The Good Shepherd Lutheran Foundation

Many gracious donations to our greatest needs fund lent support in The ability of our Foundation to provide campus improvements, innovative programming, and enhanced services to meet staff and resident needs. This included, but is not limited to court gazebo updates, staff appreciation and resident events with treats, mother's day carnations, veterans day cake, and contributions of hospitality and give-a-ways for our 60th anniversary celebration. In addition, Foundation support from legacy donors who graciously inspired The transformation of our beaty shop to what is now "Shepherd salon" extends a refreshing, relaxing and reviving opportunity for residents. With new stations designed with our residents in mind, cozy colors, enhanced lighting, updated furnishings that offer an inviting welcoming area, The Shepherd salon is now a place to rejuvenate weekly with beauty services available right on our campus. The Foundation utilized Shepherd of grace (sog) restricted funds and contribution income to further support a remarkable renovation and furnishing improvements in The sog memory cottages. Enhancements to create a welcoming living space with comfortable seating, soothing colors and beautiful artwork plus a dining area that is no longer just a place to eat has now become a hub of warmth and community. These improvements have supported sog to stay competitive within The senior housing market, offer improved safety, added an enhanced home-like atmosphere and socialization opportunities for all. As a result, increased census has been achieved. Memorials allowed The Foundation to continue to extend remembrance of those departed with The addition of memory stones placed in our serenity garden and garden box improvements. Music and memory funds supported our ability to continue our annual subscription that allows staff to extend music to residents that helps to elevate mood and manage behaviors in all settings, with a focus on memory care. Resident needs were met by The Foundation's work to partner with many area community members and businesses. For example, pumpkin donations for decorating contests, food for july resident picnic and 60th annual celebration, walker bags, weighted blankets, plantings in our raised garden areas, large print coloring/crossword books, grip stockings and razons were gifted to support aging gracefully. Resident activities and recreation support through our campuswide recreation fund was extended throughout both nursing home and housing areas in both sauk rapids and The Shepherd of grace campus in becker. Residents enjoyed a stem bar, seasonal flowers and crafting activities. Elvis performed for multiple areas, a petting zoo visited and singing saints chorus performed multiple times for residents. The raptor visit was postponed due to covid restrictions. The Foundation once again supported team praise and appreciation through an annual employee recognition program, miller mission award. This program offered 6 nominated and chosen staff members who exceeded in outstanding service, respect, positive attitude, trustworthiness and creative leadership an opportunity to each receive an award of $1,000. In addition, this program recognized all who were nominated, nominators and supervisors with a luncheon. Also offered was a staff appreciation beverage bar to promote programs and encourage nominations. The employee assistance program continued to support The needs of our employees suffering a catastrophic or life-changing event. Employees in this scenario may apply and qualify to receive a loan or grant based on criteria determined to make a difference in their ability to recover and continue successful performance responsibilities at Good Shepherd.