As the 2022 holiday season draws near, we wanted to reach out to you, our residents and families, and thank you for your understanding, support, and most of all, your prayers throughout the year. You and your loved ones deserve the very best from us, and our Heritage teams, from chaplaincy to activities and everyone in between, continues to be committed to using love, imagination, and faith to find ways to encourage and provide hope for each and every senior we serve. 

In the midst of thankfulness, we have faced many struggles this year. A global pandemic, historic nationwide staffing shortage, and other external factors have taken a significant toll on not-for-profit senior care communities across the country over the past two years, including Heritage, and that reality still remains. Unfortunately, the situation has been made worse by legislative mandates and financial penalties that have created significant impacts on our operating and financial environment.

I encourage you to visit www.heritage1886.org/advocacy to learn more about how you can come alongside and be a voice for Heritage at a time when we need it the most. 

Despite the challenges we have faced this year, we remain thankful for the opportunity to serve our seniors. We're excited to share with you that we are officially kicking off our third annual season of "Bring the Joy,” and remain dedicated to promoting Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living. In this special edition newsletter you'll find information on many of the ways we are working to Bring the Joy to each and every one of our residents and employees this year. This is just a small listing- for all of the amazing experiences and meaningful moments we are working to create, visit www.heritage1886.org/joy to learn more.

Thank you for all you do each day. I remain thankful for each of you, and wish you all the best this season. 

Blessings,
Lisa
Administrator's Corner
Rebecca LeBaron, Area Director of Senior Housing

"Never forget the difference you can make"
 
Since we were kids, we have been asked to think about what we are grateful for during the holidays. We can count our blessings and may even share them with family during a Thanksgiving meal.  

While we were able to keep COVID out of our Assisted Living Facility for 2 ½ years, this past month was difficult. We finally experienced residents with COVID. During the time of quarantine, required by Department of Health, we asked residents what they were thankful for. 

A few said:
  • family
  • relationship with God
  • health
  • the staff and friends who have become like family
  • living here because they feel safe and protected 

Even after a few weeks of uncertainty due to the pandemic, it was a wonderful example of the difference we can make every day. We made the best of a situation we had been preparing for a long time. The last couple of years have been uncertain and while the future is always uncertain, we can be certain that what we do does make a difference. The kind smile (even behind the masks!), the friendly good mornings and knowing that we are prayed goes beyond what we think we can do.  

So, this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I am thankful for all of you and the difference YOU have made in my life.  

Chaplain's Corner
by Larry Petry, Senior Chaplain

One of the challenges of the holiday season is finding “the perfect gift” to give to our loved ones. There can be many questions that run through our mind in the gift-giving process “Will it fit?,” “Does he already have one of these?,” “Will she actually use it?,” “Will it last?,” “Will they like it?”

It is challenging to run the gamut of check-list questions in order to give the perfect gift. Socks from grandma aside, the Christmas season reminds us of a truly great gift – one perhaps we haven’t remembered to consider or treasure in our hearts. Romans 6:23 reminds us that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Bible reminds us that God loved this broken, tragic world so much that he sent his Son into it. To be part of it, and also to lead us, to help us, and to heal us. The gift of Jesus Christ really is the perfect gift. Jesus is personal, helping us precisely in our times and places of need. Jesus walks with us, through the changing seasons of life. He never runs down, never wears out, never becomes old or out-of-style. The work of Jesus in our lives is always current, always working in our souls, and always desiring a transformation in our lives for where we are now. There is no greater gift you can receive in this season, than expressing your simple trust in the Son of God. When we do this, a miraculous transformation takes place in us. It’s hard to even put into words. As you search through the latest fads and the typical holiday fare for good gift-giving items, remember the ultimate gift that was given for you: God loves you, and he sent his Son to be your helper, your savior, and your friend. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

To come alongside us in praying for Heritage, or to share your own prayer request with our chaplaincy team, please click HERE.


Our Third Annual Thanksgiving Day Shoebox Parade was a huge success, and our Heritage family enjoyed viewing the parade on our YouTube and Facebook channels, and on our resident TV channel on Thanksgiving Day! You can vote for your favorite float by clicking HERE!
Black Friday. Cyber Monday. #GIVINGTUESDAY. For Giving Tuesday 2022 this Tuesday, November 29, your gift to Heritage will help Bring the Joy by providing safe and engaging activities and resources this holiday season. Learn more at www.heritage1886.org/joy and make your donation on Tuesday, November 29!
Use the Heritage Holiday Shoppe to purchase original and timeless gifts for your loved one! Our new shop offers free shipping, gift wrap, and delivery to Heritage locations nationwide. “Order by” dates are marked on each item to ensure Christmas delivery!

Help us Bring the Joy to our residents this holiday season by sending in a video or volunteering your talents to entertain our residents at any of our communities in-person! Whether it’s of you and your family singing or playing an instrument, reading a Christmas story, or just wishing our residents and staff a Merry Christmas, we want to hear from you!
You shop, Amazon gives! While you’re purchasing gifts this season online, why not help support Heritage at the same time? AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support Heritage every time you shop, at no cost to you. Connect your account today!
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!
Urge your senators and representatives to enact key aging services priorities before Congress adjourns! In the remaining weeks of 2022, Congress must not leave key supports and services for older adults unfinished. Severe shortages in the aging services workforce and affordable senior housing, coupled with inefficient and burdensome Medicare Advantage (MA) prior authorization processes that often result in inappropriate care denials, mean that older adults do not have access to needed services and supports. Congress can and must take action to address these crises before it adjourns. Take action today!

For more information, to learn about our advocacy efforts, and to join our advocacy mailing list, visit heritage1886.org/advocacy..
Heritage Ministries | www.heritage1886.org