Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation
YourGIVING EDITH’S JOURNEY Your donations paved the way!
matters
WINTER 2019
A LIFE OF GIVING BACK
EDITH SMILING AFTER THE PAIN
EDITH COULD HAVE RETREATED TO A DARK PLACE. BUT DIDN’T.
She had two choices. To give into despair or move through the pain. Edith chose the latter. She knew she had a higher purpose and set out on a journey to find it. Her journey started in, of all places, Ghana, and continues at The Village of Oakland Woods in Pontiac. At age 70, she got her first passport and traveled to the King Jesus Orphanage of Ghana, sponsored by her church. “I was so surprised with how happy the children were. They had nothing, but they were so full of life,” Edith explained.
Forty years ago, Edith’s life changed dramatically. Her only son passed away from hemophilia at age 38. She divorced after 41 years of marriage.
Edith traveled back Ghana again, gaining an even clearer picture of her purpose—
The family lost their business.
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A LIFE OF GIVING BACK
EDITH VISITING ORPHANAGE IN GHANA
“ I am so grateful there is a Village of Oakland Woods” – EDITH
You can help seniors stay active and out of nursing homes!
$10 per month
can help pay for resident activities that reduce loneliness and isolation!
to give back and bring love and hope to those less fortunate.
$25 per month
While on her journey, she found The Village of Oakland Woods in Pontiac. “Losing the family business left me with limited financial resources. I’m so grateful The Village of Oakland Woods exists,” said Edith. She loves the diverse friends she’s made and being involved with activities to give back to those in need.
can send an older adult on an outing with their Village.
$50 per month
Your gifts are needed now more than ever to help seniors like Edith. Donations offered Edith hope when the skies were dark. Thank you, PVM donors—you provide an opportunity for such remarkable accomplishments by older adults!
helps with emergency financial needs such as eyeglasses, a new mattress or utility assistance. To donate, visit GiveToPVMF.org or use the reply envelope enclosed with this newsletter.
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WINTER 2019
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
YOU MADE IT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER by sponsoring a resident for the 2018 Gala! The recipe for successfully aging requires access to critical support— this includes quality health care, support services, transportation options, and affordable housing. One of the most overlooked items of support is social interaction. Keeping seniors engaged adds to the quality of their life. Because of YOU some residents had a chance to join in fellowship at the 2018 Gala, while raising awareness about PVM. They could not have afforded to attend without you!
RESIDENT PEP RALLY. STARTING OFF THE EVENING.
Thank You! Residents were not only guests—they were the stars of the show! Particular highlights of the gala included a Resident Pep Rally. Ceola Agee, a resident from the Village of Oakman Manor, tried her hand at DJ-ing and getting everyone on the dance floor! Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper and Tigers’ mascot Paws capped off the evening.
RESIDENT JOSIE PATRICK WITH PAWS AND HOOPER
With your generous support, we raised funds for resident activities, emergency financial assistance and wellness programs. Thank YOU for supporting seniors, keeping them engaged and avoiding loneliness.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND AND GENEROUS DONOR!
VILLAGE OF OAKMAN MANOR CELOA AGEE DJ-ING.
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FINANCIAL SECURITY
Why you’re needed…
AFTER A LIFETIME OF HARD WORK. It still was not enough...
Byron has lived in his neighborhood for decades. For the past ten years, it has been more and more of a struggle to live there comfortably. For most of his adult life, Byron was professionally successful and self-sufficient. Then, the 2008 recession hit and the longtime realtor lost his business along with most of his retirement savings. The stress led to a divorce from his wife and he had to leave the home he owned. Soon after, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Everything was going downhill. When Byron recovered, he found himself needing to build a life that cost less than his only source of income: his $1,400 per month Social Security check. Thankfully—he found a PVM Village that is affordable, where he can live independently without worries in his golden years—all of which are made possible by caring donors. Thank You!
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MANY SENIORS HAVE DIFFICULTY MANAGING HOUSING COSTS*
HERE’S WHY: A retired worker who lives alone receives an average of $1,401 in Social Security Benefits. This is supposed to cover rent, food, phone scripts, doctor appointments, TV, car, etc. *SOURCE: Michigan Average Monthly Family Benefits in Current – Payment Status, June 30, 2018. https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/FACTS/
MY GIFT PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND AND SECURED HOUSING want to help provide compassionate, comprehensive YES! Icare at Presbyterian Villages of Michigan.
❍ Here is my gift of: $___________________ To donate: Visit GiveToPVMF.org or use the reply envelope enclosed with this newsletter.
NAME
248-281-2040
COMPANY NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
TELEPHONE
E-MAIL ADDRESS
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Thank you! WINTER 2019
LEAVING A LEGACY
Former resident at The Village of East Harbor, has a restaurant named in her honor!
A QUIET LIFE LEADS TO A LASTING LEGACY FOR RESIDENTS TO ENJOY Marguerite cared about the residents at The Village of East Harbor. So much so that she left a bequest to help her Village. Now, the new restaurant is named “Marguerite’s” in her honor! Marguerite was well-loved. A fascinating, but private lady. No outfit was complete without a hat—and she had several! She was always dressed to the nines, even after she moved into nursing care. Sadly, she passed away in March 2018. Her generous spirit will live on as residents, family members and friends gather for meals and fellowship! Thank you, Marguerite, for caring! Anyone can leave a bequest—of any size— and change the world for the better. Just like Marguerite did! The dinner bell is ringing! Your bequest – of any size – can do the same!
Anyone can leave a bequest.
You have the power to answer future prayers today! Contact us at 248-281-2040 or pvmfoundation@pvm.org to learn more, or visit mylegacy.pvmf.org. 6 Your GIVING matters
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LET’S TALK!
DID YOU KNOW? Almost 20% of the state’s population is 65 or older. Michigan has moved from the 30th oldest state in the USA to the 10th oldest.
WHY THIS MATTERS? How Michigan addresses our aging population is crucial to its future success. Every region of Michigan is facing this challenge. Being a donor can change the lives of seniors by giving them access to a safe living space, activities and healthy lifestyles—and so much more! Thank you for caring—and THANK YOU FOR CARING ABOUT Seniors!! PAUL MILLER, PVM FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 248-281-2040 or pvmfoundation@pvm.org.
There are more seniors today in Michigan than ever.
Paul J. Miller, CFRE P.S. Technology is playing an ever growing role in how we age. Contact me, pmiller@pvm.org/248.281.2045 to learn about PVM’s new blog.
GIVING matters
A publication of the Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation. For more information, questions or story ideas, please contact Yalonda R. Jackson, editor, at 248-281-2043 or email yjackson@pvm.org.
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DONOR NOTES
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YOU’RE MAKING MICHIGAN THE BEST PLACE TO AGE WITH EVERY GIFT.
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Here are three things you helped do!
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Thank you!
residents with low incomes call a PVM Village home. Your donations gives low income seniors a safe place to call home.
residents who outlived their resources can stay in their homes.
vulnerable residents many living only on $1,400 per month received help to cover unexpected medical bills, dental work and utilities.
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