Sheltering Arms Institute has been ranked #1 in Virginia and #19 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
In our second year on the list, we jumped from 29 to 19 out of 1,000+ hospitals evaluated. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excel in areas such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience.
Your philanthropic support enables us to provide Margin of Excellence programs which enhance our patient centered care. These programs - such as Therapeutic Recreation, Spirituality, Fitness and Wellness, Psych support, research, and other community programs - along with our advanced technology, differentiate the care we provide.
Desmond going for his GOLD by playing with his son again.
Margin of Excellence
This year, the finest athletes showcased their hard work, perseverance, and talents at the Olympics and Paralympics, inspiring us all to continue Going for Gold. Everyday at Sheltering Arms we are motivated by courage and strength from our patients, inspired by positivity and dedication of our team members, and grateful for the generosity of the community who support our mission through their time and donations.
We want to keep striving for excellence by offering the highest level of care for our patients and your support will help us be the best we can be. Throughout our newsletter you will read about Margin of Excellence programs that are thriving because of generous donors like you. Your generosity helps our community find its Power to Overcome every day!
To learn more about Margin of Excellence programs and 2024 Giving Day, please contact Lisa Resch, (804) 342-4326 or lresch@shelteringarms.com. ShelteringArmsFoundation.org
Margin of Excellence programs include:
Clinical Science & Research provides studies on the latest research in physical rehab to determine the most effective interventions to integrate into patients’ care plans.
Community Engagement supports patients and loved ones through their recovery journey connecting them to community resources and peer and caregiver programs.
Fitness, Recreation & Wellness enhance strength, endurance, and mobility while maximizing health and wellness through Sheltering Arms Community Programs.
Patient & Family Continuing Support helps eligible patients and caregivers access assistive technologies and other resources such as medications after graduation from physical rehab.
Psychology focuses on helping patients and families get the most out of rehab by helping them to overcome lifechanging experiences.
Spirituality provides unique support to all interested patients and caregivers respecting the religious beliefs of all people.
Therapeutic Recreation helps individuals return to activities they love, reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Training Future Clinicians provides training and education programs to enhance careers for rehabilitation professionals in graduate medical programs.
Philanthropy has helped propel Sheltering Arms to one of the Top 20 rehab systems in the country and #1 in Virginia. Unrestricted annual giving provides vital financial support to the Margin of Excellence. These unique programs along with advanced technology in the hands of our exceptional team members – neither regularly covered by insurers – differentiate Sheltering Arms from typical rehab operations leading to enhanced patient and caregiver experience and outcome.
Going for Gold
Giving Day is held in September, during National Rehabilitation Awareness Week.
This week provides our team with the opportunity to highlight the impact of your generosity in advancing physical rehabilitation within our community. As the world has come together to celebrate the stories of hope, perseverance, and ability from the Olympics and Paralympics, we too are coming together to celebrate similar stories of rehab recovery.
We invite you to become a champion of helping people recovering from stroke, spinal cord and brain injuries, Parkinson’s, MS, limb loss, and many other diagnoses achieve their dreams of independence and living a life beyond limits.
Donations of all sizes made towards our Giving Day celebrate ability in our community. Please help us reach our goal of $120,000. Every gift up to $60,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. This support ensures that every individual we serve experiences the highest quality of care possible. Join us in Going for Gold!
2024 Bal du Bois
In May of 2024, I was a sponsor for the 68th annual Bal du Bois. Initially, I did not understand the impact this event would have not only on Sheltering Arms, but on myself and my family. Sheltering Arms has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember, starting with my grandfather, Randolph McElroy, who played a key role in transitioning the institution to focus on physical rehabilitation. I understood the importance of Sheltering Arms, but I didn’t feel it until December 2023 when the sponsors were invited to tour the hospital. Being able to see the hard work the community has put into a building brimming with healing and hope quickly made me feel very passionate about the mission behind Sheltering Arms. I also got to see how it touched my peers. In that moment, I felt incredibly blessed to watch the growth of these women and be able to share this occasion with them.
This feeling became stronger as I stood in front of hundreds of people with my father by my side, watching other Bal Sponsors be presented. During the Bal, I was able to connect with my peers on their accomplishments and discuss what growing up became for us. I felt incredibly proud as I heard about the opportunities and dreams they all have, knowing that they are more than capable of achieving them all. That night was inspiring not only for the mission behind it for Sheltering Arms, but because of the young women by my side.
In the five months between the hospital tour and the Bal itself, I came to realize the true meaning behind the event. Initially, I thought it was just a big party where you saw everyone you knew and got to have a fun night, but I quickly realized it was so much more.
The work Sheltering Arms does is not only good but is backed with a level of care I have never seen before. Every person I interacted with at Sheltering Arms inspired and captivated me by their love for what they do. It was an inspiration to see so many women in leadership positions and this made my connection to Sheltering Arms stronger.
Sheltering Arms created an amazing night for a thousand people to celebrate the work they’ve done, set goals, and motivate young women to work for what they believe in. Throughout the entire process, I felt this every step of the way as I connected more with the institution and connected with women at the same stage in life as me. I am so thankful for the opportunities this event gave me and it will forever be a memory I cherish very deeply.
- Claiborne Rhodes, Bal du Bois Sponsor
For additional information on the Bal du Bois, contact Kelly del Campo Merricks, (804) 342-4132 or kmerricks@shelteringarms.com.
a graduate of Duke University School of Nursing, is part of a small, but mighty nursing team at Sheltering Arms Institute: the wound care team. She joined Sheltering Arms in 2019 and was one of many team members who helped us welcome patients to Sheltering Arms Institute in June 2020!
Carol has worked as a pediatric nurse, home care nurse, and wound care nurse. It was while working in home care in the 1990’s that she developed an interest in wound care nursing. During this time, researchers were developing new wound care products and technologies, and she found the advancements fascinating. Throughout her career education has been important to Carol. In 2013 she became a Certified Wound Care Nurse and in 2022 with encouragement from Sheltering Arms Institute nursing leadership, she became certified in Ostomy Care.
Carol made her first gift during Sheltering Arms Foundation’s inaugural Giving Day in 2022. She realized how much Sheltering Arms Foundation does to help our clinicians provide patient care, particularly through advanced technology like the Ekso Exoskeleton and low air loss pumps for beds, which are essential for patients needing wound care. Carol also discovered how easy it is to give back through payroll deduction. “By using payroll deduction, a small amount is taken from each paycheck, and I know I’m making a difference.”
Carol Watson Making a Difference
When asked what she loves most about working at SAI, Carol replied, “It is the people. Everyone is supportive of each other and works together.” She also appreciates that, in providing wound care to patients, they stay at SAI long enough for her to see a difference in their care and witness their growth.
Join Carol in making a donation to support our Margin of Excellence programs.
Sheltering Arms Foundation Team Celebrates its 10th year
This team does not work alone... we are 10 years strong because of you.
In 1889, Rebekah Peterkin and her sewing circle founded Sheltering Arms Hospital out of a desire to help the underserved. That first act of philanthropy ignited a passion for caring and a legacy of giving. Generations of Richmonders became compassionate supporters through Donation Days, Founder’s Days, food drives, and more events facilitated by devoted volunteers. Fast forward 135 years later, Sheltering Arms is still continuing our commitment to the community, serving those in need of advanced physical rehabilitative care by sustaining a culture of philanthropy.
Together, our culture of philanthropy is changing lives in ways you cannot imagine. From humble beginnings in downtown Richmond to the rehab hospital and centers of the future, philanthropy continues the legacy of Sheltering Arms.
1889
As Sheltering Arms moved into a new chapter in 2013, it was recognized by Sheltering Arms Corporate and Foundation board of directors that to grow and meet the physical rehabilitative needs of our community and continue to build a strong culture of philanthropy, it was time to implement an organized fundraising structure. In 2014, a staff of four was hired to reignite the philanthropic culture by building on the generosity of twelve decades of community support. This foursome embraced the challenge and, from the outset, fueled the vision and mission of Sheltering Arms by strengthening philanthropy.
This year marks a decade of effort by the Sheltering Arms Foundation team. The team, now six members, has proudly built a robust program of Giving Power supported by contributions from over 6,000 individuals, corporations, and foundations from across the United States. Philanthropy has produced major impact and made possible a new hospital, innovative technology, special programs, and collaboration with other nonprofits – all to foster a unique patient experience and keep Rebekah Peterkin’s vision of caring for others thriving.
Sheltering Arms founded as a free acute care hospital
Over the years, Sheltering Arms became known as “The Hospital with a Heart,” thanks to you, our donors and volunteers for opening your hearts to invest in Sheltering Arms. We appreciate you generously sharing your time, talent, and treasure with us.
Arms Foundation establishes a formal development team
Sheltering
Judge Jay and Kathy Wetsel’s Miraculous Journey
Spirituality is expressed in different ways by the many people treated at Sheltering Arms, and is one of our Margin of Excellence programs
Following a traumatic brain injury, Judge Jay Wetsel received outstanding inpatient medical treatment at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI), subsequent outpatient therapy at SAI, and he continued to build his strength and mobility in Sheltering Arms Neurofit program. This continuum of care produced the best possible results: a full recovery in mind, body, and spirit. Jay and Kathy are thankful for Chaplain Gloria Flowers who helped them find strength in her Sunday sermons while Jay recovered in the hospital. Upon his discharge the couple returned to SAI on Sundays to hear Chaplain Flowers, enjoying her use of readings from the Psalms to give them hope. Their story of Jay’s healing after an unexpected fall is one of faith and gratitude for the care he received from the entire team.
Faith is the bedrock of our family.
For Dad, I believe his faith had a huge impact on his healing.
Chaplain Flowers was a loving and kind spirit throughout his recovery.
I attended a service and needed a tissue the whole time. I think the services are cathartic for everyone that goes.”
- Whitney Wetsel Pinna, daughter of Jay Wetsel, Goochland resident.
In July 2023, Jay Wetsel was transported from his hometown in Winchester, VA to SAI which was a stressful journey for the family. Whitney recalls feeling as if they arrived at a safe harbor when they met his medical team. The staff immediately acclimated the family to the hospital then gave them a goal: her father would need to sit up all day in a wheelchair. Having experienced her father bedridden and unable to speak or swallow, Whitney thought the expectations seemed impossible. Within forty-eight hours at SAI, her father’s improvement was so radical that it changed the trajectory of what she and her mother thought was possible. Never Give Up Hope became their mantra.
Kathy says, “We felt that everyone at SAI was invested in Jay’s recovery. From the aides to the receptionist, every person I met made me feel safe and loved.” She recalls watching the speech therapist’s expertise as she worked with her husband. The moment Jay could swallow and talk again was huge.
“I think everyone needs a Kathy Wetsel,” explains Whitney, recalling the loving support her mother gave her father. They never gave up hope that Jay would find his Power to Overcome thanks to the spiritual guidance of Chaplain Flowers.
Chaplain Flowers says, “I think something spiritual happened. Jay sat in the front row every Sunday for services. I think Psalm 121 appealed greatly to him: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills from where my help comes. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
At Sheltering Arms Institute, we care for patients’ body, mind, and spirit.
Jay recalls part of his physical therapy involved casting a fly rod. An avid fisherman since childhood, this practice of incorporating his passion into his therapy further increased his feelings of hope.
There was no question the Wetsel’s wanted to remain at Sheltering Arms for rehabilitation treatment. With Whitney and husband, Jim living in Goochland, Jay continued his outpatient therapy at Sheltering Arms. More importantly, they attended church services on Sundays with Chaplain Flowers in the SAI chapel.
Kathy and Jay have resumed their busy lives, grateful for what they call “a miracle.” Jay currently drives on his own and fishes in his spare time. Ever thankful for the wonderful care Jay received, the Wetsel’s gave a generous gift to the Spirituality Fund in honor of Jay’s healing journey.
Research suggests that when recovery and healing is combined with Spirituality people experience better outcomes, decreased depression, and improved chronic pain management.
Dear Sheltering Arms Institute, Our exit is bittersweet due to the bonds we have with his wonderful caregivers. We will miss you and will cherish our time spent with you. YOU, the employees of Sheltering Arms, have changed us forever. You have made a difference in our lives. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks.
- Letter from Kathy and Jay sent after graduating from SAI
To learn more about Spirituality programs please contact Tricia Ambler, (804) 341-4321 or tambler@shelteringarms.com.
Passion mility • Generosit oyalt y
Ted and Carol Price
Both Ted and Carol have a passion for Sheltering Arms, providing strong leadership at critical moments in the hospital’s history. As a member of the Sheltering Arms Junior Board in the 1970’s and 1980’s and later President, Carol says, both the Junior Board and the Board of Directors recognized the need for a physical rehabilitation hospital in the community; careful research led to this expansion. Years later, Ted spearheaded the Campaign for Convergence to raise funds to build Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI). At every moment, they strived to maintain SAI’s excellence in healthcare combined with a culture of love and compassion.
John L. McElroy III (Mac), Foundation President, says “If I had to come up with four words to describe Ted, they would be: Passion, Humility, Generosity and
Loyalty.” Ted’s single-minded focus is exceptional, Mac explains, and he feels lucky that Ted championed Sheltering Arms. “Ted embraced a bold vision. And with that embrace, comes his generosity, compassion, and strong network of friends that supported this vision.” Mac praises Carol, who experienced the ups and downs of the Campaign with Ted. He says, “Carol is a great ambassador for Sheltering Arms.”
Covid hit hard during their quest to raise funds to build the new hospital. Mac points out, “Ted never wavered in his positivity or support of the hospital despite us having to use a new form of outreach. We had never heard of a Zoom call back then. During those dark days of Covid, our medical personnel showed up every single day. Ted cared for the staff at Sheltering Arms from the
environmental services team to the doctors by arranging holiday meals. He was amazing.”
“It was a little daunting at the outset of the Campaign for Convergence, the first time Sheltering Arms Foundation had ever had a fundraising campaign,” recalls Ted, who, along with campaign leadership, began meeting with prospects to raise money for a new hospital. “One of the most wonderful and positive surprises we had was a $2 million dollar gift we hoped would be granted but were uncertain about. This act of extraordinary generosity really inspired our confidence. At that point, we only had a portion of the building complete and little to show for our fundraising efforts but enthusiasm. For me, this was a pivotal moment.”
Celebrating philanthropists Carol and Ted Price is a joy. They made a huge difference in the lives of many people, ultimately making Sheltering Arms a healthcare destination. A heartfelt thank you for your generosity and support.
An Enduring Legacy
Carol’s love of the hospital’s mission convinced Ted to champion Sheltering Arms when he was approached to serve on the Board by Annabel Josephs, then Chair. She praises the staff who embody the spirit of Sheltering Arms. “The motto The Power to Overcome has always been there,” says Carol. “It’s the staff who give that strength to patients every single day.”
“My service on the Sheltering Arms and Foundation Boards have been life changing for me, I think of the many people who may not have recovered but for the outstanding therapy they received at SAI. I have never met any member of the staff at Sheltering Arms who does not have a totally positive and enthusiastic attitude in their care for patients. When I hear about a patient’s recovery, it is almost spiritual.”
- Ted Price
Ted and Carol have served this organization selflessly in just about every possible capacity, always with kindness, humility, positivity, and their signature wit. They truly set the standard for compassionate leadership and excellent board governance, and they always led by example.
Richmond is blessed to have a truly world class rehabilitation hospital, and the launch of the new, state-of-the-art Sheltering Arms Institute would not have been possible without the vision, leadership, and generosity of Ted and Carol. Our central-Virginia community owes them a giant debt of gratitude.”
Peter H. Bowles, Chair of Sheltering Arms Foundation
The Walter W. and Maria Teresa Regirer Foundation Changes Lives
Sheltering Arms is a top-notch organization and a great group of people.” - Craig Massey, President of The Regirer Foundation.
For the past ten years, Regirer has become an incredible philanthropic partner supporting programs and projects including a driving simulator, a music therapy program, implementing a loaner ramps program, and specialized adaptive technology for our wheelchair clinic. Their latest investment includes accessible equipment for our therapy and adaptive fitness programs in outpatient and fitness centers at Reynolds, Midtown and Hanover. The adaptive equipment includes a Matrix Ultra Leg Extension and Leg Curl machine, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycles, and others.
Walter W. and Maria Teresa Regirer had a passion for helping the elderly, investing in several nursing homes in their lifetime. The Regirer Foundation was established in 2014 upon their passing with banker and trustee, the late John Stallings to oversee their legacy. Regirer board member Craig Massey says, “John was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known. He took his responsibility to the Regirer’s very seriously so that he could continue their work.” Craig admired John’s commitment, cementing his desire to keep the Regirer’s legacy strong.
Since its inception the Regirer Foundation supported Sheltering Arms, explains Founding Board Member Karl McTaggart, who praises Sheltering Arms’ cutting-edge technology that changes lives. To date, the Regirer Foundation has supported Sheltering Arms with $194,000 in grant money. To this end, Karl describes the amazing fact that Richmond’s Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI) is a “healthcare destination.”
The advanced technology funded by Regirer is a game changer for patients and the older adults in our programs. “We have many patients in our adaptive fitness programs. The Matrix helps people with range of motion limitations because it is customizable at every point.” says LoganAnn Bruce, (ACSM EP-C &CIFT), Manager of Health and Wellness Services at Sheltering Arms
Pictured right: Strength training on the Matrix is for anyone with lower extremity strength deficit. The top pad is no longer locked into place; the leg pad can move up and down and it gives free space for someone to transfer in. For patients with Parkinson’s Disease, it will improve strength, help prevent falls and increase functional mobility.
Christina Withers PT, DPT, PCS, Senior Manager of Therapy Services, explains, “We have many patients in adaptive therapy. There are three FES Cycles at our Hanover facility: 2 - Six Channel Bikes to stimulate the lower muscle groups and 1 - Twelve Channel Bike which works on upper and lower muscle strength.” She praises the success of this technology and points out that the physical therapist (PT) will decide on how to “prime” the patients’ muscles for treatment. For example, the PT places pads on an individual’s quadriceps or hamstrings and/or glutes to get these muscles activated prior to a therapy session.
Every time I visit Sheltering Arms, I’m always amazed that it’s here in Richmond. We have truly become a healthcare destination.”
- Regirer Foundation Board Member
The Driving Simulator is an important tool in helping patients return to driving. This technology takes the subjectivity out of typical evaluations by measuring reaction time in various situations. The occupational therapist (OT) chooses scenery that is tailored to a patient as well as potential obstacles. All patients’ responses are recorded, then paperwork is returned to a physician for assessment.
We had a patient living with Multiple Sclerosis and before the FES bike, she was unable to propel her leg forward. After treatment twice a week on the FES Bike, she was able to walk with a cane.” - Logan-Ann
THANK YOU!
Thank you to Craig Massey, Karl McTaggart and the entire board of the Walter and Maria Teresa Regirer Foundation for their generous support. “We are celebrating ten years at the Regirer Foundation this year!” says Karl.
“Every time I visit Sheltering Arms, I’m always amazed that it’s here in Richmond. We have truly become a healthcare destination.”
“Sheltering Arms focuses on safety and helping people have a better quality of life when they are on their own,” concludes Craig. “This approach keeps individuals healthy and functioning for as long as possible. Over time, it keeps people out of high intensity care, saves money, and personal pain. They are a great investment.”
Regirer Foundation Board Members:
Craig Massey, President
Andrea Glasgow, Secretary
Karl McTaggart, Treasurer
C.T. Hill
Sarah Hobgood
This technology helps patients heal and dramatically improves their quality of life.
MAXIMIZE Your Community Support
Did you know many companies have matching gift programs that will match contributions or volunteer time made by their employees or retirees to eligible nonprofit organizations? Businesses aim to support the organizations, programs, and projects that matter to their employees. To achieve this, many companies will match an employee’s contribution, sometimes doubling or even tripling the amount given.
Additionally, many companies will offer paid time off to employees who would like to volunteer with a local nonprofit. Some company programs will match volunteer hours worked during the year!
Sheltering Arms encourages its team members to volunteer with local organizations. Last year, various departments participated in a team-building exercise by helping to construct ramps with Ramps RVA. Many team members also volunteer regularly with organizations such as Sportable, Project:HOMES, Stroke Camp, Camp Bruce McCoy, and others.
Matching gift programs help build better communities where we all live and work!
LEARN MORE
To learn more about your company’s matching gift program contact your human resource department. For additional information on matching gifts, contact Michael Greene-Russell, (804) 342.4141 or mgreene-russell@shelteringarms.com
Mark your Calendar
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week September 16 – 20
Giving Day: Going for the Gold! September 18
Empower U: From Low-tech to High-tech: Solutions for the Rehab Journey September 18
Bowling for ALL Abilities, Bowl America Short Pump September 27
Made possible by DuPont Spruance Community Impact Grant
Matter of Balance Fridays, October 4 – November 22
32nd Annual Different Strokes Golf Tournament At First Tee, Chesterfield October 11
Note: For several events listed below, there is additional cost to participate.
Community Partners Expo at SAI October 17
Birdies for Charity PGA Tour Event October 17 – 20
National Physical Therapy Month October
National Estate Planning Month October
Empower U: After Therapy Graduation: What’s Next on Your Rehab Journey November 20
P2O Celebration Dewey Gottwald Center at the Science Museum of Virginia March 20
For additional information on events at Sheltering Arms, please contact Michael Greene-Russell, (804) 342-4141, mgreene-russell@shelteringarms.com
STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS!
Written by: Kathleen Reid, Claiborne Rhodes, Sheltering Arms Foundation Team
