Walnut Hills Stories

You do not have to look far to see the impact of resident volunteers at Walnut Hills. 

Seasonal flowers at the entrance signs and well-manicured lawns welcome visitors to campus. Fun-loving goats at the Mini Farm are fed and happy and are always ready to provide entertainment. Mailboxes are cheerfully filled for the convenience of residents. 

These are just some examples of how the Walnut Hills Independent Living Volunteer Association, or WHILVA, is making a difference on the campus in Walnut Creek, Ohio. 

There are currently about two dozen WHILVA volunteers who give their time helping with lawn, landscaping, community park maintenance, mail delivery, chapel services, playing piano for nursing home residents, coordinating prayer chains, driving buses for resident outings, feeding and caring for our farm’s goats, welcoming new residents to the community, helping with campus events, and so much more. 

“The association is a good morale builder,” said Lee Mummau, a resident of The Commons who currently serves as Chairperson of WHILVA. “The emphasis is not on shortcomings but to create a positive, beautiful environment and to work forward.” WHILVA began after a committee was appointed in 2020 to explore how Independent Living residents could serve Walnut Hills in an advisory capacity and be a positive force for volunteers and the organization.

“The association was created to provide encouragement and support for smaller volunteer groups that already existed and to compliment and support Walnut Hills management and staff to fill in the gaps,” said Bill Jennings, a resident of The Meadows, who was part of the exploratory committee. He noted that the bylaws were written so they could be amended, based on 
the evolving needs of Walnut Hills and the gifts and talents of future resident volunteers. 

“WHILVA provides an outlet for Independent Living residents who have a vocation or possess skills here at Walnut Hills,” said Terry Burkhalter, who serves on the WHILVA Board as the resident representative to the Walnut Hills Board of Directors. 

When Walnut Hills identified a need for help with lawn maintenance on the large campus, several Independent Living residents with lawn mowing experience and a love for the outdoors stepped up. Their contributions have been invaluable to the organization. 

“One of the main goals of WHILVA is to help beautify the Walnut Hills campus, so it can continue to be a welcoming community and an atmosphere that is pleasing to residents and visitors,” added Terry, who has produced three videos that showcase the 
spirit of volunteerism and the great work that WHILVA has done.  

For all three men, volunteering has always been part of their lives. “I enjoy serving people, and I enjoy weed eating and mowing around the campus,” said Lee, who as a retired pastor has service in his blood. 

“We have been blessed, and we had a lot of time,” said Bill. “We enjoy giving back, and we’re able to do it. It fulfills something in our lives.”

“I take pride in helping make the grounds look beautiful,” said Terry. “For me, it is very therapeutic. I can forget all my worries and continue to use my skills for the greater good.”

The impact of WHILVA is seen and felt throughout Walnut Hills, by both residents and staff, as well as every visitor who experiences the vibrant, welcoming spirit of the campus. For more information on Walnut Hills or to see one of the WHILVA videos, visit the Walnut Hills website at walnuthillslivng.org.