GRACEWORKS LUTHERAN SERVICES
MARKS
CENTURY OF CARE
Judy Budi Leads the Way into the Next 100 Years
By Marc Sheforgen
What began as Lutheran churches responding to local flooding in 1926 has grown into a nonprofit serving
older adults and people with disabilities across three states. This year, Graceworks Lutheran Services
is celebrating 100 years of adapting to meet community needs.
“Our work touches the lives of 2,000 people a day,” said Judy Budi, President and CEO of
Graceworks. “We have 1,200 employees who help us accomplish that, who are making a difference in
people’s lives.”
Originally named the Lutheran Inner Mission League of the Miami Valley, Graceworks has operated thrift
stores, credit counseling services and an adoption program. Each effort addressed specific community
needs before transitioning as other organizations took on those missions.
“About 10 years ago, we put our focus on the residential side and helping older adults and people
with disabilities,” Budi said.
Today, Graceworks operates 44 small group homes serving four to eight residents each through its
Enhanced Living program. The organization also operates adult day programming and provides interim care
for individuals with disabilities facing emergency housing situations through a partnership with
Montgomery County. Bethany Village retirement community is home to 700 older adults and offers
short-term rehabilitation, home health and hospice services. Outreach extends across Ohio, Indiana and
Northern Kentucky, where 18 affordable housing apartment communities are home to 700 seniors.
“The places where we serve these individuals are not just a building but truly home,” Budi
said. “The difference here is that you truly get to know the person. We choose to work in their
home; they don’t live where we work. That’s a big difference in how we approach the care and
services that we deliver.”
That focus has created lasting relationships between staff and residents, with one employee celebrating
50 years of service in 2025.
Budi started at Graceworks more than 30 years ago as director of food services at Bethany Village and
said meaningful work keeps employees engaged long-term.
“What kept me here is knowing that the work I’m doing every day and supporting the
individuals that we’re caring for really is making a difference in their lives,” she
said.
Graceworks welcomes volunteers who want to make a meaningful impact, though participation has declined
since the pandemic.
“While we had hundreds of volunteers before, we have less than 100 today,” she said.
“I would certainly encourage people who are looking for meaning and purpose that there’s a
great opportunity.”
Budi said Dayton’s collaborative spirit accelerates the impact that Graceworks has and credited
the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce – of which she serves as chair of the board of trustees
– as a great facilitator in supporting and bringing organizations together.
“Not only is the chamber about business and small business, it’s also about
nonprofits,” she said. “And they have great leadership programs that help people understand
that living and community is an integrated system.”
As Graceworks enters its second century, Budi said the organization remains focused on its mission.
“We are excited to celebrate this century of service but look forward to the impact in
people’s lives that we can have in the future,” she said.
To learn more about Graceworks Lutheran Services, visit www.graceworks.org.
"We choose to work in their home; they don’t live where we work. That’s a big
difference in how we approach the care and services that we deliver.”
– Judy Budi
President & CEO
Graceworks Lutheran Services
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