Caring for Community – Our Way of Life

By Blair Minton, Founder of BMA Management, Inc.

“Do you know what most amazes me… how much your life can change for the better in a very short period of time when you start caring about the people around you. It makes one wonder… why don’t more people make caring a way of life?”

caring-for-community

Authors Harry Paul (who co-authored the book Fish) and Ross Reck explore this topic toward the end of their book Revved! The book explores a business model in which caring for people is your capital investment. I could not agree more about the importance of caring for others. Our employees are our most important assets, and our success depends on their ability to enhance the quality of life for older adults and their families, with care and compassion.

I also strongly believe that it important for a business to care for the community in which it operates as well as to care for its customers and staff. Businesses should “give back” to the community that supports the business.

BMA, for instance, has been supporting the United Way for several years. Last year, our company was recognized as one of the top contributors to the United Way of Kankakee County. With only 37 full-time equivalents, the BMA Corporate office ranked as the 4th largest contributor, donating more than $42,000. In addition, David Mitchell, our Chief Financial Officer, volunteers his time to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

This year, we have expanded our appeal beyond the Corporate office to all 32 senior living communities that we manage. Our goal for the 2010 Campaign which kicked off this fall is to raise $250,000 for local United Ways throughout Illinois and Indiana.

I don’t know of any not-for-profit organization that does a better job of supporting local people more than the United Way. Local boards determine how the money is spent, and 99 cents of every dollar stays in the local community.

Here in Kankakee County, organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Center of Hope Food Pantry, the Hospice of Kankakee Valley and groups that counsel and support victims of abuse are among those who benefit from donations to the United Way campaign.

I don’t know of a better way to spend our dollars than to support the people who support us.


All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”

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Gardant Management Solutions has 20+ years of industry-acclaimed operational history in developing, managing and consulting for senior living, assisted living and memory care communities.