The Perry Lutheran Homes has been awarded the 2018 LeadingEdge Care and Services award for an innovative program that provides meaning, purpose and value to the lives of residents, volunteers and staff.
Perry Lutheran Homes’ Meaningful Mission Projects Program was selected for the award by industry professionals at LeadingAge Iowa, which recognizes one organization annually for programs and services that dramatically benefit residents and serve as models of innovation and excellence, including programs that address some of the most complex challenges throughout the continuum of aging services.
“The Meaningful Mission Project Program at Perry Lutheran Homes improves the lives of older adults by engaging residents in projects that provide purpose and meaning in all stages of life,” said Shannon Strickler, president and CEO of LeadingAge Iowa.
Strickler commended the Perry Lutheran Homes’ impact in making more than 35,000 bandages for healthcare in Africa, creating comfort crosses for victims of natural disasters and bringing together the greater community to pack Meals from the Heartland.
“There is no greater gift than living a life with purpose,” Strickler said. “Congratulations to Perry Lutheran Homes and their residents on the 2018 LeadingEdge Care and Services Award! Together with their residents, they are truly making the world a better place.”
In addition to the 35,000 medical bandages made and distributed across the globe, nearly 3,000 comfort crosses have been made and distributed across Iowa, Texas and most recently, Jacmel, Haiti.
More than 78,000 meals have been packed at Perry Lutheran Homes to help people in Iowa, the U.S. and overseas. Other projects include newborn kits, pillowcase dresses, used denim shoes, coloring books and much more.
“This award and these projects are amazing examples of how volunteers, staff and residents are living out the StepUp! movement by serving together,” said Melissa Gannon, administrator of Perry Lutheran Homes. “The Meaningful Mission Projects Program is not about keeping people busy. It is about our residents’ ability to continue living life, serving others, staying integrated with the community and finding purpose and meaning regardless of ability or stage in life, which is crucial to the overall health and wellbeing of residents.”
Virginia White, one of the many active residents at Perry Lutheran Homes, said, “I really enjoy the amount of activities available and participating in purposeful projects that are meaningful and that allow me to help and serve others.”
White often jokes that she is busier now than when she was living at home. To learn more or watch a video about Virginia and her involvement in Perry Lutheran Homes’ Meaningful Mission Projects, visit the Perry Lutheran Homes’ website.
The Perry Lutheran Homes is a Christian caring community that has served Perry and the surrounding communities for more than 60 years. The Perry Lutheran Homes offers innovative, personalized, Christ-centered care at the Willis Campus and the Spring Valley Campus. Services include independent and assisted living, three levels of progressive memory care, in-home care, respite care, skilled care, rehabilitative therapy, intermediate and long-term care and end-of-life care.
LeadingAge Iowa’s mission is to be the voice, support and connector for non-profit members and the people they serve. Its vision is to be the champion for advancement and innovation in aging services. LeadingAge Iowa represents a spectrum of non-profit providers, including skilled nursing, assisted and independent living, home health, adult daycare, respite, hospice and home-delivered meals.
Mollie Clark is the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.
