“We don’t miss the house one bit. Now, we have more time to enjoy life, make new friends, and stay involved in the community.”

Mike & Kathy Perloff, Independent Living Residents

When Mike and Kathy Perloff were ready for a new chapter, they wanted more freedom, more connection, and the reassurance of care for the future. Drawn by Lions Gate’s maintenance-free living, vibrant Jewish community, and continuum of care, they moved into Independent Living about nine months ago.

After many years in their split-level Cherry Hill home, Mike and Kathy were ready for less upkeep and more time to enjoy each day. “We don’t miss the house one bit,” Kathy said.

Knowing additional care would be available if ever needed was an important part of their decision. “It’s like an insurance policy,” Mike said. “You hope you never need the next level, but it’s there if you do.”

For more than 55 years, Mike and Kathy have shared a partnership built on humor, mutual respect, and easy banter. Mike lovingly refers to Kathy as his “better three-quarters.” Together, they taught, raised their family in Cherry Hill, traveled extensively, and built lifelong friendships throughout the South Jersey Jewish community.

Many of those connections made the move to Lions Gate feel familiar right away. “We knew people who were already here,” Kathy said. “It felt like we were walking into a community we already knew.”

In fact, other than maintenance-free living, one of the greatest attractions for Kathy was the people. “I’ve always loved being around people,” she said. She enjoys walking into the Bistro, joining a table, and quickly finding someone to talk with. She also enjoys water aerobics, lectures, and bringing her knitting to the common areas, where conversations naturally begin.

Mike has found that same sense of connection in his own way. “One thing I find incredibly interesting here is meeting people I otherwise never would have met,” he said. He enjoys learning about their experiences and perspectives.

That desire to stay connected extends beyond Lions Gate as well. Mike remains active through the South Jersey Men’s Club, which he helped establish. The organization supports the Jewish Family & Children’s Service Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry and other community programs through volunteer service.

As Mike sees it, where a person lives may change. The responsibility to make a difference does not. His philosophy is simple and meaningful: “You spend a lifetime making money,” he said. “Now make a difference.”

That sense of service has followed the Perloffs to Lions Gate. Residents regularly contribute food near the front entrance, and Mike helps transport those donations when he volunteers at the pantry.

The Perloffs are also impressed by the Lions Gate staff and their willingness to step beyond formal job descriptions. “It seems like the work culture here is teamwork,” Mike said. During this winter’s storms, they watched employees from every department pitch in wherever help was needed, including CEO David Thompson, who was outside clearing snow off cars so employees could get home. “Isn’t that amazing?” Mike said.

Family remains an important part of life at Lions Gate. Last summer, the Perloffs’ young grandson, Liam, stayed with them for a week, which thrilled the other residents. He quickly became a favorite at the pool and is expected to return this summer for more swimming, library story times, and visits to local playgrounds.

When asked about the dining options, Mike smiled and offered a simple review: “The food is fantastic.”

For the Perloffs, moving to Lions Gate has not meant stepping away from the lives they built. Instead, it has given them more time to remain active, welcome family, form friendships, and continue contributing to their community.