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Ecumen North Branch is always looking for meaningful ways to engage with their community and make a positive impact. One special initiative that their residents look forward to every two weeks is the partnership with the Viking Vittles program, a local effort to support food-insecure students in the North Branch Area.

Here’s how it works: every two weeks, the Viking Vittles team drops off totes filled with brown paper lunch bags and stickers to Ecumen North Branch. The residents then roll up their sleeves and get to work—placing stickers on each lunch bag, turning them into a colorful part of a much larger effort. Once the bags are ready, they’re picked up and packed with meals for local schoolchildren in need.

It’s a simple yet impactful task, and the residents absolutely love it. It provides them with the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than themselves and connect with the local kids in a meaningful way. Knowing that their small act of kindness is part of a larger effort to support food-insecure students brings everyone a sense of purpose and pride.  

What is Viking Vittles?

Viking Vittles is a weekend backpack program created to help students in the North Branch Area Public Schools who face food insecurity. The program provides bags of food to children from pre-K through grade 5, ensuring that they have enough to eat over the weekend when school meals aren’t available. The program was launched in 2019 by Trinity Lutheran Church, in partnership with Family Pathways, and has grown with the support of the local community.

By partnering with Viking Vittles, Ecumen North Branch residents have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of local children. This simple act of packing lunch bags is a reminder of the power of community and the joy that comes from helping others, no matter how small the task may seem.

A Heartwarming Connection

For the Ecumen North Branch residents, the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause is more than just an activity—it’s a way to stay connected with the broader community and feel involved in something that truly matters. It’s also a chance to leave a legacy of kindness and support for the children in their own backyard.

As the Viking Vittles program continues to grow, so too does the spirit of giving in our community. They are proud to be a part of this wonderful initiative, and they look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that no child goes hungry over the weekend.

Thank you to Viking Vittles, Trinity Lutheran Church, Family Pathways, and all those who support this program.

We’re proud to announce that two Ecumen communities have been honored as 2024 Top Living Communities by Mpls. St. Paul Magazine.

To create this list, the Mpls. St. Paul Magazine partnered with DataJoe, a respected national research firm that specializes in local evaluations. They thoroughly assess care communities and resources based on several important factors, including availability, federal government ratings, the frequency of negative reports to state regulatory agencies, and overall community perception.

Congratulations to Abiitan Mill City, and Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley for earning this recognition as top assisted living communities.

For more details about their achievements, be sure to check out the November issue of Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, now available on newsstands.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes recently witnessed a heartwarming story that beautifully encapsulates the essence of creativity and support. It all began with Wayne, a talented individual whose history with painting was uncertain, but whose passion for art was undeniable.

Wayne’s journey into painting sparked from a simple yet powerful inspiration: “Bob Ross can do it, I think I can too.” With that belief, he picked up a brush, often completing a painting in just about an hour. His artistic endeavors weren’t limited to canvases; he also engaged in commercial and residential painting, showcasing his versatile skills.

The pivotal moment came when Deerae Nelson, Ecumen Detroit Lake’s Speech Therapist, took the initiative to showcase Wayne’s older artwork within the community. This not only highlighted his abilities but also celebrated his creative spirit, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Heather Spier, Ecumen Detroit Lakes RN Clinical Manager and Morgan Johnson, an Ecumen Detroit Lakes Nursing Assistant-Registered, further encouraged Wayne to explore his artistic side, even going as far as providing him with new supplies. However, Wayne initially hesitated, grappling with self-doubt about his capabilities.  

Recognizing his concerns, the team decided to let things unfold naturally for a while. Eventually, Heather reached out to his wife, enlisting her support in encouraging Wayne to give painting another shot. With her help, the team gathered his old supplies, including a cherished easel from years past.

“I reassured Wayne that art is a personal journey—it’s not about perfection but about expression,” said Heather. “I encouraged him to embrace the possibility of reinventing his style, reassuring him that it was perfectly okay if his work looked different from what he created years ago.”

Wayne is truly an incredible person, and the team said it was fulfilling to see him supported in pursuing something he loves. During a recent painting session, it was clear how knowledgeable and passionate he is about art. “He even taught me a thing or two while we painted together. The joy on his face was infectious, especially as he welcomed a couple of assistants who were eager to help,” said Heather.

“Heather played a crucial role in this process, embodying the principles of a Montessori-inspired culture. By understanding Wayne as an individual and focusing on his abilities, she removed barriers that might have hindered his creativity. She set up a painting station for him, allowing him to engage in a meaningful and fulfilling activity,” said Danielle Olson, Ecumen Detroit Lakes Executive Director. Stay tuned for updates on Wayne’s artistic journey!

At Ecumen, we believe in focusing on what we can do, and that philosophy shines through in the stories of those we serve. We want to share a heartwarming tale about Carl, a dedicated resident at Ecumen Prairie Hill, whose passion for farming and yard work has truly inspired those around him.

Last spring, Carl had the opportunity to till and plant the garden at our St. Peter Adult Day Service. With farming in his blood, he poured his heart and soul into every task, showcasing a level of commitment that was both impressive and touching. Although maintaining a full garden at home has become challenging for Carl, he found joy and purpose in tending to the garden at day services. His dedication was so intense that our team nearly had to drag him inside for lunch, as he was completely absorbed in his work!

Equipped with a knee pad, Carl happily got down to business, working on his knees in the dirt, fully immersed in the experience. Over the summer, he cared for the raised beds and flower garden, sharing his knowledge and skills with fellow participants and Ecumen team members. The result of his hard work? A bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes and strawberries, along with a stunning display of blooming flowers for everyone to enjoy. 

As fall approached and it was time to prepare the garden for the winter, Carl wasted no time getting back to work. He eagerly coached his peers and our team, sharing his wisdom with the reminder, “You till deep in the fall and shallow in the spring.” Once satisfied with a job well done, he took a moment to relax on the porch swing with a cold Coke, offering advice for the next gardening season: “We need a bigger shovel.”

Carl’s story is a wonderful reminder of the power of perseverance and gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate the things we can do, no matter our circumstances. Whether it’s tending to a garden, tilling a field, or simply enjoying the act of getting on our knees to pull weeds, there’s beauty in embracing our capabilities.

So, as you read this special story, take a moment to reflect on your own abilities. Find gratitude in the simple joys of nurturing nature and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done. At Ecumen, we celebrate the spirit of what we can do, and we’re grateful for residents like Carl who inspire us all to make the most of our experiences.

Britta, a Life Enrichment team member at Ecumen Lakeshore, didn’t always know she would end up working in senior services. Her background is diverse, ranging from real estate and sales to appraising homes and working as a flight attendant. However, it was her personal experiences that eventually led her to discover her true calling.

After moving between various jobs, Britta found herself working in Minneapolis while driving back to Superior, WI every weekend to care for her aging parents. When her father was diagnosed with bone cancer and dementia, he had to move into a care center, and after two months, he passed away. Britta then took on the responsibility of caring for her mother, balancing her job and family duties.

During this time, Britta began praying for a career change, as her work in appraising homes didn’t feel meaningful to her. “It was repetitive, mind-numbing, but paid good money,” she said. Then, out of the blue, she received a call asking if she could provide home care services for a 92-year-old gentleman. Knowing she had experience from caring for her parents, Britta accepted the role, helping him transition into a senior living community. 

As her work with the gentleman slowed, Britta came across an Ecumen Lakeshore Facebook post about an open interview event. Almost 60 and not quite ready to retire, Britta decided it was something she should explore. She knew she wasn’t up for the challenge of returning to school to become a nurse, but she realized she could still make a meaningful impact by enriching the lives of those in senior living.

Now, as a Life Enrichment Assistant, Britta works closely with Ecumen’s memory care residents. “I love every one of them to my core. They have been the biggest blessing,” she shares. In her role, she brings joy, activities, and connection to the residents, a job that feels like second nature to her.

“This community feels like an open door where I can just be me,” Britta reflects. After years of searching, she knows that working with older adults was always her calling—it just took some time to find her way there. She believes there are many others like her who are searching for a fulfilling role in life but don’t know where to start.

“I am just grateful that Ecumen took a chance on a banker,” Britta says. “When you are giving, you get so much back. That’s the joy of this job.”

Today, Britta has found her place at Ecumen Lakeshore, where her heart for service shines through every day.

When Ione moved to Ecumen Pathstone, like many, it took some time to adjust. She was used to a routine of cooking, cleaning, tending to her garden, and keeping busy with the everyday tasks of life. The transition to a new living environment was a change, but thanks to the Montessori approach we embrace here at Ecumen, Ione quickly found her rhythm again.

A key element of the Montessori approach is providing residents the opportunity to engage in activities they love and maintain the routines they’re familiar with. This approach ensures that our residents feel a sense of purpose and enjoy a high quality of life. For Ione, that meant finding ways to stay busy, feel useful, and take pride in a job well done.

Not long after settling in, Ione naturally became what we affectionately refer to as our “Mother Hen.” She has a special way of gravitating toward others when they need a helping hand or a comforting hug. Whether it’s assisting her fellow residents or offering team members a little extra help, Ione is always eager to pitch in. With a smile, she often says, “Many hands make light work.” 

Ione continues to thrive at Ecumen Pathstone by doing the things that have always been part of her daily routine. Her sense of purpose is alive, and it shines through her daily interactions.

The joy Ione finds in her life here is clear, and it’s evident in the many photos that tell her story. These moments show how meaningful and impactful the Montessori approach can be—not just for Ione, but for all our residents.

At Ecumen, we believe in empowering individuals like Ione, helping them rediscover the joy in familiar routines and tasks, and creating a community where they can thrive.

Recovering from any sort of setback can be a long journey. Sometimes the loss of independence and ownership over your life can make the path even more difficult. Fortunately, Bob’s experience at Ecumen Detroit Lakes has been different.

“When I first got here, they would do everything for me, but that has changed a lot,” said Bob. “Now it’s to the point where I can do things myself and it makes me feel like I have a say in what I do every day.”

As part of Ecumen’s initiative to focus on residents’ abilities rather than limitations, Bob has worked with the team to assume more responsibility and independence. He also puts himself through an extensive physical and occupational therapy program for up to two and a half hours every day. 

“It’s not easy but it makes me feel good because I’m getting better at it,” he said. “They have a schedule for me that is set up but I can do most of the things on my own. They’re there if I need help with anything but it’s nice to be able to do most of it for myself.”

Bob says when you start out in a care community it can be difficult, but having the opportunity to make his own choices has helped a lot. He has even been able to mentor another man who came to Ecumen Detroit Lakes after a stroke, offering advice and helping raise the man’s spirits.

“It was fun. It made me feel that I was doing something for somebody else and that was important,” said Bob. “I’m not here just for me, I’m here to help people that are going through the same thing that I’m going through.”

The Ecumen team has enjoyed seeing Bob rise to new challenges. Bob says having the opportunity to make his own decisions is giving him confidence for whatever the future holds.

As we recognize Fall Prevention Awareness Week this week, it’s crucial to highlight the importance of preventing falls among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults.

Ecumen is focused on dispelling the myth that falls are a normal part of aging. Many falls can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes, home modifications, and therapy. At Ecumen, we’re always looking for innovative ways to improve care and quality of life for our patients and residents. One example of how Ecumen is proactively focusing efforts to reduce falls is through new and innovative technology. At Ecumen Lakeshore, we’ve leveraged technology by OneStep for real-time movement analysis and risk assessment. This technology helps us identify whether a person is a high, moderate or low fall risk, and we can track mobility over time and intervene with personalized treatments and environmental adjustments to reduce fall risks. By developing a preventative health and wellness model for residents that live in our community, we hope that we can keep our residents independent and actively engaged in the activities that are meaningful to them.

Another example of how we are proactively managing falls in our communities is by promoting regular exercise programs tailored to balance and strength training, encouraging annual vision checks, and ensuring homes are free from hazards, we aim to create safer environments for our residents.

Making your home safer by removing clutter, securing rugs, and ensuring good lighting throughout your living space. Install grab bars in bathrooms and stairways and consider using non-slip mats in showers and on slippery surfaces. Staying mindful of footwear choices by choosing supportive, non-slip shoes can also significantly reduce fall risks.

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology play crucial roles in addressing the underlying conditions that contribute to fall risks. PT focuses on improving strength, balance, and mobility through tailored exercise programs. OT assesses and modifies the home environment to enhance safety and independence, while SLP addresses cognitive factors that may affect balance and coordination. Together, these therapies help older adults regain confidence and functional abilities, reducing their vulnerability to falls and promoting overall well-being.

Fall prevention requires a multifaceted approach that includes awareness, education, and proactive steps. During Fall Prevention Awareness Week, let’s join forces to empower older adults to live safely and independently. Together, we can prevent falls and preserve the health and vitality of our aging community.

Ecumen is proud to announce its recognition as a Certified Age-Friendly Employer by the Age-Friendly Institute. This designation highlights Ecumen’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for individuals aged 50 and above.

Ecumen’s commitment to fostering a workplace that values experience and maturity is reflected in its core values. “At Ecumen, we honor our team members at every age,” said Mel Sullivan, Ecumen’s SVP & chief people officer. “We’re especially grateful for the knowledge and experience that our older team members bring, and we recognize that whether they’ve been doing this work for years or embarking on a new career, they bring valuable skills and insights to our care for those we serve.”

Achieving this certification involved close collaboration with the Certified Age-Friendly Employer team, focusing on key areas such as recruiting and employment policies, practices, and programs. The comprehensive evaluation covered twelve categories of best practices for age-friendly employers, ensuring that we meet the highest standards.

By embracing individuals over 50, we anticipate a broader pool of qualified candidates applying for our roles. The Certified Age-Friendly Employer seal prominently displayed on our website communicates to both current and potential employees that Ecumen values and prioritizes experienced workers.

“As a Certified Age-Friendly Employer, Ecumen is enhancing the lives of the older adults we serve and fostering a workplace where experience and maturity are celebrated,” Sullivan said. “We believe that by creating an age-friendly environment, we attract top talent and build a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect.”

This certification aligns with Ecumen’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality care and support to older adults while recognizing the invaluable contributions of our diverse and experienced workforce.  

For more information about becoming a Certified Age-Friendly Employer, please visit https://institute.agefriendly.com/initiatives/certified-age-friendly-employer-program/  

After moving into Ecumen Pathstone in Mankato, Mick realized he had a problem. He had a collection of movies that he brought with him, but he didn’t have a DVD player that worked. That sparked an idea that the Ecumen team was happy to help him pursue. He decided to start hosting movie nights for all of his fellow residents so they could enjoy the movies together.

“I love watching movies,” said Mick. “It keeps your mind occupied, and it can let you enter a dream world. Your mind wanders and you can put yourself there.”

Two nights a week, Mick invites residents to a common room where they sit and enjoy a movie together. He posts the schedule in advance so people can know what to expect. Some movies attract bigger crowds than others but Mick says every time they get together you can feel the energy and enjoyment in the room.

“Watching TV or a movie by yourself can be fine,” he said, “but it’s different when you watch something together. It can be really nice.”

Ecumen Pathstone team members say Mick’s movie nights are a perfect example of what can happen when residents are encouraged to pursue and share things they are passionate about. It gave residents some additional evening activities, which they were asking for. It also allowed Mick to take on a leadership role doing something that he loves.

“Being allowed to choose things for myself and show these movies makes me feel like I’m more a part of the group,” he said. “I like that I’m able to offer something that people like.”

Mick has enjoyed sharing some of his all-time favorite movies, like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Other residents and team members have also started suggesting movies for him to show, contributing their own DVDs to the library. Mick says they are even considering taking a trip to the library to check out some additional titles.

No matter what the movie is, Mick says the experience of watching things as a group is special. He recalls one movie night when they played The Sound of Music.

“There wasn’t a huge turnout, but they loved it,” he said. “We were watching the movie and when it got to a touching part one of the ladies beside me just took my hand and gave it a nice little squeeze. It was really nice.”

It can be a lot of work to plan and host events a couple of times a week, but Mick says it’s all worth it. He says he is proud to be able to give residents moments to look forward to, and simply knowing that someone sat and enjoyed a movie with him is what matters most of all.

Ecumen is helping older adults pursue their passions and use their skills. As part of a new initiative, Ecumen North Branch, Ecumen Pathstone, and Ecumen Detroit Lakes are implementing an innovative program based on the “Montessori method,” emphasizing residents’ interests and abilities rather than their limitations. This new initiative builds on Ecumen’s award-winning Awakenings care-giving model, which focuses on individual needs to support the highest quality of life. Adding a Montessori framework to this model is giving Ecumen team members new tools and resources to help residents find meaning and purpose in their everyday lives.