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Ecumen announced that Doug Harrison has joined its leadership team as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Harrison is an award-winning CEO, CFO, and COO with expertise in healthcare and nonprofit organizations. He brings more than 35 years of experience in finance and operations across senior living—including skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice, and home care—and is driven by a vision to change the world by serving others.

Harrison has successfully transformed business operations and enhanced financial sustainability in the organizations he’s served. Beyond healthcare and senior living, his experience spans companies such as Citigroup, Bank of America, Sprint, and Trinity Real Estate Solutions, the company he co-founded.

“Since Doug joined our team in an interim capacity several months ago, he has already made a significant impact. He combines his decades of experience with a genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn about our work. This combination has led to productive discussions and insightful perspectives that position us well financially,” said Shelley Kendrick, President & CEO of Ecumen.

Harrison graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Marketing and International Business and an MBA in Finance.

Richie’s story is one of determination, humor, and resilience. When Richie came to Ecumen Detroit Lakes, he had just experienced some challenges, but that didn’t stop him from holding onto his zest for life. In fact, it only fueled his desire to reclaim the things he loved most—his family, his business, and his passion for coaching lacrosse. Richie was frustrated by the changes that came with his obstacles, but he was ready to take on the challenge and push through it.

One of the first things Ecumen Detroit Lakes noticed about Richie was his strong personality and infectious energy. “He’s someone who has always approached life with vigor and enthusiasm, and he wasn’t going to let anything change that,” said Deerae Nelson, Ecumen Detroit Lake’s Speech Language Pathologist. As an avid lacrosse coach, an avid traveler, and a family man, Richie had always been on the go. This transition wasn’t easy for him, but it became clear early on that Richie had the resilience and spirit to take on the recovery process headfirst.

What made Richie’s experience even more special was his close bond with the Ecumen Detroit Lakes Transitional Care team. Richie, along with his family, quickly developed a strong rapport with everyone here. He jokes around and there’s always a playful back-and-forth about how the team is “plotting” new ways to challenge him. Richie’s sense of humor shines through in every interaction, and his positive attitude has kept the Detroit Lakes team smiling, even on tough days. His wit and perseverance have been truly inspiring.  

In keeping with the Montessori approach, the Ecumen Detroit Lakes team made sure to explore Richie’s interests and past hobbies. Being from Arizona, Richie shared with us one of his specialties—a mean guacamole! He even told the team about a few secret tricks for making it extra special, and of course, they had to ask him to whip up a batch for everyone. It was a fun and delicious way to celebrate his time at Ecumen Detroit Lakes while honoring one of his passions.

Richie’s journey with Ecumen Detroit Lakes may be coming to a close, but we’re confident that his zest for life will continue to carry him through. “We’re incredibly proud of the progress he’s made, and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next,” said Nelson.

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, it’s also a time of profound grief, especially if a loved one has passed away. The absence of someone important can make the holidays feel heavier, more difficult to navigate, and at times, isolating. It’s important to acknowledge that grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays. In fact, the season can sometimes bring those emotions into sharper focus.

If you’re grieving a loss during the holidays, you’re not alone in feeling the weight of the season. The sights, sounds, and traditions that once brought joy can now serve as painful reminders of the person who is no longer with you. While there’s no “right” way to grieve or experience loss, there are steps you can take to care for yourself as you navigate this difficult time, while also finding meaningful ways to honor your loved one.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel

Grief doesn’t pause for the holidays. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or even numb. Don’t force yourself to act cheerful if you’re not ready. Honor your emotions and take breaks when needed.

2. Create New Traditions or Modify Old Ones

Instead of trying to recreate past holidays, consider creating new traditions to honor your loved one. This might include lighting a candle in their memory, visiting a place they loved, or volunteering for a cause they cared about.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Grieving is exhausting. Be kind to yourself by getting rest, eating well, and engaging in gentle activities like walking or meditating. Set boundaries to avoid overcommitting and take time for quiet reflection.

4. Reach Out for Support

You don’t have to grieve alone. Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor. Share your feelings and let others know how they can help, whether it’s offering a listening ear or respecting your need for space. This holiday season, the Ecumen Hospice team is offering free presentations to help you navigate grief. These events are open to all and will be held at the following locations: Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley, Ecumen Seasons at Maplewood, Ecumen Litchfield, Ecumen Pathstone, Ecumen Lakeshore, and Ecumen North Branch.

5. Honor Your Loved One’s Memory

Take time to celebrate your loved one’s life. Light a candle, share stories, or make a donation to Ecumen in their name. These small acts can help keep their memory alive during the holidays.

6. Consider a Low-Key Approach

You don’t have to participate in every tradition or event. Opt for a simpler, quieter holiday if that feels more comforting. Take things one day at a time and listen to what you need.

7. Let Go of Guilt

Allow yourself to experience moments of joy without guilt. It’s okay to laugh or enjoy the season. Grief and joy can coexist, and embracing both is part of healing.

Navigating the holidays while grieving is difficult, but with self-compassion and meaningful ways to remember your loved one, you can move through this season with tenderness and resilience.

Ecumen is pleased to announce that Jenn Faris has joined the Ecumen Hospice team as Director – Hospice Operations.

Faris brings decades of experience in home health and hospice care to her new role. She most recently served as Program Manager for Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital’s hospice operations. Prior to that, she had an extensive 21-year tenure with Excela Home Health and Hospice in Greensburg, PA, where she held several key positions.

“I look forward to collaborating with Jenn to set standards, work with cross-functional teams, engage with regulatory bodies, and partner with industry leaders to ensure the highest quality of hospice care,” said Tami Haley, Ecumen’s Chief Nursing Officer. “We are excited to welcome Jenn to Ecumen and look forward to the expertise and leadership she will bring to our hospice operations.”

Faris holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, earned at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA.

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.