About
Our Mission
Rouse exists to improve the quality of life for those who cannot fully care for themselves, regardless of age or economic status. We do this by continually expanding our knowledge, broadening our continuum of care and improving our services.
Our Vision
Rouse will be seen as the regional Center of Excellence in providing a continuum of care for all generations. Rouse strives to develop and maintain real and lasting relationships with those for whom we care by getting to know them on a personal level. Our person-centered care will be delivered to individuals following their needs and wishes. We will consistently strive to exceed the expectations of our customers by continually evaluating and responding to industry needs. We will do this by providing a supportive, energized working environment that values employee contributions and growth.
History of Rouse
Located on nearly 600 acres of the Brokenstraw Valley near Youngsville, Pennsylvania, the Rouse Estate stands as a tribute to one of the Commonwealth’s little-known heroes of the oil boom, Henry R. Rouse.
In 1861, at age 37, Henry Rouse had already achieved more success than other men twice his age. He was a self-made man, having been a teacher, an entrepreneur, and a mercantile success. His random acts of kindness, civic spirit, leadership, and honesty earned him the respect of his community, and election to two terms in the state legislature.
Only weeks after the world’s first oil well was established in nearby Titusville, Henry Rouse found himself in the thick of the fledgling industry. On the evening of April 17, 1861, a breathless worker ran up to him, telling him to “come quickly” as they’d “hit a big one.” According to the best accounts of the time, the “big one” was the world’s first legitimate oil gusher.
As oil spouted from the ground, Henry Rouse and the others stood by wondering how to control the phenomenon. Exactly what happened next remains one of history’s unanswered questions. For reasons unknown, an explosion occurred, killing several men and leaving Henry Rouse with severe burns over most of his body.
Somehow, in the last five hours of his life, Henry Rouse managed to dictate a detailed will in which he provided for the establishment of what is today known as the Rouse Estate. Within a few years of his death, land was purchased, a building was raised, and his dream of caring for others was on its way to being realized.