St. John's Lutheran Ministries by Billings Gazette

Y 0 E 5 ARS OF SERVIC G N I T A R B E L E E C

n November 18, 1958, thirty-one faithful Lutherans gathered at the Starlight Terrace to lay the foundation for how they and others could better care for the frail elderly amongst us. Subsequently, the hard work of planning and development began. In 1962, ground was both broken and blessed on a property far west of the Billings city limits. On November 19, 1963, the ﬁrst residents moved into what is now named Chapel Court, and within three days, twenty anxious and happy residents called St. John’s home. From this humble beginning, much growth in both buildings and programs has occurred across Montana. St. John’s may have begun far west of Billings, but the ministry has always been integral to, and not apart from, the communities we serve. Billings, Laurel, Red Lodge, Hamilton and all of the Lutheran Social Services birthparent counseling ofﬁces across the State of Montana mark the physical locations and buildings of this ministry. But it has never been about buildings. It has always been about… Will you care for me? St. John’s has answered that call in many and varied ways. We give great thanks for the communities and people who have so faithfully nurtured this passionate ministry of providing living opportunities within nurturing environments of hope, dignity and love over the past 50 years.

Kent Burgess, CEO St. John’s Lutheran Ministries

Congratulations

on 50 years of suCCess

St. John’s Ministries

St. John’S Lutheran MiniStrieS

3307 Grand Avenue Billings, Montana

and Best Wishes for Many Many More

Phone: 256-8200

We are proud to join with you in celebrating your 50 years of success

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

Proud Partners with St. John’s For over 35 years, Billings Clinic has provided the medical directorship of St. John’s Lutheran Ministries. Our physicians and nurse practitioners are proud to partner with St. John’s nursing staff and caregivers to improve the quality of life for the residents. L-R: St. John’s Unity Square and Garden Court Nurse Manager Mike Weber, RN; Billings Clinic Geriatric Providers Patricia Coon, MD, and Monica McDonald, NP; and St. John’s Director of Nursing Libby Markus, RN

www.billingsclinic.com

Shared Campus, Shared Caring.

Beartooth Billings Clinic is honored to share our medical campus with St. John’s The Willows – a partnership for Independent and Assisted Living cottagess in Red Lodge.

Real people. Exceptional care. www.beartoothbillingsclinic.org 2525 North Broadway | Red Lodge, MT 59068

406-446-2345 • Toll-free 877-404-9442 TDD phone number 800-253-4091

St. John’s Lutheran Ministries • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

A R E S Y O 0 F 5 VOLUNTEER G N I T A R B E S CEL

n 1962, the St. John’s Lutheran Home Volunteer Auxiliary was formed with 150 charter members from Lutheran churches around the area. The mission of the Auxiliary was to provide Christian service to the residents of St. John’s and its programs. The first task Auxiliary members undertook was to provide tours of St. John’s Lutheran Home to the community. When the doors to St. John’s were opened on November 19, 1963, Auxiliary volunteers were there to help the ﬁrst residents unpack and get acquainted with their new home. They organized various groups to sew, do personal shopping, conduct monthly birthday parties and visit with residents. All of these important services have continued without interruption for the past 50 years with the help of our Auxiliary members and volunteers! Volunteers of all faiths are one of our greatest strengths and an important and critical component of our ministry. We live in a high-tech world of computers, phones, e-mail, voicemail and microchips. However,

The “Sewing Ladies” Auxiliary members from our Saviors Church in Laurel; (left to right) Cleo Koefelda (seated), Lois Bestrom and Hazel Haberlock. these things do not care for people… people care for people. In partnership with our staff, volunteers serve as the hands of Christ for all of our residents. There can be no more important work as we carry out our mission of providing living opportunities within nurturing environments of hope, dignity and love.

For more information on volunteer opportunities at St. John’s or Mission Ridge/Vista, call Shelly Hoovestal at 406-655-5900 or Tina Price at 406-655-5736.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

50 YEARS OF VOLUNTEE G N I T A R B E RS CEL

A Family Tradition 50 years in the Making Many families have traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation. The same holds true for the Wendorff family of Billings. Bob and Harriett Wendorff were involved with St. John’s from the beginning. As active members of First English Lutheran Church they were part of the founding group of churches to begin the ministry. They were among the volunteers who helped the first residents move into their new home. During the Christmas season of 1963, the Wendorff family was cutting their Christmas tree and thought it would be appropriate to get a tree for the dining room at St. John’s for the residents to enjoy. So began the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree in the dining room that has happened every year since! The Wendorff’s Christmas season didn’t officially begin until the tree at St. John’s was decorated first. Bob and Harriett have since passed on but are there each year in spirit to help supervise and celebrate the family tradition, now in the fourth generation. The family has said they are proud to be part of St. John’s. We are just as proud to have them as part of our family!

(Left) Bob & Harriett Wendorff in 1989 at a volunteer appreciation event at St. John’s; (Right) The Wendorff children gather in 2012 after the Christmas tree is decorated at St. John’s. Barbara (Yates), Bob Jr. and Vicki (Evans).

some assets are simply incalculable.

We all have treasures that we just don’t put a price on. That’s why, at PayneWest Insurance, we sponsor a wide variety of community programs right here where we work and live. It’s insurance of an entirely different kind. Congratulations, St. John’s Lutheran Ministries, on 50 years of being an invaluable asset in our community.

2180 Overland Ave., Ste. 102 Billings, MT 59102

2323 2nd Ave. N Billings, MT 59107 PayneWest.com

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

M U M N O ITY MINISTRI C G N I T A R B E ES CEL SHARING OUR GIFTS AND TALENTS A fundamental value for St. John’s is to be “an innovative leader in our ﬁeld and share our gifts and talents.” In addition to the top-quality care that St. John’s is known for in Billings, the ministries have expanded regionally and statewide to help continue to meet the growing needs of the aging population in Montana.

on living opportunities at The Crossings, contact Michelle DeBoer at 406-628-1200.

The Willows of Red Lodge… a new model of caring.

The Crossings in Laurel located at 600 Roundhouse Drive.

The Crossings offers St. John’s independent and assisted living opportunities along with a memory care cottage in Laurel, Montana. The Crossings became part of the St. John’s ministries in 2008 and has become a thriving part of the Laurel community from day one. For more information

The Willows, in beautiful Red Lodge, brings assisted living and Senior Day Services to one of Montana’s most beautiful mountain communities. Two, 12-unit Cottages became part of the St. John’s ministries in January 2012. The Cottages represent a unique model of senior care that St. John’s is helping pioneer across the country. The emphasis is on creating a community where the life of the home is determined by the residents and caregivers who live and work within that home. For more information on The Willows, contact Michelle DeBoer at 406-628-5013.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

OMMUNITY MINISTRI C G N I T A R B E ES CEL Sapphire Lutheran Home, located in Hamilton and managed by St. John’s Lutheran Ministries, offers a unique living environment in the heart of Western Montana. The campus offers a magniﬁcent view of the Bitterroot Mountains, and in particular, Blodgett Canyon which can be seen across Beaver Lake on the lovely grounds. It is comprised of 160 one and two bedroom individual homes. For more information on Sapphire Lutheran Home, contact Cole Harden at 406-363-2800.

Sapphire Lutheran Ministries is nestled in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana.

Congratulations on 50 years Van Arsdale Construction It’s been a pleasure helping you with your projects • Remodel • New Construction

• Commercial • Residential

Duane K. Van Arsdale President

4729 Jericho Road Billings

656-7520 cell (406)698-5907

dksvanarsdale@msn.com • www.vanarsdaleconstruction.com ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

H E A G R N I T T S & HOPE A R B E L E C Lutheran Social Services of Montana Adoption Services Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Montana has been providing adoption services in Montana since 1954. Over the past 59 years, LSS has placed more than 1,600 babies in loving adoptive homes across the state. LSS also participates in the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, funded by the Dave Thomas Foundation and is dedicated to ﬁnding forever families for older children in foster care.

The Beard family of Billings welcomed baby Elle into their family in 2012.

In 2001, St. John’s Lutheran Ministries added Lutheran Social Services to its diverse array of ministries. Today, LSS of Montana is located on St. John’s beautiful west-end campus with additional ofﬁces located in Kalispell, Missoula, Great Falls and Bozeman. As we celebrate National Adoption Month this month, LSS would like to honor adopted children everywhere. Please take a moment to read this article and think about how we can help enrich the lives of the precious adopted children and adults who live among us. 8

(Photo by: Jessica Uithoven)

This wee one was welcomed to his forever family in Bozeman earlier this year.

For more information on Lutheran Social Services visit www.lssmt.org or call 406-245-9949

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

NEEDS OF AN ADOPTED CHILD BY SHERRIE ELDRIDGE EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITIES: I need … • Help in recognizing my adoption loss and help with grieving it. • To be assured that my birth parents’ decision not to parent me had nothing to do with anything defective in me. • Help in learning how to deal with my fears of rejection-to learn that absence doesn’t mean abandonment. • Permission to express ALL my adoption feelings and fantasies. EDUCATIONAL NEEDS: I need… • To be taught that adoption is both wonderful and painful, presenting lifelong challenges for everyone involved. • To know my adoption story ﬁrst, then my birth story and birth history.

• To be taught healthy ways for getting needs met. • To be taught that others may make hurtful comments about adoption and about me as adoptee. • To be taught that the hurtful words are usually well-intentioned and delivered out of ignorance about adoption. • To be taught speciﬁc ways to respond, in order to take my power back and not feel victimized.

• To hear my parents openly express feelings about infertility and adoption, thus producing a bond of intimacy between us. • Parents who have grieved their own losses such as infertility, miscarriage, and death of a child, so that they can be emotionally available for me. • A non-competitive attitude between adoptive and birth parents. Without this, I will struggle with loyalty issues.

PARENTAL NEEDS: I need… • Parents who are skillful in meeting their own emotional needs so that I can grow up with healthy role models and be free to focus on my development, rather taking care of theirs. • Parents who are willing to put aside pre-conceived ideas about adoption and be educated about the realities and special challenges adoptive families encounter.

RELATIONSHIP NEEDS: I need… • Friendships with fellow adoptees. • To be taught that there is a time to consider searching for my birth family and a time to give up searching. • To be assured often that if I am rejected by my birth relatives, it is symptomatic of their dysfunction, not mine.

Happy 50th Anniversary St. John’s Lutheran Ministries.

We appreciate all your hard work and dedication. We are fortunate to have been part of your construction team. 420 North 25th Street Billings, MT 59101 www.hardymt.com

Quality | Experience | Craftsmanship | Teamwork | Respect

Three Generations Providing Construction Services Since 1953 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

M M U O N C I T G Y N I SERVICES T A R B E L E C

t. John’s Transitional Care is meticulously designed to meet the individual needs of patients coming from the hospital for continued medical management and therapy services. Our highly specialized team partners with you to meet YOUR recovery goal. We offer two locations that provide short term Transitional Care: • The Transitional Care Cottage (TCC) is located at the south end of the St. John’s campus. This area offers 16 private rooms with private European-style bathrooms/showers. There is an onsite space that is connected to the outpatient therapy gym featuring an indoor track, exercise equipment, driving simulators, and a balance master. This site also offers the beautiful and tranquil Hope Garden. The TCC has its own kitchen and all meals are Transitional care at St. John’s is carefully designed to meet the needs of patients to get them on the road to recovery faster. prepared on site.

Thank you for serving our community for the last 50 years.

CongraTulaTions on 50 years Proud To Be ParT of your Building ProjeCTs

Building Tomorrow’s Visions Today www.daconstruction.com

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

• The Transitional Care North (TCN) is located in the Legacy Building at St. John’s. This area is a remodeled, self-contained environment offering 14 private rooms with private European-style bathrooms/showers. TCN also has a well-designed kitchen with a breakfast bar and large dining area with a tremendous view. The fully-equipped therapy gym invites healing and recovery in its open, bright and spacious atmosphere.

Participating in choosing your aftercare is as important as choosing your physician or surgeon. You want the very best!

ACCEPTING EARLY RESERVATIONS for a short term stay following a planned total joint surgery! Admissions: Monday – Saturday Call 406-655-5842 for more information.

Congratulations

St. John’S MiniStrieS Comprehensive rehabilitation and therapy services allow patients to recover as fully as possible.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

M M U O N C I T G Y N I SERVICES T A R B E L E C … healing and hope in the place you call home

ontana’s senior population is growing rapidly and many are faced with making difﬁcult life transitions due to changing health. Many of our patients being discharged from short-term transitional care require skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to remain independent.

Senior Independence of Montana will deliver home care services you need from a provider you trust.

! y a d h t r i B y p p Ha

rs 50 yea n o s e wn ri Minist brate our o n a r e le nd th n’s Lu paring to ce lth understa t h o J . t s to S a Hea on pre sful no ulation n organizati e at Montan un a succes ves of t a r g n r a Co to e li r, w ice. As xt yea ork it takes improving th ntages: of serv iversar y ne a w o v t d d har n its a th olely 50 an mitment and dedicated s ounger has n yy m the co t organizatio eing slightl mulate. B e . fi dly for pro le you serve le model to d frien s. n a o p e r l o angel the pe an amazing ponsib as res w them as tional s i M L M J L SJ kno s of S excep ployee n their care by is that “ loyees of m e e i h live ple e e emp ow t We kn s – the peo e motto we t union”. Th to – we hop i r t h d t e o memb ana Health eptional cre rt of that m . a xc nt m At Mo eserve an e o the first p serving the t d n i an people arly live up econd part s Wizem le . c e R h t M s i o L t n SJ Den O live up ent/CE we can Presid

In partnership with Billings Clinic and Big Sky Senior Services we are excited to announce the formation of Senior Independence of Montana. Combined with the support and expertise of these two highly respected non-proﬁt providers, St. John’s will work to provide a seamless transition between care providers while offering the needed rehabilitation and nursing services for patients to successfully remain independent. In the next few months we anticipate completion of our Medicare certiﬁcation authorizing us to provide skilled home health services inclusive of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, nursing, social and spiritual services.

For more information regarding Senior Independence of Montana, visit www.simontana.org.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

W OPPORTUNITIE E N G N I T A R B E L S CE

he story of WyndStone began with a new opportunity offered to St. John’s by Atonement Lutheran Church in the Heights. The congregation owned land on the west end of Wicks Lane, with the goal of building a new church there someday. Part of their vision for the land included the addition of a retirement community to create a campus-like

Remarkable retirement living is coming to Billings’ Heights!

environment. To make this goal a reality, Atonement donated eight acres of land to St. John’s, generously allowing our ministry to expand. We were excited to have this wonderful opportunity to serve the needs of those who call the Heights their home! But what would represent the heart and soul of this remarkable new retirement community? The timely blessing of another opportunity was soon brought to light. Faith Lutheran Church in Box Elder, MT was closing its doors, leaving behind a building that has fondly become known as the “Little White Church.” The congregation in Box Elder offered the building to St. John’s, but it had to be moved. Between September 12 and October 4, 2006 the Little White Church traveled 275 miles over rugged terrain to ﬁnd a new home in the heart of WyndStone’s future campus.

The church is currently being used for community education and exercise programs as well as social gatherings as it awaits an exciting future serving WyndStone members. The WyndStone community will include both independent and assisted living apartments with a variety of floor plans. A memory care cottage is also planned for the future. Members will enjoy peace of mind as they focus on those areas of life most important to them. From social events and wellness programs to a superb dining experience, members can expect the most carefree and active lifestyle WyndStone can offer. People planning a move to WyndStone will know that their investment will bring them good value and solid benefits. The power of predictable monthly expenses, discounted monthly fees, access to quality healthcare and a long-term care benefit, along with a worry-free lifestyle will make WyndStone a remarkable retirement community for Billings’ Heights! Watch for upcoming announcements about this new project.

Learn more at WyndStone.org or call 406-655-7700. The Little White Church, moved from Box Elder, Montana will serve as the heart of this new community.

Watch the Little White Church make its move from Box Elder, MT, to the Heights in the documentary “Odyssey of Faith” at www.YouTube.com/ MissionRidgeLiving. Also watch other videos giving you a sense of the active retirement lifestyle WyndStone will provide.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

U N M I M T Y O C P A G R N TNERSHI I T A R B E L PS CE

n important partnership developed over ﬁfteen years ago when St. Vincent Healthcare and St. John’s Lutheran Ministries saw the opportunity to serve a common mission and expand the type of services available to seniors. This joint venture, Missions United Inc., paved the way to add 120 independent living and 62 assisted living apartments to the campus of St. John’s. The opening of Mission Ridge in 1998, created Montana’s ﬁrst fully integrated Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Mission Ridge offers freedom for the future, providing an active lifestyle that allows residents to pursue their own unique interests. They live life their own way, experiencing freedom from the daily “have to” chores and focusing instead on things they want to do. With this new found freedom, our members take advantage of the many activities, amenities, and conveniences Mission Ridge provides. Whether the choice is a one or two bedroom floor plan, all of the ten styles of apartments at Mission Ridge are exceptionally spacious and fully customizable. Mission Ridge’s flexible and unique financial plans are designed for financial security, providing an excellent value for the most exceptional retirement lifestyle in Billings.

Come home to Mission Ridge! Learn more at MissionRidge.org In 2008, a partnership with visionary Mission Ridge residents resulted in the creation of the Wellness Mall, which furthered our mission to serve Christ by creating abundant life opportunities and providing quality services for seniors. This innovative addition features an Aquatic Center, Fitness Center, putting green, wellness studio, woodshop, dance ﬂoor, outdoor wellness trails and more. 14

Residents have priority access to a full continuum of health care services.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

Mission Ridge believes in providing security and a continuum of care through The Vista Assisted Living. Our residents also receive priority access to St. John’s Lutheran Ministries’ quality healthcare and rehabilitation services. Some of our plans can even help pay for those healthcare services, if needed. We thank you for your conﬁdence in our services, and encourage you to join our growing waiting list of people choosing to become part of this community. Learn more at MissionRidge. org or by calling 406-655-5200.

(Left): Live right, live well! Aquatic classes are also open to the public to enjoy. Call 655-5250 to learn more. (Right): Live life your way at Mission Ridge; enjoy a carefree lifestyle with good friends!

commitment what does

look like?

Congratulations St. John’s Lutheran Ministries on serving the Billings community for the past 50 years. visit your local branch or firstinterstate.com

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MINISTRIES • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900

St. John’s Lutheran Ministries • 3940 Rimrock Road • www.sjlm.org • 406-655-5900