The Spirit of Sheltering Arms Creating space

The Interfaith Chapel at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI) follows a long and treasured history. Behind the scenes, Johnnie Lou Terry and Anne Lower have been a guiding force for the past 50 years! Countless volunteer hours dedicated to the preservation of the Chapel are exemplary, and so are the results. Their story resonates with kindness and an unwavering devotion to Sheltering Arms which comes straight from the heart.

Both Johnnie Lou and Anne were originally inspired by the generation of women before them whom they admired. They explained their strength and commitment made a difference in the community. Anne says, “I believe then and now that there were women and men who genuinely wanted to give their services to those in need.” Johnnie Lou adds, “In short, they were givers, not takers.” In the 1970’s, they were also heavily influenced by Dr. Henry Betts, a pioneer in the field of rehabilitative medicine; his expertise provided invaluable support when Sheltering Arms converted from a medical hospital to a rehabilitation facility. His strong message of advocacy for individuals with disabilities resonated, motivating Johnnie Lou and Anne.

“Sheltering Arms Hospital was a chapel in and of itself,” says Johnnie Lou. “Each time, we went there and saw the care and devotion given all patients, regardless of their circumstances, we felt as though we had been to church.” The allocation of space for a chapel at Sheltering Arms Hospital (SAH) took time and considerable thought.

The creation of a chapel along with a full

For Spiritual Health

time chaplain became a tangible focus of the hospital in the early 1990’s. According to Johnnie Lou, “Having a dedicated place at Sheltering Arms where patients, staff, volunteers, and visitors could meditate, pray, or just be quiet, and where groups could gather for services was an inspiring goal for the hospital.” The Chapel was blessed with gifts large and small—of time, talent and treasure—given by countless donors. For example, the original stained-glass windows were a gift from Kings Daughters Circles, led by the Sheltering Arms Circle (still a strong force today); the altar, lectern, chairs, organ, communion services, symbols and books of faith, hymnals, kneelers, candlesticks, vases and book of remembrance were given by supporters near and far.

The colored glass windows in the SAI Chapel welcome visitors with their reverent beauty. Johnnie Lou explains, “Etched in the borders of the stained-glass windows, signifying openness and inclusiveness, are symbols of known faiths and an empty field for faiths unknown; for those who have not yet found a faith and for seekers.”

Dr. Gloria White Flowers fondly recalls playing piano as a volunteer at church services at adjoining Richmond Memorial Hospital in the 1980’s, which may have led to her decision to become a Chaplain. When the position became available at Sheltering Arms, Reverend Gloria Flowers put in her application on a large 9 x 12 pink sheet of paper which caught everyone’s attention. It was, in fact, Johnnie Lou and Anne who took part in the interview process for the position. Gloria says,

“I’ll never forget it. Mrs. Terry said that they all had a special feeling about me which is why I was hired.” Over the years, Johnnie Lou and Anne attended her services regularly and their friendship blossomed. Some may call this collaboration fate, but there is no arguing with the outstanding results that these women have achieved by working together to heal those in need. For over twenty-five years, the Reverend Dr. Gloria White Flowers has provided services that respect the integrity and religious traditions of all. She praises the spirit of volunteerism. She notes, “Johnnie Lou and Anne have both carried out the welfare of the Chapel so that everything is always in proper order.”

Johnnie Lou says, “Since its inception in 1889, Sheltering Arms has sought to provide quality healthcare and financial assistance to those who need it. This reflects caring, serving and giving. This is the spirit of Sheltering Arms.” The new chapel at Sheltering Arms Institute welcomes all. Chaplain Flowers explains, “The Interfaith Chapel is an inclusive and equitable space for a diversity of faiths. It provides a safe place of respite and renewal.”

To learn more about supporting our spiritual programs or volunteering at any area of Sheltering Arms Institute, please contact Michael GreeneRussell, 804-342-4327 or mrussell@shelteringarms.com.

Anne Lower and

Terry were selected as the 2022 Volunteer Impact Award recipients by the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Central Virginia Chapter. They will be honored on November 15, 2022 at National Philanthropy Day. This award recognizes their combined century of volunteer service to Sheltering Arms. Through the years, they have served in various volunteer positions with us. Their work through the years has helped our patients find their Power to Overcome.

“It’s the expressive side that excited me,” says Elizabeth (Liz) Creasman, who spearheaded the expressive arts program which involved a partnership between Sheltering Arms Club Recreation Program (Club Rec) and The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts). For more than twenty years, Club Rec has been a day recreation program for adults with disabilities or physical limitations. It incorporates a holistic care approach, promoting healthy living after an injury or illness. In 2021, Club Rec received a grant, from the David S. Walker, Jr. Foundation, which provided the funds to start an expressive arts program. Recreation Therapy Manager Rhonda Riggleman explains, “Our programs really fill an important gap in people’s lives. There’s a lot of research on the benefits of social interaction. That human connection is critical to a person’s daily life.”

Liz enjoys watching how well this collaboration works for both teachers and students. The partnership has been a learning and sharing process for both organizations. Many Club Rec members have mobility issues and the teams have worked together to create special grips, adapted easels or colors described to accommodate each individual. Liz notes, “Club Rec participants have been introduced to new mediums and techniques including felting, glass, neurographic art, and gelli plate printing.”

An abundance of innovative craft projects helps to inspire and delight students of all abilities. Community Arts Program Teacher Tori

Qualls handles a wide range of ages in these art classes. The youngest student is thirtysomething and the eldest is ninety-something. Careful preparation and providing plenty of options for personal customization are keys to success. “I do the finicky details which gives plenty of options for materials on a particular craft project. I’m a super materials nerd.”

Tori is excited about creating an environment where everyone can express themselves through artwork. For example, in the winter months, there was an emphasis on creating crafts reminiscent of springtime. The class made stained glass windows out of cardboard boxes that were painted white. With balloons as the artistic tool, students designed a swirling pattern to replicate stained glass. “It was really fun! I asked my students to trust me,” explains Tori who coordinated these makeshift “windows” with hand-made potted plants.

“I’m passionate. I think it’s so good to see my students have confidence in their own creativity.” The goal is always to inspire. “I want to remove the frustration from creativity which involves a series of slight modifications. It feels like a math problem at times. How do I come up with a project that is super cute and works for everyone?” To this end, Tori does not use glue sticks and favors glue in littles dishes with Q-tips because they are much easier to grab. A choice of multiple textures is an important component for students. They say, “Art is about choosing what you like.”

To learn more about supporting Club Rec and its programs please contact Lisa Resch, lresch@shelteringarms.com or 804-342-4326.