Michael and Adrienne Manella Make Life More Enjoyable for Light of Hearts Villa Residents
Michael and Adrienne Manella’s compassion and commitment have touched countless lives at Light of Hearts Villa and their story reflects what it truly means to give from the heart.
Rooted in Faith and Family
Michael and Adrienne were both raised by faith-centered parents who instilled in them the values of integrity, humility and service. “We were raised by hardworking middle-class parents who had a deep-rooted belief in God and stressed doing the right things in life,” they shared. Those lessons became the foundation for how they live and give today.
Outside of their professional lives, the Manellas enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, golfing and sharing meaningful moments with friends. But perhaps most importantly, they’ve carried their families’ values of compassion and generosity into every season of their lives.
A Personal Connection to Senior Care
Having cared for aging parents—Adrienne’s mother lived nearly 90 years, Michael’s father to 92 and his mother to 99—they have a deep appreciation for the importance of senior engagement and care.
“As they aged, we saw how even simple interactions could make a difference in their day,” they said. “When Sister Anita [Maroun] talked about the financial challenges many residents experience, it immediately caused us to want to help ensure they have access to those same kinds of activities.”
Their empathy and lived experience have become a guiding force behind their commitment to ensuring all residents can live joyfully, regardless of financial circumstance.
A Lifelong Friendship with Sister Anita
Michael first met Sister Anita Maroun, SC, now President of the Light of Hearts Villa Board of Directors, while both were law students at the University of Akron in the early 1990s. Their friendship has remained strong ever since.
“Our introduction to Light of Hearts Villa was a natural extension of our admiration of her and her work,” Michael shared. “We see the great work and genuine passion to serve that the team at Light of Hearts Villa exhibits. We also recognize the challenges a smaller nonprofit faces competing with larger, national charities and wanted to assist in our small way.”
A Legacy of Compassionate Giving
The Manellas’ faith and gratitude have inspired them to support both the Sister Helen T. Scasny, SC Benevolent Fund, which ensures residents are never turned away due to financial need, and the newly established Sister Anita Fund, which enriches the lives of residents through meaningful programs and activities.
“We believe that quality of life and the care received should not diminish as you age or as your financial situation changes,” they said. “Seeing the work of the team at Light of Hearts Villa and knowing what a special person Sister Anita is made it an easy decision to do so.”
Their hope is simple yet profound: “To help in any way to make life more enjoyable for residents and help them remain at Light of Hearts Villa regardless of their financial status.”
Inspiring Others to Give
When asked what they would say to someone considering a gift, the Manellas responded from the heart: “Please consider doing so. The Villa provides a valuable service to the local community, which deserves support.”
They also emphasize the importance of community backing for seniors who rely on Medicaid: “The cost of providing quality care to our seniors far surpasses the amounts available under Medicare and other programs, so support from the community is vital to the survival of Light of Hearts Villa. Our seniors deserve as much.”
For Michael and Adrienne, giving is not about recognition—it’s about faith and service. “There are several sayings that guide us,” they shared. “‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’ and ‘whenever you are in a position to help someone, be glad and always do it, because that’s God answering someone else’s prayers’.”
