Paxton Street Home Inc

Pros

• A wonderful ministry filled with nice people who are dedicated to serving the special needs of some wonderful people.
• Great organization, and their employees are wonderful!
• Staff is top notch and definitely care about their residents.
• Fantastic facility, amazing staff.
• Laura Murray is outstanding to work with.
• They make sure your needs are met in every which way.
• Best personal care home in the whole state of Pennsylvania.
• They are a great group of people with one thing in mind, serving those in need.
• Lovely. Courteous and helpful staff, clean place, many amenities, and a homey atmosphere.
• Great housing and events for the family!

Cons

• One reviewer alleged that the facility treats residents like inmates, with restricted movement, no leaving the property, and highly controlled visits.
• Another reviewer described some staff as looking down on residents and treating them poorly, while others were perceived as acting royally toward staff.
• A reviewer stated they did not receive any help during an emergency when they had three small children.
• A reviewer felt the ministry judged someone for their past.
• A reviewer described COVID-era measures as confining residents to their rooms for 14 days and restricting movement.
• A reviewer warned others to run away from the facility, citing jail-like conditions for residents.

Review

Paxton Ministries Personal Care Home is described by many as a wonderful ministry in the Harrisburg area, where a genuine dedication to serving residents with special needs is at the core of daily life. Multiple reviewers highlight a culture built around Christian love and a community spirit that feels close-knit and supportive. From the outset, the tone conveys pride in the organization and a sense that those who are part of it - staff, volunteers, residents, and affiliated church groups - share a common purpose: to care for those who require extra attention and compassion. Several observers emphasize the "Cubs who care" sentiment, noting that even the youngest participants in the ministry's ecosystem demonstrate empathy and commitment to helping others. The overarching impression is that Paxton Ministries stands out as a place where kindness, faith, and service converge to create a meaningful living environment.

Volunteer and staff experiences consistently emerge as standout themes. Reviewers describe volunteers stepping in with warmth and a hands-on approach to resident interaction, while staff members are portrayed as dedicated, competent, and approachable. The message that volunteers can make a real difference is reinforced by accounts of cheerful days spent serving meals, engaging residents in conversation, and helping with activities. The sense of a well-functioning team is palpable: caring for residents appears to be a shared responsibility across the entire organization, with volunteers and staff alike contributing to a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Several comments note that staff members are "top notch," with measurable care and a genuine interest in the well-being of those living at the home.

Among the staff, particular individuals stand out for their impact, including Laura Murray, who is described as outstanding to work with and someone who goes above and beyond for residents. A reviewer also mentions a resident's dog, Finn, as a meaningful part of the community, illustrating how personal connections and small joys are woven into daily life at the home. These personal touches - recognizing exceptional staff and the affectionate companionship of a resident's pet - add to the sense that Paxton Ministries is more than a facility; it is a place where relationships matter and everyday life is enriched by care that feels sincere and attentive.

The reviews reflect a strong sense of mission and identity, with many noting the Christian ethos that guides care and interaction. Several accounts speak of residents and staff who are genuinely devoted to Jesus and to living out a faith-centered approach to caregiving. There is admiration for the way faith shapes the environment, promoting kindness, patience, and respect. Nevertheless, there are nuanced reflections about how faith and judgment can intersect with daily life. One reviewer mentions feeling challenged by how past actions are handled within the ministry, acknowledging the complexity that can arise when spiritual expectations shape responses to individuals' histories. This nuance reminds readers that even in a strongly faith-based community, experiences can vary and personal journeys may evoke a spectrum of reactions.

The resident experience is portrayed in warmly personal terms by those who live there or have lived there. One review expresses deep appreciation for the home after nearly three years, describing genuine people who embody love and faith. There is, however, an important counterpoint from another perspective: the same reviewer notes that there can be tension around how staff relate to residents, with some instances where residents felt they were not treated with the dignity they deserved. Another comment references the challenge of managing mental health needs, underscoring that even in a loving, faith-driven environment, residents' psychological and emotional realities require ongoing sensitivity and care. Taken together, these viewpoints present a picture of a place that strives to live up to high ideals while acknowledging that every individual's experience can differ.

The physical setting and practical amenities also come through vividly in the reviews. Descriptions of a welcoming reception area and thoughtful building layout - such as the main entrance being accessed from a courtyard - suggest a comfortable, navigable environment. Former residents praise the facility's upkeep, noting that it feels well maintained, safe, and clean, with amenities and an atmosphere that foster a sense of home rather than institution. The importance of safety and a well-organized environment is reinforced by mentions of well-kept common areas, reliable routines, and opportunities for residents to engage in activities and outings. The sense of belonging is intensified by stories of family-like experiences, including people from the broader community using the space for meaningful events, such as a women's luncheon in a large, well-equipped hall.

Community involvement and external partnerships also weave through the narrative. Volunteers describe meaningful opportunities to contribute, whether by assisting with meals or simply spending time with residents. There are mentions of partnerships with local clubs and churches, such as the Capital Region Civitan Club, which celebrate and engage with residents - an illustration of how Paxton Ministries extends its impact beyond its walls. The facility is also recognized for its capacity to host events, provide robust programming, and facilitate generous acts like donations from the wider community, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose and ongoing support.

Not every account is wholly unblemished, and a single, strongly negative review stands in contrast to the otherwise consistently positive voice. The reviewer asserts that the facility treats residents as if they were inmates, detailing drastic restrictions during the COVID era, including limited movement, mandatory testing, quarantines, and prohibitions on leaving rooms or the property. According to this perspective, such measures rendered life at the home feel oppressive and contrary to residents' autonomy. This starkly contrasts with the other testimonials that praise safety measures taken during the pandemic and emphasize care in protecting vulnerable individuals. The presence of this divergent experience serves as a reminder that real-world care is complex and multifaceted, and that perceptions of safety, autonomy, and dignity can diverge within the same organization.

In sum, Paxton Ministries Personal Care Home emerges from these reflections as a place of considerable strength and heartfelt service. The consensus highlights a compassionate staff, committed volunteers, a clear Christian mission, and a supportive community environment that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of residents. Many reviewers speak with gratitude about living there, volunteering there, or visiting for events, and several point to specific people and moments that have made a meaningful difference. The narrative also acknowledges the inevitable complexities of caregiving, including tensions around how care is administered and how spiritual values interact with individual histories and needs. Taken together, the portrait is that of a vibrant, faith-centered community dedicated to caring for those who require extra attention, enriched by personal stories, strong relationships, and a shared conviction that every resident deserves to be cherished, safe, and loved.

This area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant community. With multiple physicians' offices, hospitals, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents have access to quality healthcare. Places of worship provide spiritual fulfillment, while a variety of restaurants cater to different tastes. A selection of cafes offer opportunities for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Nearby parks such as City Island and Riverfront Park provide beautiful outdoor spaces for leisurely walks or picnics. The Regal Harrisburg theater is also within reach for entertainment options. Overall, this part of Harrisburg offers a well-rounded lifestyle with essential services and recreational activities easily accessible.

Physicians

• Community Check Up Center (0.4 miles)
• Hamilton Health Center (1 miles)
• Premier Eye Care Group (1.3 miles)
• Maternal Fetal Medicine of Central PA (1.5 miles)
• Internists of Central PA (1.8 miles)
• Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society (1.9 miles)
• Green Hill Family Health Center (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Harrisburg Bic Church (0.4 miles)
• Trinity United Methodist Church (2 miles)
• Community Evangelical Free Church (2.5 miles)
• Colonial Park UCC (4.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Little Saigon Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Club XL (0.9 miles)
• Tres Hermanos (0.9 miles)
• El Sol Mexican Restaurant (1.5 miles)
• Fiesta Mexico (1.7 miles)
• McGrath's Pub (1.8 miles)
• The Sturges Speakeasy (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Department Of Surgery (1.5 miles)
• Labor & Delivery (1.5 miles)
• UPMC Pinnnacle Harrisburg (1.5 miles)
• Alex Grass Medical Sciences Building (1.5 miles)
• Harrisburg State Hospital (2.5 miles)
• PinnacleHealth Community General Osteopathic Hospital (2.8 miles)
• Polyclinic Campus (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• County of Dauphin (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.2 miles)
• Jubilant Radiopharma (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Tomato Pie Cafe (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Little Amps Coffee Roasters (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)

Parks

• City Island (2 miles)
• Riverfront Park Harrisburg (2.5 miles)
• Adams-Ricci Park (5 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Harrisburg (3.5 miles)