At Homes At Homes
Embracing Renewal: The Vital Role of Social Media
for ABHM’s Communities
Spring symbolizes renewal as nature awakens from its winter slumber. At ABHM, we embrace this season with a renewed commitment to our mission and the vibrant communities we serve. This time of year, our staff experiences a profound reconnection with the community, residents, families, and the members who make our organization thrive.
In today’s digital age, social media stands out as a crucial platform for sharing our stories and engaging with the broader public. Channels like Facebook allow us to showcase the incredible experiences and connections
happening within our communities. By sharing these narratives, we not only celebrate the rich tapestry of life at ABHM but also help potential residents, volunteers, and future employees envision becoming part of our family.
Social media is more than just a communication tool; it is a bridge that connects us with the outside world. Every post, photo, and story we share helps to foster a sense of belonging and community. It highlights the compassionate care our staff provides and the joyous moments our residents experience daily. The more we share, the more we inspire others to join us— whether through a rewarding career,
meaningful volunteer opportunities, or as new residents seeking a warm and welcoming home.
We encourage everyone to follow your community on Facebook and explore the other ABHM communities as well. Together, let’s amplify our voices and showcase the wonderful work being done within our organization. By highlighting your stories, we can demonstrate the positive impact you have on the lives of those we serve and inspire others to connect with us.
As we step into this season of renewal, let’s harness the power of social media to strengthen our community bonds and invite others to be a part of our ABHM family. Your stories matter, and together we can create a vibrant narrative that reflects the heart and soul of our senior living organization.
Blessings of joy to you this spring as you experience a renewal of your spirit and share it with those in your community.
In February, Bob announced his intention to retire as Director of Crest Services, a division of ABHM that provides care for those with development disabilities and brain injuries.
ABHM wants to thank Bob for his 24 years of service. Over the years Bob worked as a leader in the organization and demonstrated an unwavering commitment that has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.
ABHM President & CEO Annette Greely states, “Bob’s experience, vision and ability to connect staff and residents alike has been an example for all of Crest to follow. We wish Bob well on his retirement and look forward to continuing his legacy.”
Please join Crest Services and ABHM in celebrating Bob's remarkable career and wishing him all the best in his welldeserved retirement. Thank you, Bob, for your incredible contributions and for making a difference in our lives.
Congratulations, Bob! Congratulations to Bob Swigert on his Retirement
Crest Services Announces New Leadership Team
As ABHM looks to the future of Crest Services we are excited to announce the expanded leadership roles in the organization for Deana McDonough, April Lewis and Kat Stanek.
ABHM President and CEO Annette
Greely states, “the marketplace and needs of residents/members are changing, and we are excited to have this team step in and provide the vision and leadership that is essential for Crest Services.”
One aspect the team is focused on is implementing a new staffing model.
Deana McDonough comments, “The changes we are implementing in how we staff our homes enables us to more effectively track hours and provide vital support to the residents/members we serve.”
As we move into the future, we would like to thank the entire team at Crest Services for their dedicated efforts in moving forward with the new model of care for our members.
April is Awareness Month
Let’s face it. Life is full of stress in a variety of forms. While we can’t completely avoid stress, there are healthy ways to reduce and cope with stress.
Embrace It - Be aware of your stress signals and be prepared to manage them. For example, as the pressure builds on a project at work, be mindful about staying calm and use your stress to help you focus and get your work done.
Get Organized - Being disorganized can take your ordinary stress to another level. Take a few moments at the beginning and end of your day to put things back where they belong, organize any notes or papers and clear any unnecessary clutter. Also, as you prepare to shut down for the day, set reminders for yourself about your next day’s
tasks so you can leave them behind at the office and not worry about them all night.
Sleep on It - Getting a good night’s rest is important for so many reasons, including tackling stress. If you’re well rested, you’ll be better equipped to think logically about problems and challenges, create plans to manage them and ultimately have successful outcomes.
Expect Change - As the saying goes, one of the only constants in your life will be change. Try not to get hung up on the irritation and possible unfairness of the situation. Accept both and move forward.
By forging ahead, you will still be able to reach a positive outcome, despite the wrench thrown into your plans.
When you understand that stress is inevitable, it can be easier to control and even turned into a positive factor in your life. Planning ahead and knowing how to react are key to getting ahead of your stress. If you need a little help working through the stress in your life, ABHM’s MetLife and TELUS Health EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is there for you. Log on to one.telushealth.com, username: metlifeeap and password: eap
ABHM Communities receive Align Workplace Excellence Awards
ABHM is excited to share our Align WORKPLACE EXCELLENCE AWARD winners. These care facilities have attained a high level of Excellent or Good responses when employees were asked to “Rate us as a place to work.”
Receiving this award is an indication of their dedication to creating a positive work environment for their employees and clearly demonstrates they care about their people.
Congratulations to the 2024 Award recipients!
• Crest Services Albert Lea
• Health Center at Franklin Park
• Trail Ridge Senior Living
• Tudor Oaks Senior Living
Announcing ABHM’s Retirement Plan Employer Match Contribution
Annually, ABHM and our Board of Directors review the organization’s performance and determine our employer match contribution to 403(b) plan participants. This year is no exception. We’re happy to announce the Board approved a contribution to qualifying 403(b) participants for plan year 2024. Participants working 1000 or more hours in 2024 and still employed at the end of the plan year will receive an employer contribution into your 403(b) account around April 4, 2025.* Log into your Transamerica account to see your employer match.
Didn’t receive a match for the 2024 plan year? There’s still time to participate in 2025. You can start contributing to your retirement savings through ABHM’s Transamerica 403(b) plan at any time. Just go to www.transamerica.com to “Create an account” or to make changes to the account you already have. You have the option to set up contributions to a 403(b) account, which is pre-tax and/or a Roth 403(b) after-tax account. It’s never too late to start saving or add to your savings for your future.
*Some exceptions apply based on plan rules.
Happy Mother’s Day!
ABHM thanks all the mothers who balance motherhood with the care and dedication they provide in their role at ABHM.
Classic Easter Recipe!
Ambrosia Salad
INGREDIENTS:
• 8oz whipped topping
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, halved
DIRECTIONS:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine together the sour cream and whipped cream until well mixed.
• Add the pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and Maraschino cherries.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
About
At Homes At Homes
The official employee newsletter of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest
“At Homes” is ABHM –American Baptist Homes of the Midwest’s quarterly employee newsletter, created to keep you up to date on all employee news, programs, and happenings.
Well! Talk to Yourself
the way you would talk to someone you
Love!
ABHM’s Mission:
To create healthy Christian communities that empower older adults, families and people with disabilities. We provide choices for housing, services and technology that enrich body, mind and spirit.