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Friday, June 12
Minnesota Long-Term Care Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program Now Open
The Minnesota Long-Term Care Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program is now open. The program provides $6,000 annually to repay qualified educational loans for eligible RNs and LPNs. Funding is available for RNs and LPNs who practice in a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, home care provider, intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, or a hospital that owns/operates a licensed nursing home where a minimum of 50% of the hours worked is in a nursing home in Minnesota. A prospective participant must apply by Jan. 6, 2025.
To learn more or to apply, visit: www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/ruralhealth/funding/loans/nurse
Or scan this QR code:
So, how did your choice of new carpet turn out?
Our 60-day “No Questions Asked” return policy guarantees your new carpet purchase will be everything you dreamed it would be. If you’re not absolutely satisfied with the appearance or appeal of your newly purchased Carpet King carpet, we’ll replace it with another selection of equal or lesser value. See store for details
Floor and Window Coverings
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A message from ABHM’S President & CEO:
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.
The Early Origins of ABHM
When the Great Depression hit the Midwest in 1929, it had a drastic impact on not only working and economic conditions, but family life as well. The origins of Thorne Crest’s parent company, American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, emerged from the hardships of this period.
Seniors in Crisis During the Depression
The elderly population was hit particularly hard by the challenges of the Great Depression. Those who were close to retirement or had already retired watched a lifetime of savings disappear before their eyes. Many weren’t capable of returning to work, or were unable to find jobs that would allow them to rebuild their lost savings. As a result, many elderly people became dependent on their families for shelter and care. Unfortunately, young families were facing their own struggles. There were seldom enough resources for them to adequately provide for their own children, let alone their parents.
Finding Hope in a New Beginning
In 1930, a small group of Baptist gentlemen living in Minnesota and Iowa recognized the serious need to provide shelter and care for the elderly population of the Midwest.
These five gentlemen decided to take action and formed a notfor-profit organization they called the Northwest Baptist Home Society. The original mission of the Northwest Baptist Home Society was “to provide Christian homes for aged and dependent men and women, and to provide for their physical and spiritual comfort.”
The five founders did not wait long to involve others in their efforts to relieve the suffering they saw in their communities. To expand their initiative, they joined with the Northern Baptist Convention of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Baptist congregations in these states helped to support the Society’s early efforts.
From the Founders to Today
The first ABHM community opened its doors on August 29, 1931. It was housed in a former men’s dormitory belonging to Parker College (a now-defunct Baptist school) that had sat vacant for many years before being given to the Society and converted into a residence for seniors. The community was originally dedicated the “Winnebago Old People’s Home” and was later renamed Parker Oaks Retirement Community.
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seven additional “Old People’s Homes” in Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Meanwhile, another Baptist association for the elderly was growing in Colorado, called the Baptist Home Association of the Rocky Mountains, (BHA).
BHA was chartered in Denver in 1949 with the mission to provide “facilities for care, comfort, health, recreation, and general welfare of aged people.” In 1994, the two organizations joined forces to continue a joint mission to serve those in need under the ABHM banner.
ABHM’s origins lie in the “Winnebago Old People’s Home,” a former dormitory at the now defunct Parker College, which was later renamed Parker Oaks Retirement Community
The ABHM mission has evolved over time, but remains true to the original values of our founders. Dave Zwickey, ABHM President and CEO states, “Our mission today is 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.”
In the past several years, ABHM has expanded to eight communities across the Midwest. Our communities provide a full continuum of senior living and healthcare serv-
ices that includes skilled nursing, rehab care, assisted living, independent living, and memory care, along with housing and programs for the developmentally disabled and subsidized housing for seniors and families. Our communities are located in Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
United in the Fight: ABHM Communities' Efforts in the Walk to End Alzheimer's
participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Their contributions have come in unique and meaningful ways, demonstrating a collective dedication to the cause.
For instance, our Mountain Vista community’s efforts are robust and multifaceted. They participate in two walks annually: one in Denver with residents and staff, and another on their campus.
Throughout the year, the fundraising doesn’t stop. Their innovative approach includes displaying flower bouquets for donations, wearing team shirts, holding tiedyeing events, and a variety of other fundraising activities such as pie-throwing contests. Last year, Mountain Vista even introduced a “Tiny Walk” on campus for
those residents unable to attend the larger event. This year, they plan to add an Art Walk, showcasing resident artwork and pieces from local artists, further enhancing community involvement and support.
Thorne Crest in Alber Lea, MN has been involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer's for the past seven years. Initially joining the walk in Owatonna, MN, they later combined efforts with the Weiss family to launch a Walk To End Alzheimer’s in their own city. That inaugural
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year was a resounding success, raising $40,000, well above the $25,000 goal.
Tudor Oaks in Muskego, WI has hosted an annual Alzheimer's Walk on their campus for approximately 10 years. This beautiful campus event involves residents, family, friends, and employees, growing in participation each year. Alongside the walk, Tudor Oaks hosts a Craft Fair and Bake Sale, with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer's Association.
The collective efforts of all our employees in the Walk to End Alzheimer's are a testament to their, and to ABHM's, unwavering commitment to fighting this disease.
2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's
September 21, 2024
ABHM was founded in a Baptist tradition. Today, our mission has broadened to “Creating healthy Christian communities that empower older adults by providing choices for housing, services, and technology that enrich body, mind, and spirit” for seniors of all faiths and backgrounds.
ABHM’s spiritual care programs are inspired by a philosophy of care shared across all our communities. Our spiritual leaders seek to uplift, encourage, and offer compassion to everyone involved with the community. Spiritual services at ABHM are interfaith and open to all residents, families, and staff members.
Each community employs a full-time chaplain who serves as the spiritual leader, including Todd Walsh at Thorne Crest. The chaplains work with residents, families, and staff to meet the unique spiritual needs of the community
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ograms at ABHM: Empowerment
through worship services, bible studies, devotionals, hymn singing, personal visitation, and prayer support.
The Importance of a Spiritual Community Michelle Peterson, chaplain at Tudor Oak, an ABHM community in Muskego, WI, says spirituality is an essential element of Tudor Oaks life. She and her part-time assistant chaplain are kept busy offering spiritual support and guidance to over 600 residents, family members, and Tudor Oaks staff.
As the spiritual leader, the chaplain has an important role to play. “You form really special relationships with residents,” said Michelle. “There was one memory care resident who took a liking to me, and when his personality started to change, I was one of the few people who could still get him to smile. He might not have been able to say so himself, but I know in my heart he appreciated that.”
Tudor Oaks Chaplain Michelle Peterson
An ordained Baptist minister, Michelle started her career as a hospital chaplain before coming to ABHM and Tudor Oaks. She has served as the Director of Spiritual Services at Tudor Oaks since November 2010.
“The spiritual services here are important to help residents maintain their connection with their faith,” she said, “especially for those who are no longer able to attend services outside the community. Our programs give residents a way to continue expressing themselves spiritually. Even residents with late-stage dementia are able to connect through music and hymns.”
Ministry Beyond Community Walls
Spiritual services are available to all members of our ABHM communities. The chaplains work closely with families, staff members, and residents during difficult and emotional periods.
To accompany funeral or memorial services, Michelle also offers bereavement counseling for Tudor Oaks residents and families, and is always willing to talk through a tough time or decision.
“I help families bridge the gap between what they’re hearing clinically and what they’re feeling emotionally,” she said. “It’s difficult to watch a loved one slip away and go through the changes of aging. I’m there to provide compassion and let them know that however they’re feeling, it’s okay. You can see the weight and heaviness just start to lift when they hear that.”
Michelle’s ministry with staff is also an important part of her role at Tudor Oaks. “The staff members are like everybody else,” she said. “We have so many things pulling at us, sometimes it’s hard not to bring it to work. Whatever they’re
going through, the staff know I’m available to pray for them and with them.”
Whether she’s working with a resident, family, or staff member, Michelle says her role comes down to one thing: “It’s about being that presence of God in people’s lives. No matter where they are in their life’s journey, whether they have no faith, little faith, or great faith, I’m here to show them God’s love.”
A Strong Spiritual Community Uplifts Everyone
“I’ve gotten more out of being a pastor at Tudor Oaks than most people will ever know,” said Michelle. “The most wonderful thing is seeing how the community comes together in times of need. When one of the residents loses someone, it amazes me how they come together and share their compassion. Each and every time it happens, I’m just floored. Seeing them deal with the issues of life, how humble they are, is so inspiring.”
