Recognizing Years of Dedicated Service

When I started working here in 2007, one thing was very evident – people enjoyed working for Shepherds.  The smiles on the staff members’ faces were one giveaway, but it was the longevity of employment that convinced me I had found a healthy place to work.

My co-workers in the Development office were each going on their 15^th year of employment. Joan, in the Business Office, had 35 years under her belt. Sandy, in Program, was a teacher in the early years of Shepherds Home & School. The 20-Year Club had around twenty members at their annual dinners. It was obvious that people were called by God to work, and remain, at Shepherds.

What happens when a Shepherds employee stays with our organization for decades?

During that time, her elbows have worn through the finish on her desk in the spot they've rested every day of every year she’s been here.

His file cabinets get stuffed to overflowing because all the information on his clients is too important to throw away.

The residents all know she’s coming before they can see her in the doorframe because they recognize the sound of her laughter in the hallway.

His pictures in the employee files include black and white head shots, grainy Polaroids dating back to plaid pants and sweater vests, and vibrant digital prints that show every laugh line on his face.

She becomes the go-to girl for every question whether it's about client medications, weekend outings or payroll.

And working on Christmas Day is no big deal because each resident and co-worker becomes just as much a part of her family as her sons and daughters.

Loyalty and love spills over into everything these employees do because they’ve grown to care so much – for the residents, the staff, the responsibilities, and even the walls around them. 

Losing one of these employees hurts. Their years of employment represent their investment of time in building meaningful relationships and gaining invaluable knowledge of all things Shepherds. How can that ever be replaced?

This month, four amazing women retired from Shepherds, and their co-workers wanted an opportunity to recognize each one:

Nella Aiello retired from her service in Catalyst, our independent living program, after 8 years. 

“I appreciate Nella’s positive attitude and dedication to the Catalyst Program. She had such care for the clients and joy in her work. Whenever I think of Nella, I smile!”  ~ Lori 

“I got to know Nella really well when our  offices were in the Clark apartments together. We bonded well. She has a very caring and loving spirit for those she works with and for what she does. She always goes above and beyond what required of her, giving all of herself in whatever she does.  I grew to love her dearly and will miss her. She will be remembered for all the wonderful, yummy goodies she made. She kept me well fed. I wish her good health and a blessed retirement. I hope she will get to travel and spend time with her family as she wants to do.” ~ Renae

“One memory that sticks out for me with Nella – I work up in the Clark apartments with the 3^rd year students, and whenever I see Nella, she has baked goods, fruit or some sort of food that she is always willing to share with me and the students. This was always a conversation starter, and it was always wonderful to see her.”  ~ Andrew

Linda Wood retired from her volunteer service, most recently in Shepherds Advocates, after 10 years.

“Linda was always busy helping people both on and off our campus. Shepherds was blessed to have her as a volunteer for all of these years. In 2013 alone, she volunteered more than 1,000 hours! This was probably a per year average for her, but she wasn’t one to log her hours – she gave them so freely and fully to serve the people of Shepherds. She will be missed as a volunteer!” ~ Becci

“Linda was always willing to share resources and even purchased a few to help Shepherds College. I love her kind spirit and willingness to help.”  ~ Lori

Linda Manlick retired from her work in the Business Office after 10 years.

“Linda is a very sweet, kind, dependable woman, and she was always fun to work with. She made amazing bean dip, enough for many days of sharing with the rest of the office staff.”  ~ Joy

“Linda had the answers for everything and always had a positive attitude! I appreciated her wisdom when trying to navigate confusing social security issues. I wish I had just a portion of her knowledge and experience!” ~ Lori

And then Ruth Bose, who retired from Program after 32 years of dedicated service to Shepherds.

“While still working full-time in the units, I had had an unusually bad day. The next day, Ruth came walking down the hallway toward me only to say, ‘I just want you to know you’re wonderful.’ She heard about the day I had the day before, and even though we didn’t know each other very well, she still went out of her way to encourage me. A month later, I started working in the nursing department, and Ruth became my boss. She has been a huge blessing to me ever since. She radiates God’s goodness, grace and mercy to all those around her.” ~ Kaitlin

“I can say that thirteen year ago, God used Ruth as a life saver in my life. She has been such a mentor over the years I’ve been at Shepherds. Ruth will be greatly missed by her Shepherds family, but so deserves to be retired and enjoying her Bose family.” ~ Sherie

“Ruth was always there for me with a listening ear and a heart willing to step in and fill the gaps when we were short. I so appreciate and value her wisdom. I wish her a blessed retirement – that she can finally travel and spend some much needed time with all those grandchildren she so dearly loves. Her ministry will continue to grow in their lives.” ~ Renae

“Ruth has been a mentor and dear friend ever since I arrived at Shepherds. Shepherds has a unique culture. Ruth helped me understand the culture, history, and direction of Shepherds. She allowed me to discuss ideas, and she willingly shared her perspective. I appreciated her honest and upfront approach. I am so thankful for her example professionally and spiritually. She cared deeply for the staff and clients of Shepherds and shows this through personal sacrifice, insistence on Truth, and genuine love for each person. I consider it a privilege to call Ruth my friend and am thankful that my path crossed hers eight years ago.” ~ Lori

“For many of the years our daughter Joy was at Shepherds, so was Ruth. We became friends on our visits to see Joy, when we were home from Brazil. We realized very soon that this fine lady loved the residents and was actively engaged in their care.  Ruth invited us for lunch many times at a local restaurant in Union Grove and insisted Joy come with us.  What a gracious person.  It was not the easiest chore to take Joy out because of her difficulty in walking and style of eating.  We reciprocated and invited her for lunch several times as we enjoyed her friendship.

            One time we had Joy come out to Washington State, and Ruth was visiting her daughter who lives in the same state.  She did the magnanimous gesture of bringing her and taking her back to Shepherds.  Her kindness was beyond the line of duty and always with a smile.

            Ruth’s never ending love for Joy was manifest in so many ways.   At the hospital one time, Joy was obviously disturbed with the new surroundings, and the hospital staff was uncertain they could deal with her properly.   Ruth, with grace and expertise, used some sign language, and then placed a magazine by Joy, indicating she would return.  Joy loved magazines and calmed down instantly.

            When Joy’s residency at Shepherds ended, we boldly asked Ruth if she would be willing to accompany Joy and bring her to her new facility in Lynden, Washington, where she had just been admitted.   Typically Ruth agreed and accompanied Joy on her last journey on this earth, before taking her heavenly trip, just 6 months later.  Ruth stayed extra days to instruct the staff regarding the idiosyncrasies of Joy’s care and how better to communicate with her.

            When Shepherds could no longer keep Joy because of their inability to provide the care needed as she aged, we spent weeks trying to find a place that would accept her.  Later on Ruth told Margie that if we had not found a place to adequately care for Joy’s needs, she personally would have taken her.  We know she really meant this and are eternally grateful for such a person who loves people with intellectual disabilities and proves it by her actions.  Her daily presence and activity on the campus of Shepherds will be missed when she retires. 

            For this and a myriad other reasons, Ruth has been a precious part of our family these many years.  Her dedication, love, patience, and energy have endeared her to us and many others. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the years she has labored at Shepherds and touched so many lives.  Jesus said something significant about Mary in the Bible: ………..She has done a good work for Me. (Mark 14:6) Ruth is a beautiful example of good works as she served the Lord and Shepherds.” ~ Ralph & Margie

These women define “compassionate Christian care.” We are all blessed to have worked with them.

Remembering Jasmine

Thank you to Cindy Weitzell, Independent Support Coordinator for the Catalyst Program, for writing today’s blog.

 

Jasmine came into the lives of the residents and staff at just four months old. She quickly became Shepherds dog. As I walked the halls, people would say “Jasmine!” and forget I was there… but that’s okay. I would have it no other way. They would bend down and pet her, and she returned love to many.

Jasmine truly became a therapy dog on Shepherds campus. She helped Nancy get up and walk again, she laid with Eddie when he was dying of cancer, and she became a pillow to those who had lost a loved one.   

It was the little things Jasmine did that brought a smile and joy into the lives of many. She liked to take a walk with the residents or chase a ball and bringing it back to them. She would do tricks for them. Jasmine loved to sit in their laps and be hugged or petted and, in return, she would give a wet kiss. While I worked in the cottages, she would play with the guys or sleep on their beds. 

She even played bocce, chasing the balls down the court! During the cold winter months she could be seen running alongside our snowshoe athletes and cross-country skiers. Jasmine became our mascot for Special Olympics as she traveled with us and nosed her way into the lives of others at the events.

In the Catalyst program, she would show up at any given home, and I could walk away knowing she would be well cared for by the clients.

The students in college found Jasmine to be a great comfort as many had left their dog at home to go to college. During those stressful days early in the school year, she became a stress relief as she let them pet and hold her.

The last few years of her life she had some health issues such as pneumonia and a herniated disk. I thought I would lose her. But God had other plans, her life as a therapy dog was not over. Residents, clients, staff, students prayed, and God restored her life that she might continue to give to others.

On Monday, November 18^th, Jasmine had a stroke and passed on. She gave 11 years of her life to serve others. Jasmine’s wagging tail, wet kisses and the sparkle of love in her eyes will not be forgotten by her friends at Shepherds.

What I've Learned At Shepherds

Blog #2 in the “Celebrating 55” series

Thank you to Bill Stevens, Director of Development Activities, for writing today’s blog.

My ministry experience for the past 18 years at Shepherds has taught me four important truths. I have observed, experienced, and sought to live day to day the practical applications of these truths by the living examples of my friends who call Shepherds home.

Gayle

Gary

I have learned that “the just do live by faith”, a simple but powerful faith.  My friends Gayle and R.J. remind me every time I visit with them that they exhibit that kind of faith.  After eight years of faithfully praying for my wife who has been delivered from a terrible form of cancer, they still ask me how she is doing and if we still are keeping the faith.  Our respect for one another is reciprocal.  They have given me many prayer requests over the years and by faith we have seen them all answered.

   

I have learned that praying without ceasing and that the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous avail much.  My two friends, both named Gary, never fail to pray with me when I am able to be on campus.  They also never fail to ask for my prayer requests, give me their requests, and always want to know how their prayers are being answered.  The truth of the matter is simple -  their prayers are being answered.  I have learned just how important prayer is to our residents and clients.  Great answers to prayer have been the testimonies of Shepherds for over 55 years.  My prayer life and my faith to believe God for great things have definitely been challenged by the example of my friends.

Dan

I have learned the truth of knowing the joy of being saved and serving Jesus.  No better lesson has been taught to me than by my friend Dan C.  From the very first week of my employment when I was going through indoctrination and training in the Shepherds Way, Dan showed me the importance of those truths to him.  I always fall short of the joy he constantly expresses, and he keeps me challenged before the Lord to show it, too!  When Dan and I first met in the hallway outside of his living area, he asked me a question, “Mr. Stevens, are you saved?”  Wow, that simple question humbled me and made realize just whom I was called to serve, individuals created by God, on and for a purpose, i.e. salvation and service to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  That is Dan in a nutshell!  Dan never seems to have a problem.  He is always full of joy and has an exuberance I could only dream of showing.  I have learned that I need to be more like Dan and share my faith and serve my Lord with all joy!

Butch

I have learned from my closest friend the truth of Proverbs 18:24. “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”  From the time we first met, Butch bonded in close friendship with me and my wife.  He came to think of us as his “foster parents’ and he, as our adopted son.  To this day, eighteen years later, we speak by phone regularly and I have the wonderful opportunity to visit my friend, brother and son two or three times a year.  Our friendship continues to grow.  I am still learning what a friend we have in Jesus, but also what friends we have gained by being a part of this wonderful ministry called Shepherds.  It is a truth, an important truth; one that I will cherish forever.  Dan C told me one more thing on that eventful day when we first met.  He said, “Mr. Stevens, when I get to heaven I will be just like you.”  That statement reminded me that Dan knew why he was at Shepherds, but that Jesus Christ is the difference for all eternity.  I am going to enjoy hearing the testimonies of my friends as they stand or sit at the feet of Jesus and tell Him all the great things that they learned and experienced by being cared for by God’s servants at Shepherds.  And do you know what?  I am going to sit or stand at the feet of Jesus, too.  I am going to tell Him as a testimony on behalf of my friends, what great and wonderful lessons they taught me.

Gary

Ruthie Jo

The 55th Anniversary Open House

Blog #1 in the “Celebrating 55” series

Last week, we were all bustling around campus, making sure everything was in place for our 55^th Anniversary Open House.

Walkie-talkies for the tour guides were charging, the Domestics and Maintenance teams were polishing and straightening and tweaking, and the tour speakers were making last minute edits to their speeches to ensure they held guests at their stops for no more than five minutes.

The grounds crew was placing temporary signage at all the tour stops, the Shepherds Kitchen staff cut and mixed and sautéed as they prepared the hors d’oeuvres, and other staff moved their cars to the back lots to make parking room for our visitors.

I was ordering balloons to decorate the stage and stocking up batteries for the digital camera, Joy was fielding early visitors at the door, and Becci and Mary were desperately trying to get the beautiful posters of our clients to stay adhered to our slick gym walls.

The Horticulture students picked tomatoes from the Shepherds College Gardens, the Culinary Arts students chopped those tomatoes and turned them into a luscious topping for bruschetta to serve our visitors, and the residents were humming with excitement at the chance to welcome the guests into their homes.

It was a beautiful day. God blessed us with comfortable temperatures, a mild breeze and sunny skies – the perfect day to showcase His work at Shepherds Ministries.

Eventually, with lots of prayer and persistence, everything got done, and we waited for our first visitors in the lobby of the Findley Center. There was a little bit of tension at the uncertainty an Open House naturally elicits. Would we have two guests, or two hundred guests? We really didn’t know. We could only wait to see if anyone walked in the door at 4:30. 

At 4:10, our first four visitors arrived. Whew! We had people to take on a tour. Becci showed our guests into the Welcome Center to watch a video while they waited for the first tour to begin.

It was exciting to watch all the visitors arrive. People wanted to know about Shepherds! They wanted to see our campus! They wanted to meet our clients! Young and old came through the front doors with interest in their eyes. Men, women and children.  A priest, potential students and former staff. Community friends, church friends and our friends from Southern Center. About 75 guests in all went on tours from 4:30 to 7:00.

I was assigned photography duty and elected to walk along with a group whose dynamic intrigued me – two potential college students and their families, a couple - Dan and Verna - who were part of the original Sunday School class that started Shepherds, and another couple -Nate and Katie - just starting out on the ground floor of a ministry with a support structure similar to Shepherds – Christian individuals, foundations and churches.

At the first stop, Dr. Amstutz took people through the history of Shepherds, summarizing each decade on the History Wall in the Findley Lobby. Our visitor Dan turned toward me and said, “55 years ago I was standing in this spot, only it was an empty field, and I was up to my ankles in mud wondering what on earth we were doing.”

 

We left the Findley Center and walked to The Harbor, the men’s unit at the north end of the Wood Center. What a welcome we received! Mary Wright, the speaker, explained group home living while Gary shook hands, the other men smiled, and fresh baked cookies were offered to all the guests.  

Our next stop was in the North Commons of Shepherds College. Some of the college students were eating dinner while Tracy Terrill talked about Shepherds College and its cutting edge program designed to educate and train young adults with intellectual disabilities for a life of Appropriate Independence.

As we headed down the hallway, we ran into Mrs. Luchterhand, the instructor for Ai Academy. She explained the goal of this new college program and had Ellie and Matthew, two of her students, greet the visitors.

Then it was off to the Vocational Training area where our guests met Leslie Leith, Lead Instructor of Horticulture, who showed them a PowerPoint presentation of the Horticulture Program, and Chef Brett McCarthy, Lead Instructor of Culinary Arts, who talked about the Culinary Arts program. He and his 3^rd year student Josh served bruschetta, fresh and warm from the oven, to the guests.

Taking our snacks with us, we walked down the hall and around the corner to Tracy Lackey and her Catalyst clients. They showed us a PowerPoint presentation that included images of our independent living clients in their homes in the community.

We left the Wood Center for our next stop – Lamb Cottage. Andrea Humphrey explained the programs we have available to our clients on a short-term basis. As she talked, life in the cottage went on as usual. Ladies played games around a table, staff comforted one resident, while others watched television and rocked slowly in rocking chairs.

After leaving this cozy scene, we headed to the Miter Building to hear Gloria Dahlberg talk about the Day Services Center and all the activities it offers for our older or less mobile clients. Sweet Cathy was giving away butterfly magnets that the clients had made for the visitors. 

Down the hall, Bryan Edwards was coaching the Shepherds Enterprises employees as they bagged accessories for Andis hair clippers. 

Our last stop was the Bolthouse Center.  Dr. Kinkade presented the vision for the future of Shepherds Ministries in an inspiring presentation to our guests. 

Following the tour, each guest had the opportunity to visit information tables, read about giving and volunteer opportunities, meet staff, students and residents, and talk together as they gathered around the food tables. 

It was a tired, but animated bunch of people at the end of the day! Dan and Verna exclaimed about how much the ministry has developed over the years, and Nate and Katie listened attentively, mentally taking notes for their own ministry journey. 

It hit me in that moment, after several minutes of listening to the interaction between the young and the old, between the tested and tried and the nervous and new, just how much Shepherds Ministries has gained, and just how much it has to offer others, after all these years. 

55 years of experience caring for people with intellectual disabilities.

55 years of making mistakes, learning from them, fixing them and “perfecting” the process.

55 years and hundreds of staff members, each dedicating their own talents, wisdom and abilities to the service of a people we love.

55 years of praying and listening, of discerning God’s will and obeying.

55 years of building loyal friendships with people who have given hands and feet and heart to this important ministry.

55 years.

 

Thank you, our dear friends – for your prayers of support, for the untold hours of volunteer work on our campus, for the millions of Campbell’s Labels, for your words of advice and encouragement, for including us in your wills, for your generous donations both big and small, and for the gifts of quilts and clothing and vehicles and…it goes on and on. God has used you to impact the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for 55 years.  

And He still has wondrous plans in store for the years ahead…