Anthropologist, Margaret Mead, once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." These words seem especially apropos as the Solvang Lutheran Home celebrates its Golden Anniversary this year.

50 years ago on a hilltop overlooking Solvang, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the Solvang Lutheran Home became a reality.

It began when the seven California-based Lutheran Churches of District Eight came together and decided to create a secure and nurturing home for senior citizens. Reverend Halvdan Knudsen, from Los Angeles, was elected president of a newly established 16-member board, called the Cheer Committee, to help direct the project. After three years of organization, fundraising, and hard work, the Solvang Lutheran Home was dedicated on April 19, 1953. Committed to providing a home for senior citizens while contributing to their health, security, happiness, and independence -this promise remains today.

The site for the Solvang Lutheran Home was ensured when Solvang's Bethania Lutheran Church offered the property for the project. Originally owned by Peter and Joanna Albertsen, this six-acre parcel of land was donated to Reverend Benedict Nordentoft, founder of the Atterdag College. When Reverend Nordentoft decided to return to Denmark in 1921, he offered the property and the college buildings to Bethania Lutheran Church for $4,990. With its sweeping views on the southerly slope of El Monte Calzada, the area was identified as a perfect location to establish a new senior residence. The Church granted the property to Reverend Halvdan's group, and with the location now determined and the name, Solvang Lutheran Home, established, the Solvang Lutheran Home was on its way.

At a cost of $50,000, the two original buildings of the home were constructed, and the first thirteen residents moved into single rooms with shared bathrooms. Interestingly, most of these early residents were from the Los Angeles area. A waiting list of an equal number was established as well.

Since that time, the Solvang Lutheran Home has seen many positive changes ...within the first eighteen months of opening its doors, a third building was constructed. At the five-year mark, the first administration building and living apartment for the administrator was added, followed by an additional 11 living units and a comfortable dining room.

In order to reach out to an expanding need in the senior community, the original Atterdag College was demolished in 1973, and a 50-bed skilled nursing facility, called the Santa Ynez Valley Recovery Residence, was born. The Atterdag Personal Care Unit, a third level of care, was added to the campus in 1990. With this addition of a third tier of health service, the Solvang Lutheran Home became a "continuing care retirement community". Residents could move up the health care system as their need for care increased. Because residents were now able to live on campus for life, a continuing care contract, guaranteeing care for life, was offered.

Now in its 50th year, the Solvang Lutheran Home offers 82 independent living apartments and a myriad of services and programs to its residents. Though the Solvang Lutheran Home has evolved a great deal during these past 50 years, its current motto, "People Who Care", reflects well on the original intent of the founding Lutheran Churches. Indeed the Solvang Lutheran Home is a wonderful example of how a few individuals can truly make a difference to so many.