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ABOUT US

Forefront Living Foundation (FLF) is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization and is the philanthropic arm of Forefront Living (FL). The foundation raises, invests and distributes funds for the purpose of supporting The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), Presbyterian Village North (PVN), Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center (TBPHC).

With a shared legacy in business and healthcare innovation, our family of care-oriented organizations blends values built on compassion and faith with high-quality senior care, long-term care, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapies, as well as hospice and palliative care.

OUR MISSION

To make each moment matter for those we serve.

OUR VISION

To be the innovative partner that enriches lives and empowers individuals to thrive.

OUR VALUES

• Diversity • Stewardship

• Integrity • Compassion

EMPOWERING PVN TEAMMATES: SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EXCELLENCE

The Adair Foundation contributed $25,000 to the Curtis and Patricia Meadows Health Career Scholarship Fund, supporting Allied Health Professionals at PVN in their pursuit of health education and professional development. The allocation of funds is overseen by a scholarship committee of key stakeholders from PVN and FLF. It is dedicated to empowering teammates to pursue continuing education opportunities.

Sehar Hashmi, PVN Administrative Rehab Technician, was a junior attending the University of North Texas, majoring in kinesiology with a minor in psychology. Following the completion of her bachelor’s degree, Sehar planned to enroll in graduate school to pursue a doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Sehar’s career path into therapy was inspired by her high school experience as an athletic trainer, igniting a passion for helping others reclaim a higher quality of life.

“Working at PVN as a rehabilitation technician has brought me so much joy and knowledge over the past year and I am so eager to see what else this experience has in store for me.” said Sehar Hashmi.

ADVANCING THE WORK OF FLF WITH THE ADVISORY COUNCIL

In late April, the Advisory Council gathered to learn about the 2024 vision for the FLF Advisory Council featuring a program on the importance of massage therapy for hospice patients led by Cindy Spence, FPH Massage Therapist.

Again in September, thirty attendees came together for a presentation titled “Environments for Thriving,” led by Jenelle Bertolino, Chief Strategy Officer at FL, and Shannon Radford, PVN Director of Wellness. The presentation explored the latest trends in senior living and offered practical tips for healthy living.

In addition to these programs, attendees had an opportunity to socialize and learn more about the organization while enjoying a delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

The FLF Advisory Council is a group of dedicated individuals who help advance the mission and impact of the Foundation. Members serve as ambassadors who offer guidance, advocacy and support for the organization’s work. Participation is by invitation only and invitations are extended by a Trustee or current Advisory Council member.

A LEGACY OF LIGHT: THE SOPHIA AND BILL FUHRMEISTER SUNROOM

Nestled on the second floor of the TBPHC, the Sophia and Bill Fuhrmeister Sunroom is a testament to love, compassion and the enduring spirit of Sophia Fuhrmeister. Through a generous gift, Bill Fuhrmeister honored his late wife by naming this space in her honor. He was inspired to do so by his profound gratitude for the compassionate end-of-life care she received and a desire to celebrate a life beautifully lived.

Sophia and Bill shared 64 years of marriage filled with joy and love raising two daughters, cherishing grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoying simple pleasures like laughter-filled Scrabble games while eating Chick-Fil-A.

Bill’s meaningful gift provides a quiet retreat, serving as a place of respite and solace for families navigating the complexities of loss and grief. By honoring Sophia’s memory in this way, Bill has made sure her legacy of love and light continues to touch the lives of others by providing comfort and support to countless families who walk the same path.

For information about available naming opportunities available across all FL entities, please contact Diane Fullingim, Executive Director or Sarah Jones, Philanthropy Officer.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AT OAW

Forefront Living celebrated an exciting milestone with the opening of OAW, which marked an important expansion of FLF mission. The growth created new opportunities for generosity and connection.

“The FLF team is delighted to partner with our newest senior living community, OAW. We are grateful to already have friends and supporters of FLF who live at OAW, which is so special. We look forward to building new relationships, serving the community and creating the extraordinary for residents who call OAW home,” shared Diane Fullingim, FLF Executive Director.

From the very beginning, OAW residents embraced the spirit of giving and community that defines FLF. As we look ahead, FLF is honored to serve and support OAW residents. Together, we are building a community where generosity thrives, and every moment truly matters.

FINDING PEACE IN LIFE’S FINAL ACT

Steve “The Sleeve” Schneiderman spent a lifetime steeped in wonder and joy. Born in the Bronx in 1958, and raised among three generations of magicians, Steve spent many years of his life crafting illusions that brought smiles to countless faces.

Although Steve’s main occupation as a Microsoft executive kept his schedule full, magic was more than just a hobby for him; it was an art that shaped his life. Yet, as life often demands, he set aside his passion to pursue a corporate career. After a break of more than ten years and finding a renewed sense of purpose, he began performing again, booking shows at the historic Spotlight Theater in Tulsa, where he entertained audiences for a decade.

Following his diagnosis of stage three adenocarcinoma, Steve approached each moment with gratitude. Months later, as his health declined, he made a decision that would define his remaining time. He chose to focus on quality of life over quantity, embracing hospice care that FPH could provide in his home.

At the annual Each Moment Matters Luncheon, Steve’s story took on profound meaning. In addressing the audience, Tim Mallad, CEO of FL, shared a moment from a podcast interview with Steve, in which he reflected on the joy of receiving a standing ovation. “There’s something about getting a standing ovation that you can’t match,” Steve said.

Tim then invited those gathered to help fulfill Steve’s final wish, to receive one last standing ovation. As the room rose to its feet, applause filled the space and the moment was captured on video that was shared with Steve. Through programs like Faithful Wishes, FLF makes the extraordinary possible by granting final wishes that help hospice patients realize their dreams.

Steve has since passed away, but his final standing ovation stands as a reminder of the importance of this work: to honor each person’s story, to create meaningful moments and provide compassionate care so that no one walks the final chapter of life alone.

SPIRIT OF GIVING TAKES FLIGHT WITH NTBAA

During the month of December, members of the North Texas Business Aviation Association (NTBAA) gathered for their annual Community Holiday Party and Toy Drive at Million Air Dallas. This special evening was filled with generosity and purpose as attendees collected toys to support children and families served by the FPH Child and Family Bereavement Program. For the fourth consecutive year, NTBAA selected the FLF as the beneficiary, continuing a meaningful tradition of giving back to grieving families during the holiday season.

NTBAA members presented FLF teammates with an abundance of donated toys. These gifts were sorted and distributed to the appropriate families. In addition, an art piece featuring paintings created by three Faith Kids was auctioned during the event, allowing guests to support the program in a deeply personal way. The evening concluded with NTBAA presenting a $2,500 donation to benefit the FPH Child and Family Bereavement Center.

Though no gift can heal their loss, the kindness of NTBAA helped make Christmas brighter for families who needed it most. FLF extends heartfelt gratitude to NTBAA for spreading joy and comfort.