A Note from Nathan

I recently attended the Concordia Choir home concert. They performed a beautiful piece titled, The Times They Are A-Changin’. Of course, it was Bob Dylan who wrote these lyrics in 1964. Perhaps the message is as relevant today as it was back in the sixties. Regardless, when I heard the choir perform this piece, it resonated.

Transformation is all around us. Over the last several years a lot has changed in the long-term care industry, challenging our operating environment.

At the same time, the population is aging. For this first time in Minnesota’s history, there are now more people over the age of 65 than there are school-aged children.

PioneerCare is in its 95th year as a special ministry organization of the ELCA. Our mission is to care for this aging population. We have a vital role and responsibility to create partnerships and opportunities to reimagine and redefine what tomorrow can be for older adults and their caregivers – an ever-evolving journey.

More than ever, we need to put our best thinking caps on. In 2022 we experienced workforce shortages, inflation, and inadequate state reimbursements. These factors resulted in the use of cash reserves to operate – a model that is not sustainable. Make no mistake: we stand tall. We will persevere. We believe in PioneerCare’s mission.

We have set a goal to achieve a net gain of 30 caregivers in 2023. If we can achieve that, we should be able to reopen Homestead Cottage and 15 more beds in our nursing home. Our community needs these beds, and we are resolute in our intent to make it happen. Will you help? I am asking you to help us spread the word. I am optimistic we will succeed.

God is good, all the time! Our core mission and purpose is strong. Our dedicated staff love our residents and work hard to deliver the highest quality care and quality of life possible. Recently the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) gave Pioneer Care Center a 5-Star rating – the highest possible rating for regulatory compliance, staffing ratios, and quality of care outcomes.

You – our church partners, parishioners, volunteers, board members, community partners, friends, and donors – your collective efforts and partnership make our mission stronger.

The times, they may be changing. To move the needle forward as an organization we may need to look around new corners, explore new partnerships, and new opportunities.

I take great comfort knowing that when we come together, good things can happen.

Thank you for your friendship and your continued interest in PioneerCare.

See you soon!

Nathan Johnson, CEO