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Welcome to Providence Life Services

A Message from our CEO

Welcome to Providence Life Services, where our mission "to enhance the lives of those we serve in the name of Jesus Christ" informs our service. We have taken that mission to heart while developing our programs and our communities, and while striving to meet the needs of the entire person, going beyond the basics of healthcare.

The Bible tells us about the different facets that make up who we are in Luke 2:52, as we read about Jesus growing up. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (NIV). As our distinctively faith-based organization has grown, we have often thought of the four modalities mentioned in that verse, modalities that apply as we continue to grow and change as we age: wisdom (our minds), stature (our physical bodies), in our relationship with God (our spiritual lives), and in our relationship with man (our social lives). We consider these elements as we plan our programs for our communities, and as we design the healthcare programs available to the public.

Being able to provide each of these needed aspects requires the help and dedication of many people, including our staff, volunteers, and donors. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion I see as people work with our older adults in those four areas, helping them grow and thrive and live their lives fully.

Whether you have been a Providence friend since our beginning, or someone new to us who is beginning to look into senior living options for yourself or someone you love, I’m glad you’re taking the time to get to know us better. We invite you to learn more about the Providence Life Services legacy as you browse through our web site, and we hope you’ll come for a visit to one of our communities to truly experience the Providence difference.

Sincerely,
Richard C. Schutt, CEO
Providence Life Services

Providence Live Services
Richard C. Schutt providence life services CEO

Chief Executive Officer, Providence Life Services

Richard C. Schutt

Rich has served at Providence for more than 40 years, beginning in maintenance at age 15, and working in various positions in the company, culiminating in being named CEO in 1986. Rich has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Trinity Christian College, and a Master's Degree in Health Services Administration from Governor's State University. He is also a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Illinois and Michigan.

Rich has served on boards for many industry-leading organizations, including Chair of the Illinois and National LeadingAge Associations, as well as numerous industry Association Committees. Rich has served the Global Ageing Network (GAN) on two occasions and is the current Chair of GAN. He has performed speaking engagements and Scenario Planning seminars across the country, and has participated in the National Investment Center (NIC) Owner Operator Advisory Board. 

He is married to Linda Schutt (RN, MSN), who served PLS for 31 years in various capacities, and recently retired as the VP of Education. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. Rich and Linda are members of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, where Rich is an Administrative Elder and Linda serves in the Orphan Ministry.