United Church Homes and Services Celebrates Visionary Leadership Award Recipients

Jo Anne and Don Flick receive United Church Homes and Services visionary leadership award.

Former Abernethy Laurels CEO the Rev. Donald and his wife, Jo Anne Flick, were honored Feb. 27, 2020, at a special luncheon celebrating their visionary leadership and service to United Church Homes and Services (UCHS), headquartered in Newton, N.C.

The Rev. Don Flick came to United Church Homes and Services in 1980 as administrative assistant and director of development. That same year, he received his doctorate from UCC-related Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary, with his dissertation focusing on “Ministry of the Elderly.” He became a leader in the field of aging and retirement living and was active on state and national levels. Don Flick served in many roles throughout his duration with United Church Homes and Services and mastered many visionary projects. In 1984, he became CEO of UCHS and led the corporation through a period of phenomenal growth. Under his leadership, UCHS grew from one community, Abernethy Laurels, to a multi-faceted ministry. He retired from UCHS in 1997.

Mrs. Jo Anne Flick was a member of the UCHS staff from 1984 through 1993. She served in numerous capacities at Abernethy Laurels, including village coordinator, administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator. In 1994, post retirement, Jo Anne Flick offered her time and talent to develop a resale store in Newton where by the proceeds would benefit United Church Homes and Services. The Gift and Thrift resale shop opened in Newton and served UCHS and the community successfully for many years. Though UCHS no longer operates Gift and Thrift, it is still involved with the store through LINC Ministries, who oversees the thrift store and other community programs with the support of the Flicks.

“The Flicks have continued to be friends and supporters of United Church Homes and Services for more than 40 years,” said Lee Syria, president and CEO of United Church Homes and Services. “It is my hope that this ministry continues to carry their legacy forward and make them proud.”

The Flicks received a standing ovation and were presented with an engraved vase reading, “With greatest appreciation, we are proud to honor Rev. Dr. Donald Flick and Mrs. Jo Anne Flick for decades of unwavering support, guidance and dedication to United Church Homes and Services – February 21, 2020.”

The recognition was part of the United Church Homes and Services fourth annual Philanthropy Luncheon. The Flicks join a list of previous award recipients that includes UCHS visionary leaders Jack Frank (2017), Dwight Hedrick (2018), C. Boyce Sink (2019 — posthumously).

United Church Homes & Services, a not-for-profit corporation located in Newton, NC, operates three continuing care retirement communities, a PACE (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), seven affordable senior housing communities across North Carolina and Virginia, and a Childcare Center.