A Message from our CEO,
Lisa Haglund


For the past couple of months, I have spoken with you about how we can invest in Heritage to create a sustainable future. Now more than ever, our residents and staff need our support.

Congress is currently considering many issues that affect the lives of seniors and their service providers. We need your help to make sure our representatives hear how their actions impact you and your loved one. As we work for our residents, we know that change will not happen without our advocacy, our actions, and our voice. We can all feel and see the ways in which healthcare is currently under attack. Together, it is up to us to speak up for our entire senior care industry.

How can I help Heritage?

Come alongside Heritage and make your voice heard through advocacy. It’s important we share with our elected representatives how their decisions impact our seniors. To learn more about how you can advocate for Heritage, our residents, our staff, and our entire senior care industry, I urge you to visit www.heritage1886.org/advocacy and become involved. Every voice matters.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. It is because of you we will remain #HeritageStrong


Administrator's Corner
Rebecca LeBaron
Area Director of Senior Housing


“Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, enjoying the scenery, having fun with family and friends” - Brian Wilson 

Ahh, summer. 

It's supposed to be the lazy, hazy days of summer right? When was the last time that held true? After a couple of years of not seeing people due to COVID, it seems this summer everyone is busier than ever! There are celebrations for graduations, weddings, birthdays and any other reason to have happy times. However, my favorite summer activity is enjoying the scenery. I am that person who loves the sunrises (okay- let's be fair- I don’t get up too often to see them!), sunsets, rain clouds, baby animals, green grass, and flowers. When I take a moment to really look around, it’s a reminder to breathe, enjoy, and more importantly, a reminder to thank who is really in charge. God created this for us. We are created to be busy, but also to be still. 

While the rest of the world has kind of gone back to normal, our residents and staff still have to observe many COVID-19 mandates and guidance.  We ask when you visit, please observe our COVID-19 guidelines and as always, please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.  

For the rest of the summer, enjoy the good times and sunshine and have fun- but be sure to take a moment to rest and enjoy the scenery! Sometimes it’s the moment of rest we need to really enjoy the world around us.   
Around Vinecroft
Arlene, Esther, and Violet enjoyed our trip the Buffalo Botanical Gardens. We loved seeing the beautiful exhibits and spending time together!

 
Our community loved a visit from Kelly Maine, D.P.T., for a health and wellness demonstration.
"Take me out to the ballgame..."
Everyone enjoyed a day at the stadium as we cheered on the Buffalo Bisons!
Heritage CEO Receives Honor

We were so excited to celebrate Lisa Haglund, President and CEO, for being named to the Buffalo Business First's Power 200 Women list of the most influential female leaders in Western New York!

Reverend Wally Fleming, Heritage Ministries Board President, shared "Lisa is a tireless advocate for change, and a strong voice for our seniors and the dedicated staff who care for them. Two years into a historic staffing crisis, this industry needs a champion for its workforce. Heritage has that in Lisa, who with support of this board, has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to her staff with consistent salary increases in each of the last two years."

Ruth Hansen
July Resident of the Month

Meet Ruth, world traveler and Resident of the Month for July at Vinecroft! From Egypt, to Australia, to all 50 U.S. States, she has made memories to last a lifetime! She also worked at the Buffalo Museum of Science, attended SUNY Buffalo State College, and taught elementary school students for 15 years!

To learn more about Ruth's story
Chaplain's Corner

Larry Petry, Senior Chaplain

One of the comments that often comes up in my conversations is the passing of time. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, and all of the unusual activity that has occurred following, many of us still remark how difficult it is to keep track of time these days. Perhaps you’ve experienced those struggles: What day is it? Wait, what did I do in 2021? What was the timeline of all those things?

As I write this, July is nearly at a close. Where did the summer go? The marking and holding of time can be a difficult thing. The Bible speaks to this struggle a bit, offering us some perspective and guidance. Psalm 90 is a beautiful psalm that addresses the challenges of time. And it contains this particular pearl: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12, NIV).  I appreciate how another translation puts it: Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.

It can be incredibly challenging to live in the present moment. I often find myself looking ahead to this or that – can’t wait ‘til we’re back to normal. Can’t wait for the football season to start. And I, too, struggle maintaining the measurement of time. But God’s Word offers a counter: use time wisely. I believe this means acknowledging that yes, time moves forward in both comforting and uncomfortable measures. The ultimate question is, what am I doing with the present time I have?

Perhaps there is wisdom in making the most of our present opportunities instead of bemoaning lost causes or longing for an ideal future horizon. God has placed us here. God has given us opportunities today. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

God help us keep our focus. Help us when time seems so out of hand. Help us slow down, and receive the present opportunities we have from You. Amen.

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


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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.

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