A Message from our CEO, Lisa Haglund Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior living industry has faced countless challenges: uncertainty, constantly changing regulations, and a staffing crisis, just to name a few. Now, we are finding our strength in the legacy of our past: our faith and commitment to caring. In many ways, faith and the mission of Heritage, to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living, are playing a key role as we work to reinvent and redefine Heritage. During a time when the entire healthcare industry has had to adapt to the realities of a global pandemic, we are still committed to the same principles our founders embraced in 1886. Last month I mentioned to you that now is the “Time to Invest” at Heritage. We’ve started… and we are far from stopping! For our residents, for our employees, and for all we serve, we are striving to offer an environment of peace, joy, friendship, comfort, and security in everything that we do. We’re focused on more actively embracing our roots to build a positive and supportive environment for our employees. Our faith in God’s plan for Heritage is strong and is central to how we now operate at every level.   We remain focused on our dedication to being exceptional senior care providers — known for our foundation rooted in faith and compassion. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your continued support of Heritage and the seniors we serve.

Administrator's Corner Rebecca LeBaron Area Director of Senior Housing

“The first day of spring is one thing and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month” - Henry Van Dyke The spring flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, the sun is shining and a short time ago, it was snowing! It's funny how we forget how miserable we were that day as the snow seemed like a cruel joke and today its in the 80s.  This week, the buds have burst and our world is a bit more greener and prettier which in turn makes us happier. May is a beautiful time of year as the spring brings forth new life and a reminder of better days ahead.  Many of us feel better this time of year as we shake off the winter and enjoy the sun’s warmth.  Our expectations get in our way. March 20th was the first day of spring but yet almost 2 months later, spring has finally arrived even though today feels like summer.  Our expectations of what life should be creates unnecessary disappointments and concerns. God tells us to “be still and know He is God” but we are human and its hard to be still. I encourage you to take a moment today, feel the sunshine, smell the flowers and just be still and enjoy this new beginning we call Spring.

Around The Homestead

Smiling faces are everywhere this month at The Homestead!

Chaplain's Corner Larry Petry, Senior Chaplain In the gospels, Jesus has a gracious way of preparing his followers for the difficult things they will encounter. He often drops hints, tells stories or shares an illustration. Jesus even does this in preparing them for the roller-coaster experience of his tragic death on the cross and his triumphant resurrection from the dead! Part of the Easter story is remembering how the followers of Jesus started to wrap their minds around all these things once they began to encounter the resurrected Jesus.  We find that in our time, we experience so many things that we are trying to wrap our minds around, also. Jesus’ gracious statement predicting his own death has many layers of insight. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds (John 12:24). While common, the illustration of a seed is really interesting- we take something small, we bury it away from sight, and in unseen ways and unseen fashion, it grows into MORE.  Perhaps we are growing in unseen ways. Perhaps the small seeds of faith, of hope, of trust or wisdom are being planted by God in the ordinary circumstances we encounter, and then, tucked away unseen, they grow. Amazingly, the gracious process of growth is happening unseen- even in our difficulties, our stresses and our stretching points.  Even in the frustrating circumstances of life, I invite you to consider, “What quality is God growing in me here? How can I help make it grow?” I’m convinced that in our unique period of history, God is producing something within us. Let’s not be discouraged. Let’s yield ourselves to this process and be willing to grow. Let’s take hope, knowing that our Savior works best as new life is tucked away, working powerfully behind the scenes to emerge at the right time and bear much fruit. May this be true in us as well.

Join us for the 2022 #HeritageStrong Golf Classic as we enjoy golfing and bidding our way toward this year’s goal to raise more than $100,000 to support our mission of promoting Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living through Christ-centered ministries. Your support will enrich the lives of our residents by innovative programming; provide lifestyle amenities through our Good Samaritan fund; and, ensure peace-of-mind in any circumstance through our benevolence program. For more information, and to register, click HERE!

The Heritage Ministries public policy team advocates on behalf of our residents, their families, and our staff, to enact policies that will address the needs, quality care, and safety that ensures all our communities are beacons of Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living. Even as our compassionate and trained staff are dedicated to helping our residents thrive, too many older adults and their families face difficulties finding services or support that exactly match their needs. Our federal lawmakers need to hear from us with a plea for them to take action immediately to expand access to care and services for all seniors. Add your voice to ours! Learn more about how you can continue to advocate for Heritage and our residents by clicking HERE.

On June 9, 2022 you have a chance to make a difference through #GiveBigCHQ, by supporting Heritage with your gift! Heritage Ministries has provided care and support to our loved ones for more than 130 years. Serving over 1,500 seniors yearly and offering many levels or care, we count on you to partner with us in sustaining our mission to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living in our communities. Together we can Give BIG! Click HERE for more infomation on GiveBigCHQ.

Send a FREE Heritage eCard to brighten up your loved one’s day or encourage a staff member! We have a variety of cards to fit the occasion, with your own customized message inside! Click on the photo above to get started or visit www.heritage1886.org/ecards,and we’ll print and deliver your card for free!

Heritage Ministries | www.heritage1886.org