PVM Foundation Giving Matters Winter 2019

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation

YourGIVING

matters

WINTER 2019

A newsletter for donors and friends of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation

Because of YOUR help!

DAVID WAS ABLE TO PUT HIS LIFE BACK TOGETHER

H O L I D AY EDITION

DAVID’S PATH

“Ever since I’ve been here, it has been a total blessing.”

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CHANGE OF HEART

avid Simpson is a resident at Thome Rivertown of Detroit. Donors, you might recognize the name. Donations were vital in bringing Thome Rivertown to reality. I hope you enjoy hearing David’s story.

David’s path to health and happiness

There almost was no story to tell.

He was the last resident to move in. Three months prior David had a heart transplant. If that was not enough, he was trying to put his life back in order after a divorce.

YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK!

David entered Thome Rivertown frail and teetering on disaster. Seeing him today, you would never know. “Ever since I’ve been here, it has been a total blessing. Everything just started to fall into place,” David recalls.

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DAVID’S PATH

AFTER 30 YEARS, DAVID PICKED UP HIS PENCILS. “I JUST STARTED DRAWING AT THAT POINT, AND I HAVEN’T QUIT SINCE THEN.”

David regained a passion and purpose for life.

You see David, is a longstanding professional musician and artist. Performing during halftime for the Pistons, having a hit record and art displayed at the DIA.

he and his son regularly perform at Thome Rivertown. His celebrity status is back!

To receive a new heart was only half of it.

Your donations gave David a new life and purpose. Drop by Thome Rivertown; there is a good chance you’ll see David with a mic or sketchpad in hand. THANK YOU.

After 30 years, David picked up his pencils. “I just started drawing at that point, and I haven’t quit since then,” said David.

His health and strength kept improving. To the point, he started singing and performing. Today

Your generous gifts help create a support system where seniors feel visible, heard and loved. When you give, you’re empowering an older adult to live their best life – because we all deserve to dream big, no matter our age.

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YOUR GIFTS AT WORK

CHANGING LIVES! ONE DONATION AT TIME! Through your generous donations, PVM is able to do so much for older adults and their families. Without your donations these things would not happen – THANK YOU DONORS!

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he world is a better place because of you!

Our donors enable PVM to perform wonderful acts of kindness for older adults in need. Without you, these things would not have happened…

“ Now I have the travel bug!”

– JESSICA THE FIRST TRIP EVER FOR JESSICA CLARK WAS FUNDED

BY YOU THE DONOR - THANK YOU!

• An older adult, alone and in financial distress, needed a safe and secure new home – and he received one, thanks to you.

• “It is so wonderful to be able to read again!”

Imagine what a new pair of glasses does for an older adult who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise.

YOUR GIFTS HAVE THE POWER TO TRANSFORM LIVES.

• “I am ‘The Biggest Loser!’” Residents are getting healthier at the Village fitness centers.

One resident lost so much weight, she had to buy all-new clothes!

• A resident wrote her autobiography using the donated computers in her Village’s library.

We can’t do this important work alone. Your gifts are needed to continue our mission of caring for older adults in need.

• “I can hear you now!” A brand-new A/V system allows residents with hearing issues to fully participate. No more sitting on the sidelines.

Donate today at PVMF.org, and help seniors thrive for years to come.

• First trip/vacation (EVER!) outside of the City of Detroit to Niagara Falls through the resident activity fund.

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FIGHT LONELINESS

Why you’re needed…

THE HOLIDAYS AREN’T HAPPY FOR EVERYONE. It is not the most wonderful time of the year for some seniors

Every year, as the holidays approach, families gather together, celebrate with festive decorations, enjoy feasts of all flavors, and exchange gifts.

This year Edwin, 92, will be alone at Christmas after his last two friends and sister died last year.

There will be no one to share a laugh with at the breakfast table or over a TV show. Not one visitor to chat with during the day.

“ If no one invites me, I will watch the television.”

Edwin needs you! If no one invites Edwin to a holiday dinner, he’ll watch the television.

Social isolation and loneliness produces higher risks for: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.

By making a gift today will help fund social activities like a holiday party at the Village where Edwin lives. Social activities give seniors like Edwin a place to meet friends, enjoy a holiday celebration and give thanks. With your donation, you can keep Edwin from extreme loneliness. You can make it possible for him to participate in holiday parties, social outings, shopping trips and more.

SOURCE: NIA.NIH National Institute on Aging

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MY GIFT TO SAVE LIVES AND FIGHT LONELINESS! want to help provide compassionate, comprehensive YES! Icare at Presbyterian Villages of Michigan.

❍ Here is my gift of: $___________________ To donate: Visit PVMF.org or use the reply envelope enclosed with this newsletter.

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248-281-2040

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Thank you!

WINTER 2019

LEAVING A LEGACY

Thank you, Betty Heaton for

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES AT THE KLEEMANN CHAPEL

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Before her passing, Betty wanted to give back to her “happy home.� Her bequest was a gift for future residents, to bring them much joy and happiness. I know she has a smile from ear to ear, as she witnesses her gift at work on this Christmas Eve. Joy to the World!

hristmas Eve service is special. The residents of The Village of East Harbor, in Chesterfield Township, will celebrate the birth of Christ in their beautiful Karl & Frieda Kleemann Chapel.

Betty Heaton, a retired school teacher, did a wonderful thing. She left a gift in her will to help build the Kleemann Chapel. This year there will be five Christmas Eve services.

What a gift for the residents and their families.

Thank you, Betty Heaton.

Anyone can leave a bequest.

You have the power to answer future prayers today!

Contact us at 248-281-2040 or email pvmfoundation@pvm.org to learn more, or visit pvmf.org.

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LET’S TALK!

DID YOU KNOW? PVM has a Veterans Preference Program November 11th was Veterans Day- a day to remember/thank all veterans for their service to our country. One day is just not enough.

With 13 million veterans 55 or older*, PVM developed a program to put veterans first. No wait lists, all vets jump to the front of the line if they’re looking for housing. A simple act of gratitude.

PAUL MILLER, PVM FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

PVM Foundation’s Gala fell on Veterans Day a few years ago. It was such a privilege to honor Will Henderson a past resident at PVM’s Our Saviour’s Manor of Westland. He shared how PVM saved his life.

As I met with you the donor, I see your smiles when I mention PVM’s Veterans Preference Program. Your thoughtful donations have given so many vets like Will a place to call home. A Veterans Day Tribute! Thank you.

Merry Christmas,

Paul J. Miller, CFRE P.S. Have a joyous holiday season. Thank you for caring!

DANA PHELAN, PVM DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, WILL HENDERSON; AND ROGER MYERS, PRESIDENT & CEO PVM, AT THE PVM FOUNDATION GALA

* Source: Housing Assistance Council

GIVING matters

A publication of the Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation.

For more information, questions or story ideas, please contact Paul Miller, at 248-281-2045 or email pmiller@pvm.org.

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DONOR NOTES

MARILYN GABOURY, RESIDENT AT THE VILLAGE OF HOLLY WOODLANDS IN HOLLY

THANKS TO YOU, MARILYN CAN GET IN AND OUT OF BED EASIER Your gifts helped pay for a new lift chair!

ALICE CRATER, RESIDENT AT THE VILLAGE OF PEACE MANOR IN CLINTON TOWNSHIP

YOU GAVE, NOW ALICE CAN HEAR AGAIN Your gifts helped pay for her hearing aids!

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