Stories of Impact

It is through stories that we share experiences and build community. We invite you to explore these stories.

Explore some of our stories of impact

Meet Deb and Sandra

Deb has been a part of the Episcopal Homes’ family for over 35 years. When she first began working with Episcopal Homes at the age of 17, she didn’t think she would find the love and longevity that she has. Deb’s first job was in one of our kitchens. She quickly found a joy in

Wellness at Episcopal Homes is Growing

We want our residents to “hold onto wellness as things in their life change,” says Volunteer Director Stacy Dunn. Our evidence based wellness programming has grown over the past several years and been defined as a priority in our most recent strategic plan. We offer programs that are based in research. Our classes have been

Meet Hannah & Doris

Doris and her husband moved into Episcopal Homes’ Cornelia House six years ago. “We chose Episcopal Homes and Cornelia House because of the number of residents already here that we have known for years through church and through friends we have made over the year,” Doris said. Episcopal Homes was also in close proximity to

Pam

After working at a desk for 28 years for Nestle, Pam Peterson spent time helping an elder family friend. “I had so much fun,” she told us. When her family friend passed, she sought out ways to get involved. “Episcopal welcomed me with open arms.” In 2022, an opportunity became available with Episcopal’s partnership with

Gail

An Interview with Gail Jackson NeighborCare Logistics Manager When you think of the journey you have been on during NeighborCare’s startup process, what is a story that comes to mind? I can recall when NeighborCare (NC) lost its first hospice client. We received a huge thank you card from the spouse. In this card, the

Mairs & Power – Vision Partners

The relationship between Mairs & Power and Episcopal Homes dates back over 15 years with multiple family connections linking the organizations. Mairs & Power really believes in the mission of the Vision Partners program, as strong staff are fundamental to helping people thrive in their older age and in building community. “Not everyone has a

June

Jack and June’s love story began in 1951, and although Jack passed away January 2022, June’s love for Jack still shines bright. “We were married 68 years. People tell me what a great accomplishment that was It wasn’t an accomplishment, it was a blessing.” During the Pandemic, Jack lived in The Gardens nursing home and

Chika

Chika joined Episcopal Church Home (ECH) August of 2013 as an on-call Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Within a month Chika took a block schedule because she felt love from the community and loved coming to work. After five years, Chika enrolled in school to further her degree in nursing and was accepted. Chika applied for

See an example of how donating stock helps

Ellen Watters has supported Episcopal Homes for a long time– giving of her time, talent and treasure. Her support over the years has supported many programs at Episcopal Homes – from a capital campaign to the sustainability of the Wellbeing Programs. “Episcopal Homes is one of my top philanthropic priorities. They are pioneers in many

An example of how a DAF helps

Simon R. has a successful career in Information Technology. He created a donor advised fund to make his philanthropic goals easier to achieve and to centralize all his giving. His gifts to Episcopal Homes Foundation support the many initiatives and programs that the Foundation supports. “My grandfather lived here and I could see how well

An example of how contributing from your IRA works

Maren, a dedicated donor told us, “My tax advisor suggested I give away my minimum distribution, so I thought I’d contribute to my future home.” She has been a donor for a few years, supporting the Wellbeing Programs that support the mind, body, and spirit of resident. With this new option for giving, she was

An example of how a bequest works

George Latimer has lived at Episcopal Homes since 2014. George told us how much he values this community. He wants to give back, as he has done throughout his life. He was willing to explore the Pay it Forward program of giving 5% of his estate to Episcopal Homes Foundation. Through conversation with his family and financial

An example of memorial giving

Story of Steve and Kathy Flood who give each year in memory of Steve’s mother, Alice. Steve’s mother, Alice Flood, lived at Episcopal Homes for many years. When Alice died in 2011, at the age of 99, Steve and his family decided they wanted to be sure others had access to that same special experience and feeling

Resident Faith Enriches our Community

Hi! My name is Lyn Lawyer and I live in the Terrace with my husband, John. We moved in November of 2017. I love living here for many reasons. There are so many options for things to do and learn that keep me busy and happy, and I love that there are so many people

Stronger since COVID-19 restrictions

Grace Hazelton, 99, began personal training with Anthony Munkholm, active living trainer, after her daughter, Anne Nelson-Murphy, suggested it may be a good idea for her to keep up her strength especially during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Grace, a retired civil servant from Washington D.C. was fairly new to senior living, when she moved into

Graffiti Arts and Resident Social Activism

When civil unrest erupted in the Twin Cities in 2020, it included University Avenue in St. Paul. Members of our Episcopal Homes community participated in and initiated public responses to the killing of George Floyd. They were out there every other Saturday for months with signs of support. Residents participated in a “Songs of Empowerment”

Scholarship Event

In 2021, Episcopal Homes Foundation awarded over $30,000 in educational scholarships to five outstanding employees to pursue their education. Three of our scholarship recipients will be pursuing their Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Another employee will be pursuing additional training in child development, and one employee is working towards her Master’s in Public Health.

Meet Arvida

“I think the business of taking care of one’s health is a two-way street. If you want the help that you need, you have to be a partner in that effort. So I work to do that.” This nugget of wisdom is shared by NeighborCare customer, Arvida Steen. A few years after Arvida moved into

Meet Josephine

Josephine Ombaki is attending Rasmussen College to get her associates degree in nursing and LPN licensure. Josephine works in Episcopal Church Homes’ Transitional Care Unit as an LPN. She applied to the scholarship program to support her Associates Degree and RN licensure from Rasmussen College. Josephine has been a part of the Episcopal Homes’ community

Family Volunteers: A Loving Legacy

Marianne Kosel has been bringing her joyful, light-hearted spirit to our Garden’s community for more than five years. Even when she is on vacation, traveling the U.S. with her husband in their RV, she remembers us. We are treated to emailed pictures of their exploits. The most recent pictures are of their mascot for this