Rolla Presbyterian Manor
OCTOBER 2021
Debbie Klesack
Mission Committee member dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents
Ann Caudill, executive director at Rolla Presbyterian Manor, presented a scholarship letter to Jessica Hatcher, assisted living supervisor. Jessica is studying to become a registered nurse.
Scholarship helps employee advance her education, career Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America® has awarded a scholarship to Jessica Hatcher, assisted living supervisor at Rolla Presbyterian Manor. Jessica is a student at Texas County Technical College in Houston, Mo. She
Scholarship – continued on page 3
Debbie Klesack joined the Rolla Presbyterian Manor Mission Committee three years ago, shortly after she moved back to the Rolla area. As a retired senior living administrator with a master’s in health care administration, she has special insight into and interest in the needs of the Rolla Presbyterian Manor community. “Presbyterian Manor is the best in town,” she said. “The Mission Committee does an excellent job of seeing to aspects that enhance the experience of residents.”
Mission Committee – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at RollaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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Editor’s note: This month’s guest chaplain is Greg Schmidt, chaplain for Heart & Soul Hospice of Wichita and Newton Presbyterian Manor. In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we will be periodically sharing columns from our community chaplains in your Community Matters newsletter.
Chaplain’s Corner What birds can teach us about faith By Greg Schmidt, Chaplain I can hear a few birds talking to one another outside my office window. Grackles squawk and beg for peanut-flavored suet. Sparrows chirp about how greedy the grackles are any time any food is available. And the Baltimore Orioles are sharing that they discovered a well of Welch’s® grape jelly! How do I know what they’re saying? Because I sit for hours on my deck … and listen! (I’m secretly hoping the birds will come and sit on my shoulder or perch on my hand!) Trust me, birds live in a neverending search for food! Interestingly, the Bible says God provides for the needs of the sparrow. But that doesn’t mean those little chirpers can just sit back and have it delivered! Sure, the food is there. Available. But they have to go in search of it! By the way, it’s the same for you and
I. Only our never-ending search is for love! It’s there. Available. Jesus said, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8). In this case, love is there … but action is necessary. We have to search for it! So, I’m happy to report that the longer I spend time with my Presbyterian Manor and Heart & Soul Hospice workmates and families, the more I understand and appreciate how plentiful love is! It’s there for the searching! Acts of Love. Compassion. The efforts to assist others in discovering peace of mind and spirit – for the patient and the employees – the energy given to providing a helping hand, a forgiving and encouraging spirit. Grace. Mercy. Patience for residents/patients … and their families. Generosity. Pay it forward attitudes and actions. A gentle touch. A shoulder to cry on. Someone to laugh with. Being a fellow burdenbearer and prayer warrior! I see them all the time! They’re here! At Presbyterian Manor! My grandkids created a sign for me and my wife that says, “Next time you feel alone … don’t!” It’s their way of saying back to Gram and Pops what we always say to them; namely, “We’re here! We want to share life with you! We love you
more than you will ever realize! Make the phone call! Write the text! Stop one or both of us and say, ‘I’m lonely or needy!’ Remember, we’re not mind-readers, but we’ll respond faster and love you deeper than you could ever imagine!’” It’s love given. And love returned. No one has to enter into a never-ending search. It’s here! So, keep “chirping!” Let your needs be known! So many of our staff serve a God that has a never-ending supply of love. And lots of us are following Him as closely as we know how. P.S. If you don’t provide your Baltimore Orioles with “Welch’s grape jelly” … according to the husband of a past resident, they will come peck on your kitchen window and tell you, “Go back to Dillons® and get Welch’s, not Smucker’s®!” They’re grape jelly snobs. Just thought you should know! u
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Community Matters 573-364-7336 ◆ Fax: 573-364-7495 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 RollaPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: lfreeland@PMMA.org Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Scholarship – continued from page 1 is enrolled in an LPN-to-RN bridge program that will lead to her associate’s degree in nursing and prepare her to certify as a registered nurse. She entered the program in May and expects to graduate next spring.
“After a few years, I realized how much I enjoyed helping and caring for others, and turned it into a career,” she said. She began her education journey in 2014 and joined the Presbyterian Manor staff more than a year ago.
A certified nursing assistant when she began working at Presbyterian Manor, Jessica earned her licensed practical nurse certification last year. That enabled her to apply for her current job.
The PMMA® scholarship will help Jessica get the most out of her program.
“Now I not only get to work directly with the residents, I am able to help coordinate their care,” said Jessica, who works in both the assisted living and health care neighborhoods. Jessica joined the senior living field in 2010 simply because she needed a job.
“Financial assistance will be a huge relief, as I won’t have to stress about how I will work extra hours,” she said. “I will be able to focus more time on school. “I am proud to work at PMMA Rolla. I’m thankful for the opportunities they have provided me and the assistance to help me reach my goal of becoming an RN.” The PMMA Employee Scholarship Program reflects the organization’s
mission of attracting and retaining a well-qualified workforce. Private donations fund the scholarships, which are facilitated through PMMA’s Department of Giving. Employees who support the program may elect to have a small amount deducted from their paycheck each pay period. Last year, the PMMA Education Committee awarded scholarships to 15 recipients totaling nearly $32,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. Learn more about how to support the PMMA scholarship program by visiting Giving.PresbyterianManors.org/ Education-Scholarships/. The scholarship application process occurs each spring for the following academic year. u
Happy Halloween to all the residents at Rolla Presbybertian Manor
Rolla Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Mission Committee – continued from page 1 Debbie’s volunteer work for Presbyterian Manor gives her something she needs, too. “It makes you feel worthwhile, that you’ve helped others—and maybe, down the road, yourself, too,” she said. Debbie serves with several other members of the Rolla community, some of whom are Presbyterian Manor residents. “The fact that some members are residents really enhances our committee and gives us direction and ideas,” she said. Ultimately, Debbie says the Mission Committee is united in a single purpose: to maximize
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2021
the experience of Presbyterian Manor residents. “When people move here, we want it to be a step up for them,” she said. Volunteers and donors are critical to helping Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America® (PMMA) achieve the mission of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values. We seek to enhance all aspects of our volunteer program and grow philanthropy. Each PMMA® Community Mission Committee is comprised of volunteers who are responsible for supporting and enhancing the services provided by PMMA senior living communities through volunteer
activities and fundraising efforts. To learn more about our Mission Committee, and how you can volunteer, contact Ann Caudill, executive director, at 573-364-7336. u