An Unshaggy Dog Story Unfolds at Ecumen Lakeview Commons
Fred had hit bottom. He was homeless and malnourished, living in a godforsaken shelter somewhere in Arkansas. His body was covered in sores, and his teeth were falling out. But even in this depth of despair, there was something about his spirit.
You could look through his eyes right into his beautiful soul. And that’s what saved his life. A stranger saw who he was on…
There Is a Santa Claus at Ecumen’s Luther Park at Sandpoint, Idaho
On Christmas morning in Sandpoint, Idaho, a dozen or so small children gather around the tree to see what Santa has brought them. The kids all have at least one thing in common: Santa is definitely not their parents. They are the kids of Kinderhaven, a group foster home and emergency shelter in this small northern Idaho town. They have been removed from their homes and placed…
Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Seniors: Ecumen Staff Offers Advice
We recently polled staff at several Ecumen communities for their advice on holiday gift-giving for seniors, particularly those who are in assisted living or care centers. Here are the top 10 suggestions:
1. Coming right to the top of the list is “the gift of time”— much more valuable than material gifts. The holidays can be especially lonely times for some…
Lefse and Krumkake: Ecumen Pathstone Living Shares Scandinavian Heritage and 21-Year Bake Sale Tradition
The smell of lefse and krumkake wafted through the air at Ecumen Pathstone Living in Mankato, Minn., last weekend as crowds gathered to enjoy a 21-year tradition called the Scandinavian Experience Bake Sale.
More than 80 volunteers from the Mankato community contributed to the annual sale, and about $5,000 was raised.
Volunteers bake in their homes or at Pathstone Living’s kitchen, and all…
Irene Carlson’s Dream Come True
Irene Carlson had a musical, infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. When she walked around Ecumen Parmly LifePointes in Chisago City for most of her life-- first as a volunteer then later as a resident-- her laugh warmed the halls. Both she and husband Wally were dedicated volunteers.
Irene loved rolling residents to their doctor’s appointments and doing…
Joe Gomer, Minnesota’s Last Tuskegee Airman and Ecumen Lakeshore Resident, Dies at 93
Our country has lost a hero, Congressional Gold Medal recipient and one of a small group of remaining Tuskegee Airmen. Joe Gomer passed away at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth, Minn., on Thursday, October 10. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and all those he inspired. We are honored to have known and cared for Joe Gomer.
Learn more about Joe's life and accomplishments in…
Lights of Honor Community Celebrations Honor, Remember, Celebrate
Honor lights are being lit across Minnesota as Ecumen communities host their annual "Lights of Honor" celebrations.
Last week, Ecumen Oaks & Pines in Hutchinson, Ecumes of Litchfield, Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors, and Ecumen LeCenter raised over $3,000, with all proceeds benefitting the local Ecumen community.
Honor someone whose life impacts yours.
Remember a loved one who…
Carolyn Perron Promoted To Ecumen’s VP of Organizational Development
Carolyn Perron has been promoted to Ecumen’s Vice President of Organizational Development.
Robin Dunbar, Ecumen’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources, recently announced Perron’s promotion in a company-wide memo:
“I am very pleased to announce the promotion of Carolyn Perron to Vice President of Organizational Development. Carolyn’s leadership and contributions…
A Lifetime of Love Recaptured
Bill and Mary renewed their vows at Ecumen of Litchfield last week. Mary was granted her "wish," which also included lighting a unity candle and singing "Amazing Grace," through the new EcuDreams program for Ecumen of Litchfield hospice residents.
"A Lifetime of Love Recaptured" by Jenny Berg, Litchfield Independent Review
After more than 66 years, she still captures…
Inc.com: AgePower and the Quest to Help Boomers Age Gracefully
Last week, Inc. magazine reporter Will Yakowicz highlighted The AgePower Tech Search and the quest MOJO Minnesota and Ecumen have begun to find technology that helps Boomers age gracefully. Read more on Inc.com: "AgePower and the Quest to Help Boomers Age Gracefully"
AgePower’s intent is to locate, reward and help launch new technologies (high-tech and low-tech) that have a…