Newton Community Matters October 2021

Newton Presbyterian Manor

OCTOBER 2021

For Brittany Jaso, education assistance provides financial support, motivation As a recipient of a PMMA Employee Scholarship, Healthcare Center Mentor and Certified Medication Aide Brittany Jaso is using the financial aid she recently received to complete the prerequisites needed to enter the nursing program at Hutchinson Community College.

Brittany views becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) as a critical first step in her ideal career trajectory.

Chaplain’s Corner What birds can teach us about faith

By Greg Schmidt, Chaplain I can hear a few birds talking to one another outside my office window.

Grackles squawk and beg for peanut-flavored suet. Sparrows chirp about how greedy the grackles are any time any food is available. And the Baltimore Orioles are sharing that they discovered a well of Welch’s® grape jelly!

“Ultimately, I would Brittany Jaso, healthcare center mentor and CMA, is love to eventually get a recipient of PMMA’s employee scholarship my RN after working program. as an LPN for a while,” said Brittany. “I enjoy hospice care, so I am leaning towards a hospice setting, but I’ve also considered working my way to the top as a director of nursing.”

From a personal standpoint, the support—both financial and emotional— Brittany has received from Presbyterian Manor has had a tremendous effect on her and her family.

“I am a single mom, so Presbyterian Manor being willing to help me

Scholarship – continued on page 2

How do I know what they’re saying?

Because I sit for hours on my deck … and listen! (I’m secretly hoping the birds will come and sit on my shoulder or perch on my hand!)

Trust me, birds live in a neverending search for food!

Interestingly, the Bible says God provides for the needs of the sparrow. But that doesn’t mean those little chirpers can just sit back and have it delivered! Sure, the food is there. Available. But they have to go in search of it!

By the way, it’s the same for you and I. Only our never-ending search is

Chaplain – continued on page 2

Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

1

Scholarship – continued from page 1 financially is incredible,” said Brittany. “School doesn’t come cheap, and Newton Presbyterian Manor understands that my daughter is my first priority.

Them awarding me with the assistance they have—and continue to—not only helps me

financially, but it gives me motivation to keep going because they believe in me even when sometimes my confidence is shaken.”

When she’s not at work or school, Brittany can usually be found spending time with her daughter, however she does allow herself a little “me time” whenever her

daughter is too busy for her.

To learn more about the PMMA Employee Scholarship program, and how you can contribute, visit giving.presbyterianmanors.org/ed ucation-scholarships. The Employee Education Scholarship applications process is completed in the spring for the next school year. u

Chaplain – continued from page 1

for love! It’s there. Available.

Jesus said, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

(Matthew 7:8). In this case, love is there … but action is necessary. We have to search for it!

So, I’m happy to report that the longer I spend time with my Presbyterian Manor and Heart & Soul Hospice workmates and families, the more I understand and appreciate how plentiful love is! It’s there for the searching!

Acts of Love. Compassion. The efforts to assist others in discovering peace of mind and

spirit – for the patient and the employees – the energy given to providing a helping hand, a forgiving and encouraging spirit.

Grace. Mercy. Patience for residents… and their families.

Generosity. Pay it forward attitudes and actions. A gentle touch. A shoulder to cry on. Someone to laugh with. Being a fellow burdenbearer and prayer warrior! I see them all the time! They’re here! At Presbyterian Manor!

Stop one or both of us and say, ‘I’m lonely or needy!’ Remember, we’re not mind-readers, but we’ll respond faster and love you deeper than you could ever imagine!’” It’s love given.

And love returned. No one has to enter into a never-ending search. It’s here!

My grandkids created a sign for me and my wife that says, “Next time you feel alone … don’t!” It’s their way of saying back to Gram and Pops what we always say to them; namely, “We’re here! We want to share life with you! We love you more than you will ever realize!

Make the phone call! Write the text!

P.S. If you don’t provide your Baltimore Orioles with “Welch’s grape jelly” … according to the husband of a past resident, they will come peck on your kitchen window and tell you, “Go back to Dillons® and get Welch’s, not Smucker’s®!”

They’re grape jelly snobs. Just thought you should know! u

So, keep “chirping!” Let your needs be known! So many of our staff serve a God that has a never-ending supply of love. And lots of us are following Him as closely as we know how.

Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.

Community Matters 316-283-5400 u Fax: 316-284-5900 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 NewtonPresbyterianManor.org

2

COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2021

is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor

by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

To submit or suggest articles: ndickinson@PMMA.org Marc Kessinger, executive director Noelle Dickinson, marketing director

OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

Tailgate Partying!

Fellowship and neighborhood relationships are a priority for those who live on the Presbyterian Manor campus. Some would say their neighbors were the joy that got them through this last year of isolation. We are thankful for those who choose our campus to share their neighborly kindness. u

Our cottage and duplex neighbors enjoyed a beautiful evening tailgate party in the duplex drive recently. All taste-tested frozen custard and root beer or Coke floats, including Ann Heidebrecht’s pup, Winston, who had the most fun cleaning out the empty cups!

Happy Halloween to all the residents at Newton Presbyterian Manor Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

3

1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Bravo of the month This month’s Bravo goes to Brooke Negrete, CNA in Health Care. Brooke’s new supervisor, Director of Nursing Jennifer Gillmore, writes, “Brooke always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She interacts with the residents in a way that promotes reassurance and has a calming presence. She took the time to sit with a resident and provide one-on-one conversation to help the resident through a difficult time.”

Thank you, Brooke, for your love, care and commitment to making each day better for those you serve! u

Bravo of the month goes to Brooke Negrete, CNA.

4

COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2021