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From the moment Anna joined the family 11 years ago, she felt at home.

“We’re high school sweethearts,” she said of her husband, Justus. “And our very first Christmas together, Grandpa Gary immediately welcomed me in. He treated me like a granddaughter from the start.”

That’s just who Gary was. His arms were always open, his home always warm, and his heart always full. Gary and his wife, Kate, were a couple everyone admired. To Justus, Gary was more than a grandfather; he was a steady, fatherly presence and a source of comfort through every stage of life.

When Anna and Justus shared they were expecting, Gary and Kate were overjoyed. “They supported us through everything,” Anna remembered.

Anna and Justus’ daughter, Jeanie, was born at just 33 weeks and spent 57 days in the NICU. The first place they visited after she came home was Grandma and Grandpa’s house. “Their bond grew so strong, so fast,” Anna said. “Jeanie adored him. She always wanted to be with Grandpa Gary.”

When Gary was diagnosed with ALS, the entire family felt the weight of it. He lost his voice early on, and communicating became difficult.

As his health declined, Gary entered hospice care with Ecumen. Anna, who had recently joined the Ecumen Hospice team herself, was by his side, helping care for him and support her mother-in-law, Melissa, who was his primary caregiver.

It was during that time that Anna learned about Ecumen’s Heartbeat Recording Legacy Project, which combines a patient’s heartbeat with meaningful music to create a lasting keepsake for loved ones.

Martha, a board-certified music therapist with Ecumen Hospice, visited to record Gary’s heartbeat. He passed away while she was present, and the family was grateful to have captured his last few heartbeats.

For Anna, hearing the recording for the first time was both painful and healing. The family chose the song “Even Though I’m Leaving.” A tribute that perfectly reflected Gary’s deep bond with his daughter, Melissa.

Looking back, Anna feels immense gratitude for the compassion and personalized care Ecumen provided. “The hospice team didn’t just care for Gary,” she said. “They cared for all of us.”

If Gary could know his heartbeat was preserved in this way, Anna believes he would be deeply moved. “He was such a sentimental man,” she said. “Knowing that it brings peace to our family would give him comfort. He was the glue that held us all together.”

Because of generosity like yours, families like Gary’s can hold onto the sound of a heartbeat, and the love it represents, forever.

Make a gift to support meaningful moments like Gary’s. Listen to the song recording of Gary’s heartbeat here.

In August, President and CEO Shelley Kendrick announced her plans to retire from Ecumen sometime during the first quarter of 2026 following seven years in the role. Since joining the organization as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations in 2012, Shelley has provided more than a decade of passionate and distinguished leadership to those who care for and care about the thousands of older adults and family members served by the organization.

Ecumen’s next leader will have both the opportunity and an imperative to build from and upon the organization’s 160+ year legacy while navigating Ecumen’s unique and promising path forward.

“Ecumen and its approximately 2,800 team members and direct care providers continue to serve our communities with an enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and compassion. We seek a visionary and bold executive for our next President and CEO to lead efforts to maximize resources, ensure financial resilience, and drive intentional growth and development within our faith-based mission and values,” said Marcia Kull, Board of Trustees Chair.

Earlier this year, Ecumen adopted a new three-year strategic plan which focuses on strengthening sustainability, reducing organizational risks, elevating customer experience for older adults and families served by the organization, enhancing its people-first focus, driving innovation, and building connections to advocate for the organization’s mission and create lasting impact.

The next President and CEO will lead the purposeful execution, active management, and timely adaptation of the plan while taking strategic advantage of emerging opportunities and mitigating challenges intrinsic to providing exceptional living environments and healthcare services for a growing older adult population.

This position will remain open until filled. Additional information about the position and on how to apply can be found on the Ecumen website here.

When Harvey moved into Ecumen Pathstone last year, he, like so many others, worried about what he might be giving up. His sprawling gardens, his 20-year-old geraniums, and his greenhouses full of propagations and seedlings had been a part of his life for decades.

Instead of focusing on what he was losing, Harvey saw opportunity. He discovered one of Pathstone’s large courtyards and, with the support of our Life Enrichment Specialist Gabby and Maintenance Technician Tracy, he turned it into a thriving oasis.

And Harvey did not stop there. Just a few weeks ago, he gathered friends and volunteers, pictured here, to help revamp two enormous, raised flower beds. That is not the only way he is preparing for next spring’s planting. His apartment is once again full of seedlings and plants, proof that his passion never takes a season off.

Thank you, Harvey, for sharing your talent, dedication, and love of gardening with all of us. You have created more than a beautiful courtyard; you have grown a community.

This Spiritual Care Week, we are proud to honor the compassionate presence of Sister Janelle Sietsema, Chaplain and Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. For over 11 years, Sister Janelle has been a steady and comforting presence within our Ecumen St. Benedict’s community in St. Cloud, offering more than spiritual care; she offers connection, compassion, and a ministry of presence. A true creative spirit, her favorite hobby is making handmade greeting cards, which many of our residents have received over the years, signed by staff and filled with heartfelt messages.

Each day in her role looks a little different, but always with a focus on presence and service. Whether she’s updating communion lists for Eucharistic Ministers, assisting with meals, escorting residents to Mass or activities, or simply sitting at a bedside, Sister Janelle’s work is rooted in attentiveness. Her visits are often timely in ways that surprise even her. “I love it when people tell me my visit was just what they needed at that moment,” she says. “I don’t think it’s just by chance. I believe God is using me.” She also makes it a priority to connect with team members, offering support during personal crises or family losses, another quiet but powerful part of her ministry.

Sister Janelle’s journey into chaplaincy began with a foundation in theology, earning a degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Master of Divinity, and serving in parish roles before discovering her true calling in one-on-one spiritual care. Unlike parish work, where much of her time was spent organizing programs and recruiting volunteers, chaplaincy allows her to engage in the heart of what drew her to ministry in the first place: sharing her faith and listening to others speak about their relationship with God. One moment that stands out to her involved being with a man and his family during his final moments. The man, a friend of her Benedictine community, passed away while they prayed together, an experience she describes as an “honor to be there with them and for them at that time.”

What makes spiritual care at Ecumen unique, Sister Janelle says, is the diversity of the residents. Unlike her previous ministry settings that primarily served Catholics, Ecumen provides her with the opportunity to meet individuals from all walks of faith or none at all. “It gives residents a chance to talk about themselves, not just where it hurts or their pain level,” she shares. With the support of a priest on staff, residents also have easy access to sacraments like Mass, Anointing, and Reconciliation, which further enriches the spiritual environment here. Beyond that, Ecumen’s team-based culture allows chaplains like Sister Janelle to work closely with other departments, lending a hand wherever needed, from food service to life enrichment. Truly embodying a holistic approach to care.

To Sister Janelle, Spiritual Care Week is an important recognition, not just for her, but for all who serve in this vital field. “Other departments have recognition weeks as well—I wouldn’t want ours to be left out,” she says with a smile. She believes spiritual care is particularly essential in senior living communities, where residents can face isolation due to loss of mobility, hearing or sight, and technological barriers that make staying in touch with loved ones difficult. “Some wonder, ‘Why hasn’t God taken me?’” she says. “Personal visits sometimes take the edge off the loneliness.”

A misconception about chaplaincy she often addresses is the idea that chaplains are there to evangelize. In truth, the heart of her ministry is presence and deep listening. “Our purpose is not to convert people who’ve left their church,” she explains. “It’s to meet people where they’re at in their faith journey and assure them of God’s presence. We are primarily listeners.”

Sister Janelle lives by the words of St. Benedict: “All shall be treated as Christ.” This guiding principle is woven through her daily work and interactions. She stays grounded through structured prayer and community life with the Sisters of St. Joseph, drawing strength and renewal from both personal and communal spirituality. For those considering a path in chaplaincy, her advice is simple but profound: “Listen. Listen with your heart and mind. If you are being called, God will guide you and help pave the way.”  

This week, and every week, we are deeply grateful for Sister Janelle’s service, presence, and the many quiet ways she brings light to our community. Her ministry is a powerful reminder that spiritual care is not just a role—it’s a calling. As we celebrate Spiritual Care Week, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to all Ecumen chaplains who faithfully walk alongside residents, families, and staff, offering comfort, connection, and hope. Your work touches lives in ways seen and unseen, and we are honored to recognize and celebrate each of you.

Recently, something unexpected and heartwarming unfolded right in the front lobby of Ecumen Lakeview Commons, and it all started with a surprise guest on four legs.

A family member had just arrived to visit her grandma when a small, sweet dog darted in through the front doors alongside her. The pup didn’t belong to her, or to anyone we knew, and she wasn’t wearing a collar. Still, it was clear she had been well cared for and was likely someone’s beloved pet who had somehow slipped away from home.

Our Lakeview Commons team and residents immediately offered comfort (and, of course, treats), and the friendly little dog was more than happy to soak up the attention. While we kept her safe and warm, one of our wonderful nurses, Tenzin, quickly sprang into action. He turned to local social media, checking the Nextdoor app for any mention of a missing dog. Sure enough, he found a post about a missing French Bulldog named Sophie.

Her owners, Oakdale residents Joe and Yulia, were urgently searching for her and had even offered a reward to help bring Sophie home. Tenzin called the number in the post, and within minutes, Joe and Yulia were on their way to Lakeview Commons.

As you can imagine, our lobby was filled with excitement, hugs, and even a few happy tears as Sophie was reunited with her very relieved family. It turns out Sophie had traveled nearly three miles from home, frightened and cold on a crisp fall day, before finding warmth, safety, and lots of love right here with us.

Sophie is one of three Frenchies in Joe and Yulia’s home, and they were beyond grateful to have her back. As for the reward? No one here wanted to accept it. We were simply happy to have helped and to see a happy ending. But in an incredibly generous gesture, Joe and Yulia chose to donate the reward to Ecumen Lakeview Commons to support future life enrichment activities and events for our residents.

And perhaps the best part? In addition to helping a lost pup find her way home, we made some new friends, and maybe even gained a few new furry volunteers. We’d be absolutely delighted to welcome Joe, Yulia, and their pups back to Lakeview Commons anytime.

It’s moments like these that remind us how much joy and connection can come from simple acts of kindness, and from keeping our doors (and hearts) open.

If you step into Ecumen President and CEO, Shelley Kendrick’s office, one of the first things you’ll notice is a vibrant, abstract painting hanging on the wall. At first glance, it might look like a piece from a modern art gallery, but the real beauty lies in the story behind it.

The painting wasn’t created by a professional artist. It was lovingly crafted by residents living in memory care at Ecumen Prairie Lodge as part of an engaging and inclusive art activity. Some used their fingers to paint, others used brushes, whatever worked best for their abilities. Team members stood close by, offering help and encouragement where needed. Once the painting was finished, the team had it professionally mounted on a frame, turning it into something truly special.

The artwork was later put up for auction at a 2012 Ecumen fundraising event in Minneapolis. At the time, Kendrick had only been with Ecumen for a month or two. But the painting, and the story behind it struck a deep chord with her.

“I felt that painting needed to stay at Ecumen,” Kendrick recalls. “It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”

She placed a bid of $200 and won!

Since then, that painting has followed her from office to office, becoming more than just decoration. It’s a daily symbol of connection, compassion, and purpose. It reminds us that even small moments of creativity and joy can leave lasting impressions.

Shelley plans to leave the painting behind when she retires, ensuring that it remains part of Ecumen’s story for years to come.

Because sometimes, a simple canvas can carry the heart of an entire mission.  

After more than a decade of visionary leadership, Ecumen President & CEO Shelley Kendrick has announced her retirement, effective the first quarter of 2026.

Kendrick joined Ecumen in 2012 and steadily advanced through a variety of leadership roles before being named President & CEO in 2019. Under her leadership, Ecumen expanded its reach, strengthened its commitment to innovation in senior services, and guided the organization through some of the most challenging times in healthcare history, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to do the work we do, to walk alongside people as they navigate aging, and to work with some of the most talented and compassionate team members,” Kendrick said.

Among Kendrick’s many accomplishments are:

• Leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic with transparency and compassion
• Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of Ecumen
• Expanding home and community-based services, positioning Ecumen as a leader in whole-person care
• Investing in team development and workforce innovation, making Ecumen one of the most respected senior services providers in the country

Her impact has reached far beyond the organization. Kendrick has served on numerous industry boards, advocated for aging services at the state and national level, and mentored the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Ecumen Board Chair Marcia Kull has announced that a committee of the Board of Trustees will oversee the search process for Kendrick’s successor. “Shelley’s unwavering dedication to Ecumen’s mission has left an indelible mark not only on our organization, but also on the thousands of lives we serve,” Kull said. “With a commitment to quality, innovation and service, she has strategically expanded the business and streamlined other business lines to position the organization well for the next 160 years.” 

In the coming months, Kendrick will continue to work with the Ecumen team to ensure a smooth transition.

“As Shelley begins a new chapter, we thank her for her incredible service, leadership, and vision,” said Kull. “Her legacy will live on in every life touched by Ecumen.” 

Early in 2024, a group of residents at Chateau Waters, an Ecumen Living Space, began gathering weekly to knit, crochet, and enjoy each other’s company. What began as a simple social gathering quickly evolved into something deeper—an act of service and spiritual connection that reached far beyond the walls of their building.

Among the group was Suann Nichols, a resident who had recently moved into the community. Suann had previously been involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. She posed a thoughtful question to the group: would they be interested in making prayer shawls for the spiritual care ministry at Chateau Waters’ sister community, Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud?

The answer was a resounding yes.

Using patterns from Suann’s church, with permission, the women began crafting shawls with intention and care, often praying for the future recipients as they worked. Yarn came from personal collections, new purchases, and donations from other residents. A bag of red yarn that had been sitting unused became three beautiful red shawls. Each stitch was filled with purpose.

This knitting group had quietly begun forming months earlier. In November, during the community’s Holiday Bazaar, residents displayed handmade items for sale—embroidered kitchen towels, crocheted potholders, and more. What surprised organizers was how many knitters and crocheters had been working privately in their apartments, stepping out for the first time to share their talents. That realization led to the creation of a regular meet-up, Tuesdays at 2:00. The very first meeting drew 11 residents, all arriving with yarn, needles, and stories to share.

As the prayer shawl project gained momentum, the residents became passionate about finding meaningful homes for their finished items. By March and April, they had completed 17 shawls. On June 20, 2025, the group brought them to Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community for a formal blessing.

They were warmly welcomed by Janelle Sietsema, OSB, Chaplain at Ecumen St. Benedict’s, along with Betsy Horsch, Life Enrichment Supervisor, and several residents. Each shawl was delivered with a note from the maker, including their name and a personal message. The outside of the envelope was left blank so the recipient’s name could be added later. 

The shawls were received with prayer and a blessing with holy water. The ceremony was touching, but it was the gathering afterward—over cookies and lemonade—that truly revealed the heart of the project. What had started as a gift-giving mission had become something even more powerful: a bridge between two communities, built on compassion, shared faith, and the common thread of creativity.

And the work didn’t stop there. 

After the shawl project, the group turned their attention to another need: warm hats and scarves for the Salvation Army. Resident Jean Anderson suggested reaching out, and the organization gratefully accepted the offer, specifically requesting adult items for men. The residents of Chateau Waters are now hard at work building a new inventory for this effort, which will continue through fall. 

After that, they’ll return to creating pieces for the Holiday Bazaar in November, a full circle that ties together purpose, fellowship, and the joy of making something with love. 

This group of knitters and crocheters has done more than craft beautiful items. They’ve created meaningful connections, strengthened community bonds, and demonstrated the incredible impact of small acts of kindness woven together over time. 

At Ecumen, we believe that a senior living community is more than just a place to live. It is where stories unfold, connections are rekindled, and meaningful moments happen every day. A recent move-in at The Madison at Ecumen Detroit Lakes is a perfect example of that spirit.

Fred and his wife Karen were living in Arizona when they decided it was time to return to Minnesota. Originally from Moorhead, where they lived in the 1960s, they wanted to be closer to family and find a welcoming place to call home. Unable to travel for a visit, their adult son toured The Madison, the independent living portion of the Detroit Lakes campus, on their behalf. He was impressed by the warmth of the team, the layout of the community, and the sense of home he felt right away.

To help with their decision, Charlie Newland, Ecumen Detroit Lakes Senior Living Consultant, stepped in to support the process as he does with all tours and inquiries. Knowing how important it was for Fred and Karen to feel confident about their choice from a distance, their son recorded and sent a personalized video tour of the apartment, helping bring the space to life for them while they were still in Arizona.

“Even though they were hundreds of miles away, we wanted Fred and Karen to feel like they were already part of the community,” said Newland. “Sometimes it’s those extra steps that make all the difference, and I’m grateful to have been a part of their journey back to Minnesota.”

After seeing the videos, Fred and Karen made the decision to reserve the apartment, sight unseen and without knowing anyone in the community. But what happened next was nothing short of remarkable.

Unbeknownst to them, their new apartment was right next door to John, a resident who has lived at Ecumen Detroit Lakes for the past four years. As it turns out, Fred and John were neighbors back in the 1960s in Moorhead. Not only that, but their sons had been close childhood friends. Neither family had any idea they would be reuniting all these years later, and certainly not as next-door neighbors.

This surprise reunion was a heartwarming reminder of the power of community, and it reflects the values that define life at Ecumen. It speaks to the dedication of team members like Charlie, who go above and beyond to make every family feel supported. And it celebrates the kind of meaningful connections that make The Madison feel like home. 

We are thrilled to welcome Fred and Karen back to Minnesota, and even more thrilled to see their story come full circle in such an unforgettable way.

Ecumen Lakeview Commons has received the 2025 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), marking a major milestone in its commitment to resident care and operational excellence.

The Silver Award is part of AHCA/NCAL’s National Quality Award Program, which recognizes long-term and post-acute care providers that demonstrate strong performance systems and measurable outcomes. Applicants must first achieve the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award before advancing to Silver.  

In 2025, only 209 organizations nationwide received the Silver Award, including a mix of long-term care communities, assisted living communities, and dual-service providers. This selective recognition places Ecumen Lakeview Commons among a national group of leaders in quality improvement and resident-centered care. 

The award is based on the Baldrige Excellence Framework, a nationally recognized model that guides organizations in performance excellence through strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and staff engagement. 

“Achieving this level reflects a purposeful commitment to building better systems for the benefit of residents and staff,” said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair.

This achievement highlights Ecumen Lakeview Commons’ ability to not only evaluate and enhance its own practices but also to create lasting improvements in resident experience and community operations.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team at Ecumen Lakeview Commons,” said Brielle Khalar, Executive Director at Ecumen Lakeview Commons. “This award reflects not only their dedication and compassion, but also their commitment to continually learning, improving, and growing together. Every day, they put both our residents and each other at the heart of what we do – whether it’s through outstanding clinical care, genuine moments of connection, or the behind-the-scenes work that makes it all possible. This recognition affirms the heart, excellence, and hard work they bring to our community to ensure we’re always moving forward.”

The recognition comes as the next step toward the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award, the program’s highest honor, and serves as an important affirmation of the organization’s ongoing pursuit of excellence. 

Ecumen Lakeview Commons will be formally honored during Delivering Solutions 25, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, taking place October 19-22, 2025, in Las Vegas.