LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Nippenose Valley Village Admissions and Marketing Director Virla Ocker helps a resident, Charlotte Schreppel, at the facility’s shop.

LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP — As it inches towards a decade of service, Nippenose Valley Village continues to look for ways to improve its already stellar service to individuals who are looking to enjoy independent living in a community setting.

Nippenose Valley Village was opened in 2016, following the closure of the facility as a then-elementary school in the Jersey Shore Area School District.

Since then its three owners — Julie Steinbacher, Chris Larson and Troy Musser — along with a host of dedicated employees, continue to find new ways to ensure the comfort of its residents.

Located along Route 44 in Limestone Township, the facility showcases a beautiful view of the mountains and is right next to a local park and baseball fields.

Not only does Nippenose Village provide care for those living independently, it also offers temporary stays for those in need of a short-term stay.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Artwork is displayed in the facility’s craft room.

Virla Ocker, admissions and marketing director at the village, said its program for short-term stays has already had a positive impact in the community.

Ocker shared a testimony from Georgeanne “Susie” Fuller, who spent time at the Village while she completed rehabilitation following a hip surgery.

“She came here after a hip surgery with the goal to go home,” Ocker said.

According to Fuller’s testimony, with the help of her physical therapists from Powerback Rehab and the wonderful staff at Nippenose Valley Village, she was able to return home.

“She’ll soon be having shoulder surgery and she said she’s looking forward to returning to the village once again,” Ocker said.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS One of many large areas at Nippenose Valley Village is pictured.

Fuller said she loved her time at the village, noting she enjoyed the community atmosphere, the helpful staff and “the beautiful view of the mountains.”

Ocker, who has over 30 years of personal care experience, was the first employee hired at the village and has helped build the facility into what it is today.

This includes the creation of a community store with the help from Jersey Shore Area High School’s FBLA.

The store, located next to Ocker’s office, offers a variety of items for sale including snacks, cards for special occasions, drinks and other small items.

“The FBLA students opened the store. They took the project on and were amazing,” Ocker said. “It’s here for residents to enjoy. They really like coming here daily.”

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS One of many large areas at Nippenose Valley Village is pictured.

Ocker noted the FBLA were able to place in both the state and national competition with the project.

That community connection is something very important to Ocker and the rest of the staff. She noted that the residents love to interact with the community and students in the area.

When Jersey Shore’s varsity football team continued to climb the ladder into district finals, Ocker said many residents sat in the community rooms throughout the facility to watch the game.

“Some of the players and students work here. They love to show their support,” Ocker said.

As Nippenose Valley Village continues to make strides in offering community care, it’s beginning to set its eyes on something new — a secure care facility for residents who may suffer from dementia.

“We’re looking forward to the completion of the secure care facility,” Ocker said.

The facility will be located on the front half of the building, which faces Route 44. The facility is in its early planning stages, Ocker said, with a completion date to be determined.

To learn more about Nippenose Valley Village visit http://www.nippenosevalleyvillage.com/.