HOUSTON, August 21, 2019 – Parkway Place, a faith-based nonprofit senior living community, is proud to welcome James VanSteenhouse, the founder and CEO of Houston-based InterLinc Mortgage Services. Known as “The Bear Man,” VanSteenhouse is coming to speak to residents, invited guests and the public at the community (located at 1321 Park Bayou Drive) on Friday, August 30 at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP at 281-677-5955.
Photo courtesy of Parkway Place:
VanSteenhouse, an avid sportsman and adventurer, is most notable for surviving a grizzly bear attack in Canada in 2015. As a man of faith, he found that faith tested when one of the world’s largest predators attacked him. He survived, and he now shares his near-death experience in the hope that it will inspire others.
“They say everything can change in the blink of an eye, but I never fully understood this statement. I lived my life to the fullest. Always have,” said Vansteenhouse. “I thought when my time came and He called, I’d be ready. One overcast day in September 2015, I quickly learned I was wrong. As I wrestled an 850-pound boar grizzly bear – fighting for my life – everything changed in what seemed like a blink of an eye. People of faith know that God promises a safe landing; however, He does not promise a safe passage. As I share my life-changing experience with residents and guests of Parkway Place, my hope is that my scars can help spark some gratitude and appreciation for this life as people continue on their own journey – as you never know when your blink of an eye will come.”
“We are honored to have James speak at Parkway Place and share his story of survival,” said Susan Phelps, executive director. “James is a man of faith who had it tested in the most extreme way. He came out a stronger person, and we are thankful he is sharing his story with us. I hope it inspires others to live their life to the fullest. As James puts it, he became a grizzly attack survivor for a reason, not by accident. He is using his second chance at life to make a difference for others, and we are grateful to be a part of that. We are an organization that is built on faith. It is the core of what we do, and having James come speak at the community is truly a blessing.”
ABOUT PARKWAY PLACE
Parkway Place in Houston, a Buckner Retirement Services community, is a nonprofit faith-based senior living community located on a 15-acre manicured campus that includes flowers, walking paths, gazebos, benches and raised gardens, putting green, as well as an outdoor heated pool and spas. It is also one of the few Independent Living communities in West Houston that has no entrance fees or long-term contracts and provides spacious apartment residences on a rental basis. As a continuing care retirement community, Parkway Place offers Independent Living apartment residences, spacious Assisted Living, and innovative Memory Care and Skilled Nursing services.
At Parkway Place, residents can enjoy delicious dining and warm fellowship in beautifully arranged dining rooms, as well as maintain active lifestyles at the wellness center. The community also has an on-site life enrichment coordinator, chapel, full-time chaplain, on-site worship services, beauty/barber salon and weekly housekeeping/linen service. For more information about Parkway Place, please visit the community website at www.bucknerparkwayplace.org or call (281) 677–5912.
ABOUT BUCKNER RETIREMENT SERVICES
Buckner Retirement Services, Inc. is one of the largest not-for-profit senior living organizations in Texas dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. Buckner Retirement Services is part of Buckner International, a global faith-based ministry serving people each year in the United States and worldwide.