This year has not gone how we planned. I thought that at the end of 2020 I would be recapping the 75th anniversary celebration we had planned. I thought we would be talking about the events we held that built excitement around our new properties, The Farmstead and The River Place. I thought I would be sharing about our volunteers and the programs they are leading for our residents.
Instead, we have had to pivot and change our plans and are seeking creative solutions in order to live out our mission to serve compassionately this year.
One way that we have pivoted was by having patio visits to connect our residents and their loved ones. As these meetings needed to be outdoors, we wanted to adapt to ensure they could happen as safely and comfortably as possible. One way we did this was to rent heated tents so visits could continue into the cooler weather.
We have also found new ways to engage our community partners. One of these ways is Renew Therapeutic Riding Center who brought horses to every Resthaven home for residents to enjoy.
In this newsletter you will read about the ways we are using technology to connect residents to each other while keeping them safe. Many of your donations have supported this work.
Although serving families and residents during a pandemic is not what we planned, I am pleased to work with a team that is dedicated to finding solutions that serve our residents well. I am proud that we have been able to move forward with new ways that will reach seniors now and over Resthaven’s next 75 years. It has been wonderful to see how resilient the residents have been. We have appreciated everyone’s patience and grace as we navigate this new situation and when we have had to pivot quickly and frequently. The last seven months have proven time and time again that Resthaven is strong and resilient, and we continue to pray for God’s protection, strength, and endurance as we continue on.
Deedre Vriesman
President/CEO