Tom Lunt Wins Statewide Award

ALBANY, NY (06/05/2009)(readMedia)-- Thomas D. Lunt has been an integral part of the evolution of Episcopal Church Home, from a small indigent care home and orphanage to an organization that meets the needs of the frail and elderly at all levels of care.

Tom has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to Episcopal Church Home and Affiliates, beginning as a board member in 1967. Since then, at various times in his tenure, he has held every position on the executive committee, including his current term as chairman of the board. In addition, Tom is vice chairman of the Canterbury Woods board, a board member of Episcopal Community Housing Development Organization, and a trustee for the Episcopal Church Home Foundation.

Tom's leadership has been crucial these past few years, which have brought significant changes and challenges to Episcopal Church Home. In the face of both financial and governmental constraints, Tom never wavered in his commitment to the organization or the people it serves. He remains positive and resourceful and brings out the very best in all who have the pleasure of working with him.

His financial acumen was invaluable in securing and structuring the working capital to enable the Canterbury Woods project to become reality. Today, it is the second life care community in the state.

Tom has guided Episcopal Church Home through its many good years, but it is his dedication during the difficult times that puts him in a league of his own. In 2005, after suffering significant financial losses at the Rhode Island Street location, Tom and the board were confronted with what seemed a no-win decision. After careful deliberation, Tom and the trustees did what was in the best interest of the community and the organization: They closed the Rhode Island Street campus, which had been there for more than 100 years. In the aftermath of that wrenching decision, several board members resigned. It was in this dark hour that Tom's leadership and commitment to Episcopal Church Home were unflappable. He worked tirelessly to ensure the organization's survival, and because of him, Episcopal Church Home's future is bright, and Lunt is NYAHSA's "Trustee of the Year."

Founded in 1961, the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) represents nearly 600 not-for-profit and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.

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