When you’re considering a move to a senior retirement community, you’re looking for more than just a new address. You’re searching for a place where you can truly thrive – physically, socially, and emotionally. For those who prioritize their faith, finding a retirement community that supports and nurtures your spirituality is also essential.

At Village On The Isle (VOTI) in Venice, Florida faith is at the very heart of who we are. We purposefully strive to live our mission statement every day, which says:

VOTI is a non-profit, faith-based organization affiliated with The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We are committed to sharing God’s love by promoting individual growth and dignity, enhancing the quality of life and meeting the human and spiritual needs of our residents, staff and community.

Our mission is woven into every aspect of retirement living at Village On The Isle – from our caring staff to our resident events.

Keep reading to learn more about how VOTI supports residents’ spiritual life and stands out among other senior retirement communities in Venice and Sarasota.

Giving Back: Sharing God’s Love with Others

As a faith-based senior retirement community, VOTI is a place where giving back and volunteering are key tenets of resident life. In 2025 alone, VOTI residents volunteered a remarkable 19,675 hours of their time, a powerful testament to their dedication to supporting one another and enriching life at our senior living community.

One way in which residents are giving back is by participating in the Caring Friends Group. This special group of residents volunteers to visit and befriend those who may feel isolated or lonely, particularly in our healthcare and assisted living facilities.

The VOTI Foundation also supports our community and residents and allows residents to make financial donations to the organization.

A Spiritual Leader: Meet Our Chaplain, Rob Hall

Leading our spiritual programs is Rob Hall, our Advancement Director and Chaplain at Village On The Isle. Pastor Rob has been a part of the VOTI community for 3 years. He first joined our Board of Trustees in 2016-17 and became a staff member and our dedicated Chaplain in 2022. Pastor Rob also served as the Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice from 2014 to 2023.

With years of dedicated service to our community and the local faith community, Pastor Rob has a unique perspective on the spiritual needs of our residents. His approach is all about connection and guidance, creating a welcoming environment where residents can explore their faith and find support.

“As a spiritual guide, my job is to support the spiritual wellbeing of residents, connect them with each other and remind them that they are not alone,” said Pastor Rob. “My door is always open, and residents can meet with me for council and guidance, or to learn more about their faith if they choose to do so.”

Something for Everyone: Faith-based Events at VOTI

While our foundation at VOTI is in the Christian heritage, our doors are open to individuals of all denominations and faith journeys. Our residents come from a variety of faith backgrounds and ecumenical groups. We believe in providing a space for everyone to grow spiritually – whatever their path may be.

Throughout the week, there are opportunities for worship, bible study and fellowship on the VOTI campus. We also host evening chapel with communion, morning worship services and Catholic Mass and Episcopal service.

On Sundays, we encourage residents to attend their own congregations to expand their social circle and further enrich their faith and offer transportation to attend these services. Like many other senior retirement communities, VOTI also holds special services to mark key dates on the liturgical calendar, such as Easter and All Saints services, as well as the high holidays.

As seniors of different faith backgrounds move to VOTI, we also tailor our faith-based programs to meet their spiritual needs. Our community is a welcome place for seniors of all faith backgrounds – from Christianity and Judaism to Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Shared Interest Groups: Building a Community of Care

Beyond our faith-based events and gatherings, Pastor Rob has also been instrumental in creating support groups and programs that address the diverse needs of our residents. These groups offer residents the opportunity to connect with each other and create a strong sense of community on campus.

Our current list of support groups includes:

• Living Through Loss: A support group for those navigating the grief of losing a loved one or experiencing a significant health change.
• Visually Challenged Group: A monthly gathering of visually impaired residents, where they can find support in their daily lives.
• Caregiver Support Group: A space for residents who are caring for a loved one to find understanding and resources.
• Men’s Group: A weekly gathering of 25-30 male residents who meet to share stories, listen to guest speakers and build lasting friendships as part of their retirement living.

More Than a Community, It’s a Calling

At Village On The Isle in Venice, Florida, our faith-based mission statement guides our commitment to providing for the needs of our residents and helping them grow in their faith. It’s not a requirement, but an invitation to grow in your faith in retirement living.

Come see for yourself how we are committed to sharing God’s love and creating a community where you will thrive. For more information about our community, schedule a visit by calling (941) 202-4451.