#LoveOfNeighbor

Retirement Housing Foundation Stalwart Trnka dies at 90

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | June 18, 2020

The Rev. John Edward Trnka Sr., D.Min., age 90, of Newburgh, Ind., passed quietly from this life on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family. Trnka was known as many things: Reverend, Doctor, Air Force officer, Chaplain, mentor, friend, Diplomate, Chairman of the Board, Shriner, (Moolah, St Louis) Cardinals fan, Disney-lover,…

Read More

Advocate Aurora Health, Beaumont Health Explore Partnership Through Non-binding Letter of Intent

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | June 17, 2020

UCC-related Advocate Aurora Health and Beaumont Health have been exploring a potential partnership. Following approval last week by the Boards of Directors, today both organizations signed a non-binding letter of intent that paves the way to deeper discussions to create a leading health care system that would span across Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. “We are…

Read More

Advocacy Toolkit: June Release Features Needs and Care of Older Adults

By Barb Powell | June 10, 2020

The role of the church and its ministries in serving and advocating for the needs of older adults is the focus of the June installment of the Be A Voice Advocacy Health and Human Services Toolkit. A project of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) and Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM)…

Read More

Letter Makes 73-year Journey to Parkvue Community Recipient

By Barb Powell | June 10, 2020

Not long after Easter Sunday 2020, Betty Smith received a letter from her dad, which he sent to her at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. What makes this event more than just another dad sending a student a letter from home is the postmark: April 29, 1947. Today, Smith, 92, resides at Parkvue…

Read More

For Fairhaven Senior Services, it’s a Community-Wide Job to Stay Safe During the Pandemic

By Barb Powell | June 8, 2020

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, and for the staff and residents of UCC-related Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, Wis., life during the pandemic fits the bill. During the week of May 18, Fairhaven provided COVID-19 testing for all of its 420 residents and staff members. This included Fairhaven’s Prairie Village 55+ community as well…

Read More

Two Phoebe Allentown Employees Receive LeadingAge PA Statewide Service Awards

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | June 5, 2020

Emmanuel “Manny” Njamfon, a licensed practical nurse at UCC-related Phoebe Allentown (Pa.), has received LeadingAge PA’s 2020 Distinguished Service Award for Caregiver of the Year for licensed caregivers, and Sharon Bender, a housekeeper at Phoebe Allentown, has received LeadingAge PA’s 2020 Distinguished Service Award for Staff Member of the Year. The Distinguished Service Awards Program,…

Read More

UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries Releases Statement on ‘Pandemic of Systemic Racism’

By Barb Powell | June 4, 2020

The Board and staff of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) recently released a statement calling systemic racism a pandemic and pledging an increased financial commitment, additional programming, and a larger focus on advocacy work to end systemic racism. The statement was issued at the end of the Board’s virtual Zoom…

Read More

Serving Leadership Key in Deaconess Nurse Ministry’s Work

By Barb Powell | June 3, 2020

For the nurses at Deaconess Nurse Ministry (DNM) in St. Louis, serving others is a calling. Especially during the current pandemic, their role in providing support and care to families in need is critical. One recent story illustrates the need. When the Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo RN, executive director of Deaconess, read an email from Elizabeth…

Read More

Cedar Community Provides Valuable On-the-Job Training to Nursing and Pharmacy Students

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | June 1, 2020

For many people, the best way to learn something is by doing. With careers that are hands-on, such as nursing, on-the-job training is crucial. Cedar Community — a UCC-related older adult community in West Bend, Wis. — works with local colleges, high schools, and organizations to provide valuable, real life training opportunities for students. Working…

Read More

United Church Homes Recertified in Cultural Competency Training for LGBT Older Adult Community Providers

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | May 29, 2020

United Church Homes (UCH) communities have been recertified in SAGECare cultural competency training for those working with the LGBT community. The program is offered through SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBT older adults since 1978. “Many LGBT older adults may be uncomfortable or fearful being open about their…

Read More
Join Our Mailing LIst

Follow on Facebook

Quick Links