CHHSM’s Berry Brings Connection and Impact to UCH Leadership Conference 

When the planning team at United Church Homes needed someone to help incorporate personal experiences and engaging activities into a broad look at UCH’s Mission, Vision, and Values, it knew exactly who to call. One of the retreat days was largely given over to two presentations from the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, CHHSM’s associate for advocacy and leadership development.

Several members of the UCH leadership team have attended CHHSM’s Annual Gathering and/or are graduates of its Nollau Leadership Institute, so “we have come to greatly appreciate Elyse’s gifts as a facilitator and leader,” said Scott Slutz, UCH’s chief resources officer and a 2024 Nollau graduate. He added that the team values Berry’s “ability to frame leadership and personal development through a variety of meaningful perspectives.”

Berry organized her Sept. 21, 2026, presentations around the concepts of staff living into UCH’s core values (compassion, hospitality, respect, integrity, stewardship, and transparency) and examining culture as the artifacts of interactions.

“Rather than discussing leadership in the abstract,” Slutz added, “[Berry] helped participants see how effective leadership can be practiced every day through the values that already guide our organization. That made the experience especially relevant and meaningful.”

Shannon Graver, a 2023 Nollau graduate and UCH’s director of assisted living, found one exercise during the afternoon session particularly meaningful. “One of the activities that really stood out was our discussion around the Drama Triangle and Empowerment Triangle,” she said. The triangles are used to explore healthy leadership models. 

“It was a great reminder of how easily we can fall into certain roles when navigating challenges or conflict, and how intentionally shifting our perspective can lead to healthier communication, stronger relationships, and better outcomes,” Graver said. “I found myself thinking not only about how I lead, but also about how I can help others feel empowered when we are working through difficult situations.”

For Slutz, the UCH core values leadership cube exercise was most impactful because it reinforced the learning and gave participants something personal to take with them. Each side of the UCH cube displays a core value; however, before assembled, it takes the shape, when laying flat, of a cross. During the discussions on leadership and each UCH core value, participants wrote a thought, reflection, or personal takeaway on the corresponding section of the cube. At the end of the session, participants assembled their individual cubes.

“The result was very powerful. Each person left with a tangible representation of our values that also contained their own personal reflections on leadership,” said Slutz. “The symbolism of those individual commitments being held within the framework of our shared values was meaningful and memorable.”

Staff returned home following the retreat feeling renewed.

“For me, days like this truly fill my cup,” said Graver. “Long-term care and leadership can be demanding, and it is easy to become focused on the immediate needs in front of us. The retreat gave me an opportunity to step outside of the day-to-day responsibilities, reflect on why we do this work, and reconnect with the larger mission we are all part of.

“I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and grateful; not only for the experience, but for an organization that recognizes that investing in culture means investing in its people.”

Kenneth L. Young, president and CEO of UCH, emphasized the commitment, skills, passion and teamwork of the UCH staff, calling it “United Church Homes’ most valuable asset” in moving its faith-based mission forward. Between Berry’s sessions, Young recognized staff members making extraordinary contributions.

“The Culture Conference is an opportunity  for UCH staff around the country to meet in person to reinforce and build upon our legacy culture of servant leadership, United Church of Christ inspired core values, and quality care and housing for those we serve,” Young said. “At this year’s conference, we learned from one another, we enjoyed true human connection and team building, we laughed together, and we proudly recognized a number of staff members who have made outstanding contributions over the last year. The day was a great reminder of “why we do what we do,” and I am inspired and humbled by my UCH colleagues.”

Slutz also reflected on the long-standing partnership between UCH and CHHSM. “I am deeply appreciative of the longstanding partnership between United Church Homes and CHHSM,” he said. “For organizations like UCH, CHHSM provides tremendous value by creating opportunities for connection, leadership development, shared learning, collaboration, and alignment across a broad network of health and human service ministries.

“The challenges and opportunities facing mission-driven organizations are increasingly complex, and CHHSM plays an important role in helping member organizations remain grounded in mission while learning from one another and strengthening their collective impact.”

“Elyse is a wonderful example of the value CHHSM brings to its members,” Slutz added. “Her leadership, advocacy, expertise, and ability to connect mission, values, and leadership development in meaningful ways are tremendous assets. We are grateful for her partnership and for the broader relationship UCH continues to have with CHHSM as we collectively work to advance our respective missions and better serve the people and communities entrusted to our care.”