St John's Foundation

The primary exempt purpose of St. John's Foundation is to generate and provide support, financial and otherwise, that furthers the mission and ministry of our corporate member, St. John's Lutheran Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.Established in 1989, the purpose of St. John's Foundation is to bring focus to fund-raising efforts, special campaigns, annual appeals, capital structures, special events and community relations. These components have proven to be essential in serving to link the needs of the community of St. John's with internal and external resources.Continued on Schedule OSt. John's needs the financial support of those who share our vision of quality care to all people, regardless of their financial status. Underlying that commitment is our Lord's passion to care and serve those that are most in need. Through the prudent management of gifts, 2022 was a very successful year that allowed the Foundation to support the St. John's mission of "providing living opportunities within nurturing environments of hope, dignity, and love."Support to ResidentsAs a ministry of the church and a not-for-profit corporation, St. John's is committed to providing a continuum of housing opportunities and supportive services primarily to the elderly. St. John's has made a commitment that no one will be turned away or asked to leave because of inability to pay. We served 742 seniors on our campus here in Billings in 2022 and served an additional 1,594 seniors in outlying communities. Below are examples of that service and support.1) Many residents are exhausting their financial resources sooner than anticipated. The Annual Fund supports those residents who cannot meet their financial needs. In 2022, resident subsidies included:* $1,568 rent subsidy for Assisted Living residents,* $19,893 in subsidies for resident needs.2) Fundraising efforts starting in 2018 focused on an expected $8 million Endowment Campaign, the majority of which is to support resident care. In addition to large public support, donors include current and past Board members, upper management, and other St. John's employees. The campaign wrapped up in April 2022, raising $8.2 million over the course of the campaign.Support to EmployeesSt. John's employees are the heart and soul of our organization. Many employees work in challenging environments, both physically and mentally. They are providing 24 hour per day care for a very vulnerable population. 1) The Foundation offers financial support to those staff members and their dependents who commit themselves to personal and career growth. Scholarships of up to $1,500 were given to 18 employees continuing their education at an accredited two or four-year institution.2) Often times, employees may find themselves in an unexpected crisis. At any time, an employee may seek the resources of the Employee Crisis Fund through the Pastoral Care department with no questions asked. In 2022, 61 employees received $28,278 in support to help with such items as rent and utility assistance, prescription costs, vehicle repairs or school supplies for a child. 3) At Christmas, those employee families who do not have the means to enjoy the season are "adopted" by other employees, through our Share the Joy program, and given food and gifts to ensure that they too have a wonderful Christmas. During 2022, co-workers adopted 26 employee families through this program.Support to the CommunitySt. John's is a ministry serving more than just our staff and residents. We are committed to serving our community and those communities around us in any capacity we can. An example of that support is the Summer Concert Season. The Foundation's signature event is the Summer Concert Series. St. John's presents seven free concerts for our residents and the outside community each summer, on our main campus, as well as at the Crossings and Wyndstone facilities. From its humble beginnings in 1998 to a thriving series going strong for the last 24 years, the concerts have become a summer tradition for many. It is common to have close to 2,500 music lovers each week at the concerts with an annual attendance of 10,000 people. The Foundation relies on the support of volunteers, staff and sponsors to help ensure its success. Direct costs, paid with sponsor contributions, allow the concerts to remain free for the community. Other Ministry SupportPreviously the St. John's Foundation Board voted to distribute endowment earnings equivalent to 5-6% of endowment value annually, paid on a quarterly basis, to St. John's Lutheran Ministries, Inc. During 2022, the Foundation distributed $260,707 to St. John's to help cover nursing home and other operating expenses. Endowment funds support the following program areas. 1) Student internships and higher education, 2) special needs adoptions, 3) spiritual care to residents, staff and volunteers, 4) dementia care, and 5) resident care, specifically the gap between our current cost of care and the Medicaid daily rate.The Foundation launched the Nursing Apprentice Fellowship program in 2020. The program was originally funded through a separate endowment campaign plus matching funds from the Bruno and Evelyne Betti Foundation, and continues to accept new contributions. The purpose of the program is to provide nursing school tuition assistance and career applicable employment to students pursuing their LPN or RN degree. In 2022, 15 fellows received tuition assistance and $39,064 in total expenses were covered under the program. St. John's United Family Services is another ministry of St. John's. The adoption support services offer hope to those in need. These services include birthparent counseling, adoptive family preparation, mental health counseling, search and reunion services, and post-adoption counseling. Designated donations offset some of these costs. In 2022, Family Services served 357 individuals and had a role in the placement of 4 children in forever homes. St. John's sponsors students from local colleges for clinical learning on our campus. 86 students were served in 2022. In addition, we hold classes to train individuals interested in becoming a C.N.A. We had 56 C.N.A class graduates in 2022. St. John's continues to make a difference in the lives of families, residents, employees and our community every day. St. John's is a place where all people are recognized and celebrated as both givers and receivers of love, so the difference made in one person's life creates an enriching experience for someone else. Without the wonderful support of the community and donors, St. John's Foundation would not be able to exist. St. John's is truly grateful for the support given by talented and resourceful people that helps us continue as a support system for one of the premier Senior Living and Long-Term Care facilities in the Northwest.