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WELCOME

Our goal is to help each individual be happy, healthy, and safe for as long as they may need us. 

About Us.

Cretsinger Care Homes, Ltd. owns and operates licensed adult foster care homes in Battle Creek, MI. Founded in 1984 by Bob and Nita Cretsinger, Cretsinger Care Homes is a family business now owned by their daughter, Renee Kelly, and her husband Patrick Kelly. We have had a strong, positive presence in the community for more than 30 years, operating our business on the principles of honesty and integrity.

Our locations and services have varied over the years, changing with the times. We currently have locations to provide care for developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and/or medically fragile individuals. Our census is always changing, so please contact us for specifics about each home.

A resident poses in front of the home and smiles

“I continue to say that Cretsinger's are the best. It was far better staffed than most homes you go into, and every one of the staff was participating in care in some fashion. You are a model!"

Pat Fosdick

Scene Magazine & Former Guardian

Care givers show off the backs of their customized shirts, sporting a their name and a number

Amenities.

Each of our homes provide:

  • 24-hour, Red Cross Certified staff

  • all meals and snacks with accommodation for special diets

  • cash funds storage and management

  • laundry

  • medical care coordination

  • complete medication administration, including ordering and refilling prescriptions

  • transportation to and attendance at medical appointments

Our Executive Team.

Renee Kelly

Owner, Licensee, Chief Executive Officer

After earning a degree in Human Development and Social Relations from Kalamazoo College, Renee became the full-time Administrator for Cretsinger Care Homes in 1997. In 2020, Renee became the corporate Licensee and CEO. Her roles are many and varied, including policy creation, HR, IT, corporate compliance, and marketing. She is a Health and Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross and a Certified Instructor for the Crisis Prevention Institute. Renee is also our placement coordinator.

 A white woman with long, dark hair and a floral blouse
A white man wearing a blue button up shirt with short, dark hair

Patrick Kelly

Owner, Chief Financial Officer

Pat began his career in Building Construction Management with a degree from Michigan State University. As Cretsinger Care Homes grew, he joined the family business in 1999. Pat missed his calling to be an accountant and is responsible for all financial aspects, including billing, payroll, and employee benefit management. Pat also coordinates the management of the physical properties, assists with staff management, and fills in whatever duties need completion. 

Tracy Frey

Administrator, Chief Operating Officer

Tracy began her career with Cretsinger Care Homes as a caregiver in 2004. She has always worked well under pressure and therefore been willing to take on extra duties. Tracy has managed Cretsinger East, Cretsinger Country Place and Pennfield Premier Living. She has developed a rapport with our many coordinating agencies, physicians, guardians and licensing entities. In April 2020, Tracy shifted roles to become a full time part of our executive team. She is actively involved with all of our homes and offers leadership support and compliance oversight. Tracy has extensive knowledge of all of our residents, policies, and operational processes. Tracy is the "mama" to our residents and a mentor to our staff. She is tremendously valued by everyone in our organization. 

A white woman with dark hair and a big smile
Rachel is a white woman with long light brown hair wearing a black shirt

Rachel Appel

Compliance Officer

Rachel joined our team in February 2023, becoming our first official Compliance Officer. She is well suited for this role after earning her Bachelor of Science for Interdisciplinary Health Services with a minor in Psychology and American Sign Language from Western Michigan University. In addition to traditional oversight, she is also our lead trainer as a Certified Instructor through both the Crisis Prevention Institute and the American Red Cross. Rachel has tremendous flexibility and has become a major support to many of our business functions. Rachel is organized, energetic, and always looking to learn something new. She is the perfect fit for our Cretsinger Care Homes family, and we all benefit from having her on board. 

Bob & Nita Cretsinger

Founders

Bob and Nita began Cretsinger Care Homes in February 1984 with the opening of two 20-bed facilities. Over the years, they worked hard to develop close working relationships with many local agencies, guardians, families, and hospitals, earning a reputation as compassionate and honest business owners. After retiring in 2020, they now enjoy traveling, riding their e-bikes, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Bob is an older man with white hair who has hand on the shoulder of Nita, an older woman with short hair
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