Connected to our roots, our values, and our communities.
Our History
The mission of BHI Senior Living Inc. is to enhance the quality of life for older adults within a secure environment that supports their needs, values, interests, and independence while encouraging personal and spiritual development.
From humble beginnings to an industry leader in senior living
The seed of BHI Senior Living was planted in 1904, when Edward and Sarah Crawford donated 185 acres of land in Boone County, Indiana, to the American Baptist churches. With additional funding from American Baptist churches, their gift became The Crawford Baptist Industrial School — a non-profit orphanage and industrial school that opened in 1905.
In 1952, a new era began for the organization with the opening of our first Life Plan Retirement Community, Hoosier Village in Indianapolis. With Hoosier Village, Indiana seniors were introduced to a new approach to retirement living — one that places the needs of residents as our highest priority.
Today, BHI Senior Living has ten Life Plan Communities and two Active Adult Communities located throughout the Midwest. To learn more about each community visit Our Communities page.
One of the most financially stable senior living organizations in the midwest.
Throughout our long history in Indiana, BHI Senior Living has maintained a robust financial position — despite the ups and downs of the national economy — and has earned a BBB+ rating from Fitch, the international financial rating agency.
BHI’s healthy financial profile has enabled us to continually provide residents of our Life Plan Retirement Communities with a fulfilling, active retirement lifestyle, a full continuum of healthcare, and the promise and peace of mind that accompany long-term stability — including the availability of benevolent care if needed.
BHI’s financial and operational strength is a direct result of the expertise, dedication, and conservative fiscal approach of our management team and board of directors. We are proud of our commitment and ability to offer Indiana seniors a truly secure investment in their future. For a detailed view of BHI Senior Living Inc.’s financial status, download our most recent Financial Stability Disclosure statement.
The BHI Foundation
BHI Senior Living strives to ensure that every resident who lives at one of our Life Plan Retirement Communities is empowered to live life to the fullest.
It’s a lifestyle filled with opportunities to enhance wellness; enjoy exceptional services, amenities, and activities; and live in a community filled with good neighbors and caring staff. For more than 25 years, the BHI Foundation has been instrumental in helping us attain that goal.
The generosity of our donors allows the BHI Foundation to contribute to community projects both within our Life Plan Communities and throughout their respective cities. These projects improve and enhance our residents’ quality of life, as well as make us good neighbors in our communities.
Important Milestones
BHI Senior Living began with a commitment by Edward and Sarah Crawford on June 27, 1904, for a gift of 185 acres in southeast Boone County, Indiana, to build an orphanage to be managed by a new corporation. The Crawfords were American Baptists, and local American Baptist churches provided additional funding for the school. Articles of Association were executed on March 15, 1905, for the Crawford Baptist Industrial School, a non-profit ministry with the mission of operating an orphanage and industrial school.
In 1937, the school assumed the name “Indiana Baptist Home.” That same year, the estate of Emma Downing Wood of Indianapolis became the possession of the home. In accordance with Mrs. Wood’s will, a girls’ dormitory was erected on the grounds and dedicated in memory of her parents as the Downing Home.
It was approximately 1951-52 when welfare agencies adopted a policy of placing children with foster families instead of sending them to homes such as the Indiana Baptist Home. On July 12, 1952, the home officially opened its doors to older adults, and within a short period of time, the home was serving only older adults.
Hoosier Village, the organization’s first full-service retirement community, was founded in southeastern Boone County, Indiana, on the site of the Crawford Baptist Industrial School. Hoosier Village now boasts 300 acres of immaculately landscaped grounds that include independent living in houses, duplexes, and spacious apartments. As a Life Plan Community, Hoosier Village is also proud to offer Assisted Living and Memory Support programs, specifically designed to maximize the independence of those we serve while offering additional help when needed.
The Towne House, another BHI Life Plan Community, first opened its doors in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1965. Over the years, The Towne House has grown to provide active senior living in its spacious apartments and Chapman’s Crossing homes with the security of an on-sight continuum of quality health care services–including assisted living, 24-hour nursing care, and rehabilitative services–should they ever be needed.
The organization completed construction and opened Four Seasons in Columbus, Indiana, in 1967. The stately chapel is part of the nationally renowned Columbus architectural tour. Four Seasons also offers independent living and assisted living services in its spacious apartments, with 24-hour nursing care, memory care, and rehabilitation services available on-sight in its Medicare-certified Health Care Center.
On April 2, 1986, BHI Foundation, a separate charitable organization, was established to enhance the endeavors of the BHI Senior Living communities in the fulfillment of their missions.
In 1998, BHI joined with eleven other Indiana Life Plan Communities to form the Samaritan Alliance, a limited liability corporation that enables its members to operate more cost-effectively through group purchasing of pharmaceuticals, employee benefits, and other related products–resulting in savings for our residents. In 2002 the alliance was cited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission in its annual “Best Practices” recognition program.
2004 was the centennial anniversary year of the BHI organization. Led by a 12-member board of directors who employed approximately 550 staff members, the BHI communities served approximately 1,000 residents at the time of their centennial celebration.
While the original corporation underwent several name changes throughout its history, it had been known as “Baptist Homes of Indiana, Inc.,” since the 1960s. On September 21, 2011, the name was changed to BHI Senior Living, Inc. The new name was selected to maintain a link to the organization’s faith-based heritage while also trying to convey that the BHI communities are very inclusive and open to individuals of all denominations and backgrounds.
Wesley Manor, our 83-acre Life Plan Community in Frankfort, Indiana, joined the BHI family in January 2016. Originally founded in 1961, Wesley Manor offers a continuum of on-site health care options such as assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. The campus also features ten recently updated independent and assisted-living apartments and a modernized rehabilitation wing.
BHI added another affiliate in September 2019 with The Barrington of Carmel. The Barrington opened its doors in 2014 and immediately established itself as the best-in-class Life Plan Community in Carmel, Indiana. With assisted living, memory care, rehab, and skilled nursing all under one roof, The Barrington provides seamless direct entry to every level for both current residents and those coming to the community on a month-to-month basis.
In January 2020, The Towne House broke ground on the first luxury neighborhood for highly active adults, 55 and older, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Called Prairie Landing, the neighborhood boasts 60 expansive acres and 100% maintenance-free living in spacious single-family and duplex homes. Prairie Landing is a Life Plan Community that provides a high-quality continuum of care at The Towne House when additional support services may be needed.
Based on the success of the Prairie Landing neighborhood in Fort Wayne, BHI broke ground on Athens Crossing in Columbus, Indiana. Athens Crossing by Four Seasons is a beautiful 40-acre campus with luxury single-family and duplex homes for those interested in neighborhood living without the responsibilities of home maintenance. If and when additional support services become necessary, Athens Crossing is a Life Plan Community that provides a first-class continuum of care at Four Seasons.
In February 2022, BHI added another affiliate to its family of communities with Clark Retirement, a non-profit senior living organization based in Grand Rapids, MI. Founded in 1906, Clark Retirement is highly regarded with two premier retirement communities, Clark at Keller Lake and Clark at Franklin, as well as several innovative community programs. Clark offers a wide array of living options, support services, and added comforts and amenities.
In keeping with our mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults, BHI grew once again in July of 2022. This time, we went east to Ohio, where we added Maple Knoll Village in Cincinnati and The Knolls of Oxford in Oxford, Ohio to our family of communities. With a rich, 173-year history, Maple Knoll Communities enjoy a reputation of excellence as pioneers in serving older adults with innovation, integrity, respect, security, and choice.
Westminster Village joined BHI family in January 2024. The beautiful 57-acre campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, offers a community that combines hospitality, high-tech convenience, and good old-fashioned friendliness. Westminster Village provides services for nearly every need with a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation services.
Our Leadership
Our leadership team is dedicated to bringing the BHI mission to life by keeping residents at the forefront of every decision. Their passion for the exceptional care of others guides the team in the successful management of one of the midwest’s most prominent not-for-profit organizations.
John S. Dattilo
President and CEO
John Dattilo joined BHI in 2003, when he became executive director of Four Seasons. During his five-year tenure there, Dattilo delivered excellent financial performance and occupancy levels, and maintained high standards of regulatory compliance and patient care. John was promoted to director of operations for BHI in Indianapolis in 2008 and, three years later, was promoted to vice president of operations. Dattilo has spent his career in the senior living industry, including serving in various capacities at senior communities in Rising Sun and Frankfort before working in Columbus. He teaches classes in long-term care management as an adjunct professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He also serves on the board of LeadingAge Indiana and has been a surveyor for CARF-CCAC, the national accreditation organization for senior living providers. A Madison, Indiana, native, Dattilo earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Southeast and his M.B.A. with a focus in healthcare from Indiana Wesleyan University. He lives with his wife, Janda, and their four children in Zionsville.
Roger E. Weideman II
Sr. Vice-President and CFO
Roger E. Weideman II, CPA, joined BHI Senior Living in May 2010 as Vice-President and CFO, In June 2010, he was appointed a director on the Board of Directors. In January 2018, Roger was named Senior Vice-President and CFO. Prior to joining BHI, Roger served five years as a managing consultant with BKD LLP (Thomas Healthcare Consulting Inc.) in Indianapolis. Previous professional experience also includes 12 years in public accounting — five years as a manager with Katz, Sapper & Miller LLP, and seven years with Bradley & Associates Inc., where he began as a staff accountant and was then promoted to a manager position. He also currently serves as treasurer of the LeadingAge Indiana board. Weideman earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting (with “High Distinction”) from Indiana University. He was a recipient of the Indiana High Grade Award and the Elijah Watt Sells National Award for his scores on the CPA exam. Professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Indiana CPA Society, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Weideman lives in Fishers with his wife, Rachel, and their three children.
Dan Carr
Jeannie Ambler
Elwood A. Conaway III
Jay Rumbach
Chris Bryde
Jim Stahl
Brian Pangle
Mark Prifogle
Tim McGowan
Percell Smith, Jr.
