exciting time for Peaceful Living, with a significant milestone on the horizon as we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary in December 2025. The Board of Directors is deeply committed to guiding Peaceful Living through this period of transition, and this commitment includes maintaining open communication. You can expect quarterly updates to keep you informed of our progress and plans. Thank you for your continued support, prayer, and partnership. Together, we will continue to create belonging and build a strong future for the individuals and families we serve. Warm regards, Steve Schwendy Board President Peaceful Living P.S. – Further information about a celebration of Mike, and his transition to retirement will be shared shortly. |