Scott Ralston, MBA

Scott was no stranger to adversities in his life as he was born in what became the "Rust Belt" of Ohio in the United States.  He was born with a severe case of clubbed foot and was expected to be in a wheelchair by the time he was out of High School.  However, even as a toddler, and having reconstructive surgery and wearing braces on his legs, visiting the surgeon every week, he always challenged himself and wouldn't take that as an answer.  Through his Mother's strength, courage, will and determination he received from her to thrive, he was able to do so.  As a matter of fact, no one knew he had a disability and he made sure of it, even though he wasn't able to do things, like sports, that others his age could do.  

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Since the age of six, our Founder Scott Ralston was taken to the homes, nursing homes, church shut-ins, and of the like by his mother, Lorraine Henry-Ralston, to ensure that the elderly had a visitor with a friendly face and a loving gesture of bringing them items they needed.  Whether that be toiletries or fruit baskets.  What ever the case, Lorraine would make it a habit to be the deliverer of love, need, care and prayer for many individuals throughout life, especially around the holidays when she'd always bring someone home from the nursing home to have a family to enjoy during those special days, so they wouldn't be alone.    It even went far beyond caring for the elders in the communities she assisted, as children and their laughter were a gift to her.  She would unselfishly do things for others and causes that would help them, no matter if she had to do without to do so.  Scott was raised with this philosophy, to do good for your fellow man and to be a "fisher of men."  Putting others' needs before our own, with laughter, love and a compassion like no other, to do good for others.  

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Lorraine with her tenacity, strength, and most importantly, love, always wanted and provided happiness in her home.  She always wanted to thrive in life and never gave up, no matter what obstacles would cross her path.  She, at the age of 67, decided to go back to school, not for her GED, but college.  So Lorraine, at 67 entered into college for Real Estate Development and began taking classes.  She is Scott's inspiration....to complete her dream and to continue to do what was instilled in him to do.  

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At 14 years of age, Scott had began working as a helper at a small community hospital and began learning from the nurses, Orderly's and the doctor's.  Learning how to take vitals and caring for the patients.  It was through this that he decided he wanted to go into the medical field.  At 17 years of age, he entered into college in Pre-Medicine/Nursing at The Ohio State University.  He began working with the disabled, terminally ill and especially the elderly.  Through the years Scott never worked less than two jobs, even through his academic years.  As Scott always had a listening ear, and still does, he heard what the elder population was longing for and didn't have.  He heard the voices of loneliness, despair and loss of hope.  He soon realized that with the time constraints put on the Physician's and the elderly not having family visit as they used to, the loneliness of these patients only made their health worsen.  He also realized that "no pill could solve what a listening ear and a loving touch could heal."  To allow people, no matter their situation or stage in life or backstory, to still have the ability in life to THRIVE, grow and live! 

 

When Scott became disabled himself, being a double amputee, he began to learn deeper, what these people experienced all these years and how much of an impact it could and does make on an individual's life.  He also learned that it doesn't have to be a negative in life if you are given the ability to still flourish in life and to be able to make an impact no matter how challenging the hurdles are that life brings your way. 

 

With a dignified place to live and a strong support system, all lives can THRIVE and all lives are important, until our last breath.  We all just need a chance to do so, with the strength of a support system, love and happiness within a dignified home, we can do just that.  -The Ralston Way!

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This is why Ralston Communities was formed!