A Message from our CEO, Lisa Haglund Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. As I reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and what it means to us as Christians, I can’t help but also reflect on the rebirth of our lives at Heritage, and the season we are entering as an organization – a season of HOPE.  1 Peter 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I know that it has been a year full of challenges for all of us as we have continued to live with the pandemic and all the struggles it has placed in our paths. I want to assure you that when it seems like we are in our darkest moment, as Peter says, there is always hope. We expect, and know, that we will rise above the difficulties we face, continuing to faithfully serve those that God has called us to care for.  We have much to celebrate as we see the light at the end of what seemingly been a very dark tunnel for over two years. Our COVID positivity rates are down in each of the counties we serve, and we continue to see our staff going above and beyond to serve our beloved residents. For over 135 years, our mission has been to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living. Hope is not just a promise for our residents, but for each family we serve. I want you to know that there is hope at Heritage.  I continue to pray and ask you to come alongside us in prayer for all of our staff and residents as we enter this new and exciting time.   Easter Blessings,  Lisa

Administrator's Corner Rebecca LeBaron Area Director of Senior Housing

Where flowers bloom, so does hope” Lady Bird Johnson Each March, I watch the snow melt in anticipation of the first crocus or daffodil poking its head through the warming soil. The flowers don’t know how much we look forward to them; they just appear because that is what they are supposed to do. Once the first couple bloom, it's like an explosion of colors and promise of warmer days and sunshine. Several years ago, a resident who was a retired farmer said it has to snow on the daffodils four times before the snow finally ends. I don’t know if this is true or not but we count the snows. We question if the dusting of snow received should be counted or not and each year, it seems it was just the right amount of snow to end winter. Spring can begin and with spring the hope of nicer weather and more carefree days.  This March marks two full years of guidance and recommendations all driven by the pandemic. No one would believe when this started we would still be discussing things twenty-four months later. However, we never lost hope that things would get better and we still believe this. I appreciate your patience and understanding as our lives have changed so drastically. I am excited for the spring and have already started looking for flower buds and robins! I am also excited to introduce Meghan Tobias, our new Administrative Assistant for The Homestead in Gerry, NY. She can be reached at 716-985-6827 and mctobias@heritage1886.org (don’t forget the “c”)!

Around The Homestead

Fellowship and fun activities made March extra special at The Homestead!

Chaplain's Corner Larry Petry, Senior Chaplain We will soon be celebrating the Easter season. For some, this is a celebration of spring, new life and delicious Cadbury Creme Eggs, but Easter also holds a much deeper significance for us.  Easter is the historic, tangible celebration of hope. In his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ demonstrated the power and compassion of God’s work breaking into our world. Jesus had many followers who fully embraced his claims that he was the Son of God. At perhaps the height of his ministry, Jesus was betrayed by one of his followers, handed over to his enemies and suffered a public Roman execution- death on a cross.  His followers, his friends, his family and all people of general good will were shattered. Heartbroken. Disillusioned.  Three days later, Jesus fulfilled prophecies (including his own) by raising from the dead. Not only was this a startling revelation, but it was verified through the credible eyewitness testimony of many. Jesus is alive. As it’s often proclaimed in our churches- “He is risen, indeed!” The crux of the matter is this: If Jesus Christ rose from the dead, there are no hopeless situations. No personal struggle, no corporate complexity, no bad day or terrible experience is beyond the power of God. Easter means that the ripple effects of hope work their way into the everyday fabric of our lives, even today.  Not giving up can be an expression of Easter hope. Learning, growing, and adapting to these ever-changing times can all now be done from a posture of hope.  Jesus rose from the dead. There are no more hopeless situations in our world. This is a powerful mystery we can learn to embrace and experience. May we truly celebrate this Easter by proclaiming hope with our every action in service of others throughout this season.

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. 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!

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