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Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights recently celebrated a major milestone with the completion of its long-anticipated renovations. The celebration was a remarkable afternoon, filled with joy, gratitude, and a profound sense of community among residents, team members, and visitors alike.

The event’s centerpiece was a heartfelt dedication ceremony led by Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights housing manager, Mara Krinke. The ceremony was further elevated by live music that created an uplifting atmosphere, and a special blessing over the community, leaving attendees inspired and connected.

“This event was incredibly meaningful to me and to those we serve,” said Krinke. “Seeing our community come together to celebrate these beautiful renovations filled me with such joy. I’m so excited to witness how these updates will continue to enhance the lives of those who call us home and help our community flourish even more in the years to come.” 

These extensive renovations were made possible through the generous support of the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing the project to life. Ecumen expressed deep gratitude to the Foundation for its longstanding commitment to enhancing the lives of the community’s residents.

The renovations include significant improvements, such as the much-anticipated accessible door to the Zen Garden, roofing and townhome enhancements, and improved transportation options, which now offer greater access to the wider community. The Foundation’s recent $1,000,000 award to Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights was pivotal in making these enhancements possible.

For nearly 25 years, the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Ecumen, benefiting over 4,000 community members through various projects. These have included building renovations, grounds improvements, enhanced health and wellness spaces, transportation initiatives, and the sponsorship of cornerstone community events.

The success of the event was largely due to the dedicated efforts of Ecumen team members, who worked tirelessly to organize an open house that was not only memorable but also inclusive of the broader community. Their hard work ensured that the day was a fitting celebration of the newly refreshed spaces.

A significant community project aimed at enhancing outdoor spaces and connecting residents with nature has received substantial financial backing from various organizations. The project, which includes the development of a nature trail and an upper patio area, has garnered a total of over $160,000 in grants and contributions, demonstrating strong local support.

The West Central Initiative has given $28,000 in grant dollars, playing a crucial role in advancing the project. Additionally, the Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District has contributed a generous $74,602.25. This support is bolstered by a $10,000 donation from the Douglas County Water Quality Legacy Fund, highlighting the project’s alignment with environmental and conservation goals.

Moreover, the City of Alexandria has shown its commitment to the initiative by pitching in $49,300. These combined funds are facilitating the ongoing development of the nature trail, with visible progress already made on the ground. The new outdoor spaces are intended to provide residents with recreational areas that promote physical activity, environmental education, and community gathering.

The project’s team members and residents have expressed deep gratitude to all the donors and organizations that have made this possible. “We are beyond excited to share that we have received numerous grants regarding this project, allowing us to continue with the nature trail and upper patio portion of our project,” said Wendy Halbe, housing director at Ecumen Bethel Manor and Winona Shores. “Our team members and residents are extremely grateful to all donors who have made this project possible. It’s been a joy for many to watch this project come together.”

The ongoing development is a testament to the community’s commitment to enhancing local amenities and fostering a closer connection to nature. As the project progresses, Ecumen Bethel Manor and Winona Shores invites more community members to get involved and support this transformative endeavor.

In a heartwarming celebration, Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community in Monticello unveiled its newly upgraded walking trail, a project made possible through the generosity of community donors. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ecumen President & CEO, Shelley Kendrick, who acknowledged the vital role of residents in advocating for the trail.

On August 1st, residents, team members, and Monticello Mayor Lloyd Hilgart, gathered to mark the occasion, highlighting the importance of the new trail in promoting physical activity and well-being among residents. Shelley Kendrick, in her address, expressed gratitude to the community and residents, who played a crucial role in identifying the need for such a facility.

“Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and it was their voices that highlighted the need for this new trail. We are thrilled to provide them with a space where they can continue to stay active and enjoy the beautiful surroundings,” said Shelley Kendrick.

Residents of Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community-Monticello are equally enthusiastic about the new addition. The trail offers a safe and scenic environment for residents to exercise and socialize, contributing to their overall health and quality of life. Many expressed excitement about having a dedicated space to “get their steps in” and maintain an active lifestyle.

This upgraded walking trail is a significant enhancement for the community, providing a valuable resource for residents to thrive both physically and socially. It stands as a testament to the importance of listening to and addressing the needs of those we serve. 

If you visit Ecumen Detroit Lakes, you may come across a group of women who look particularly fabulous. They’re not dressed up for a special occasion. This is how they approach every day, spreading beauty and joy to the community.

“It makes us feel good. It makes others feel better about themselves,” said Constance, one of the ambassadors for this initiative. “I just love it when people start feeling more optimistic about their days, looking forward to things instead of having a bad day or a ‘nothing’ day.”

Constance and her best friend, Kathy, are two residents at Ecumen Detroit Lakes who make a concerted effort to bring glamor to the halls of the community. They dress up each day, putting on earrings, jewelry, and perhaps some makeup. Most importantly, they bring positivity to each other and to others around the building.

“We make a point of complimenting other people, saying something nice to let them know we appreciate them,” said Kathy. “It’s a small thing but it can be important.”

“When you give someone a compliment,” added Constance, “even if they don’t feel well that day, maybe you can help them a little, to feel good about themselves and to maybe want to get out and mingle with others.”

Ecumen team members say this is the kind of activity that happens when residents feel empowered to contribute to the community in their own unique ways. In this case, the passion of a small group of women sparked interest from others. It has become so popular, they had to find a bigger lunch table to gather for their meals.

Constance credits Kathy with helping her embrace this approach to life.

“I had, I’m guessing, two years of just kind of fiddling around and looking frumpy,” she said. “I didn’t get my hair brushed up or I didn’t wear makeup or earrings. Life wasn’t nearly as exciting and colorful and creative as it is now, but Kathy helped me change my way of thinking to look forward to each day.”

Now the women say they feel good about encouraging others to let their own beauty shine.

“It’s just fun to try to make everybody feel good and it makes me feel good about myself,” said Kathy. “It gives me something to look forward to every day.”

“We reach out to new residents to let them know we want them to feel welcome and we like to see them,” said Constance. “Whether they wear lipstick or not, we want them to share their inner beauty and be comfortable showing who they are.”

Ecumen team members say the positivity of the group lifts the spirits of residents, visitors, and anyone lucky enough to interact with these amazing women.

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.

SHOREVIEW, MN (July 22, 2024) — Ecumen is excited to announce that Ecumen Home Care Pathstone has been voted 2nd “Best In-Home Healthcare” in Mankato, according to The Mankato Free Press “Best Of” reader poll. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the home care team.

Ecumen Home Care Pathstone, located at 718 Mound Avenue, offers a comprehensive range of home care services. From non-medical support like housekeeping and personal hygiene to medical services such as medication management and home health assistance, the home care team is dedicated to delivering personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.

For more information about our services or to discuss how we can assist you or your loved ones, please call us at 877-311-4997 or visit our Ecumen Home Care page.

SHOREVIEW, MN (July 22, 2024) — Ecumen is proud to announce the promotion of Tami Haley to Chief Nursing Officer. Tami’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to quality have been instrumental in the organization’s successful surveys, numerous quality awards, and, most importantly, the positive feedback from its residents, clients, and patients.

Shoreview, Minn. (July 15, 2024) — During a time of life when many people fear having independence taken away, 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.

Developed by an Italian doctor in 1907, the Montessori method has been used around the world to create student-led learning environments that give children the freedom to choose activities that fuel their curiosity and passions. In recent years, the Montessori method has shown promise in helping older individuals develop similar ownership and joy in the activities they pursue.

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.

Ecumen is receiving support for this effort through a Performance-Based Initiative Program (PIPP) grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). As part of this grant, Ecumen will measure the impact of this approach on residents and their families, as well as on team member satisfaction, with the hope of transforming dementia care across the country.

COVID contributed to more idle time among those living with dementia, fewer opportunities to engage in meaningful activities, and confusion due to safety protocols such as masking. That led to functional and mobility dependence for some. Adding the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle (MIL) approach to Ecumen’s Awakenings is aimed at reversing this trend and improving the lives of residents.

Montessori techniques emphasize collaboration, shifting the focus from, “How do we need to care for this person?” to “How can we help them have a meaningful, purposeful day?” Whether it’s tapping into a passion for art or cooking, or allowing people to take on tasks that help others, this philosophy is guided by the residents and what is meaningful to them.

The certification of these programs to implement an MIL approach to care includes an innovative collaboration with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD), Accelerated Care Plus (ACP), and local non-profit COMPAS Arts.

Just months into the grant-funded program, residents are already experiencing improved quality of life. They are spending more time outdoors and interacting with others as Awakenings is fostering new and innovative paths for engagement. Gardening clubs, movie nights, and community service projects are just some of the resident-driven activities that are providing a renewed sense of ownership and purpose. The initiative is also improving engagement and job satisfaction for Ecumen team members, giving them the tools to deliver the best possible care.

In the coming months, Ecumen will share some of the stories of residents who are benefiting from Awakenings with this new approach. We will also highlight some of the caregivers who are leading this change, helping residents pursue their interests. The experiences and results of this effort will be compiled as part of a report to measure the impact of the Montessori approach and to hopefully serve as a guide for other dementia care providers.

SHOREVIEW, MN (June 5, 2024) — Ecumen Centennial House, Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley, Ecumen Seasons at Maplewood, Ecumen Prairie Lodge, Ecumen Lakeshore and Ecumen North Branch have been recognized as 2024 recipients of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for their commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving the quality of care for our nation’s older adults and individuals with disabilities.

“We are deeply honored by these recognitions, which showcases the dedication and commitment of our exceptional teams,” said Shelley Kendrick, president and CEO of Ecumen. “All four of these Ecumen communities exemplify our mission and vision in action, and this distinction reaffirms what our residents and team members already know: Ecumen is fantastic place to live and work.”

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a rigorous three-level process that is reviewed and evaluated by trained experts against a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence. The standards of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program help organizations achieve superior performance over time to improve quality of life and care of long-term care residents and staff.

Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with essential performance elements such as vision, mission statement, understanding of key customers, and key strengths and challenges. Bronze applicants must also demonstrate their ability to implement a sustainable performance improvement system. Trained examiners review each application to determine if a center has met the demands of the criteria. As a recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality award, Ecumen Lakeshore may now move forward to the Silver – Achievement in Quality award criteria.

“This achievement reflects each provider’s dedication to continuous improvement,” said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair. “It is an honor to recognize their hard work and commitment to enhancing the quality of care and service as they continue this rewarding journey.”

The awards will be presented during Delivering Solutions 24, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 6-9, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.

Ecumen announced that Tina Palmer has joined its leadership team as Senior Vice President & Chief Mission Advancement Officer. Palmer joins Ecumen with decades of experience in fundraising with local, regional and national nonprofit organizations. She most recently served as senior development officer at Fairview Foundation/University of Minnesota Foundation. Prior to that role, she led fundraising efforts for Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis as vice president of development.

“Tina brings a track record of success to Ecumen,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen’s president & CEO. “With the challenges our industry has faced over the past several years, it’s more important than ever to continue to build and steward the generous donations that help power our mission of serving older adults. Tina will be a key part of that work and I’m delighted to welcome her to the team.”

Palmer received her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and her Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University.

St. Croix Falls, Wis. (Mar. 27, 2024) — Ecumen is excited to share that Forest Heights Apartments and River Town Heights Apartments are now Ecumen-owned communities, effective March 22, 2024.

Since November 2020, Ecumen – a nonprofit provider and operator of housing, health care and services for older adults – assumed the management of Forest Heights, a 30-unit Housing and Urban Development (HUD) affordable housing community and River Town Heights, a 25-unit HUD affordable senior living community on behalf of St. Croix Health.

Ecumen has been working with HUD and the leadership of St. Croix Health to complete this transition for the past 15 months.

“We have been delighted with how this transition from St. Croix Health to Ecumen has been,” said Sandy Bowman, Forest Heights and River Town Heights housing manager. “Our communities are looking forward to being part of Ecumen, which is known for quality and innovative services. We’re grateful to have Ecumen officially a part of the St. Croix community.”

For more information about Forest Heights or River Town Heights, please call 715-557-0559 or visit  ecumen.org/river-town-heights-st-croix-falls-wi and  ecumen.org/forest-heights-st-croix-falls-wi.