Heritage Ministries Brings Joy to Seniors
optimum living with endless amenities
By Annette Pinder
Last summer I had the opportunity to drive out to visit one of the most beautiful senior living facilities I have ever seen. Located in an expansive countrylike setting only minutes from Chautauqua, Heritage Ministries (Heritage) is a nonprofit organization that provides a full continuum of senior care. Headquartered in New York with nationwide affiliate locations, Heritage offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy.
Established more than 130 years ago, Heritage provides seniors with options for living a vibrant lifestyle with innovative programming and endless amenities through its locations in Gerry, New York (its headquarters located minutes from Jamestown, Lakewood, Dunkirk, and Olean). Heritages national affiliates are Vinecroft Retirement Community (Clarence Center), The Kenney (Seattle), Hearthstone Communities (Woodstock, Illinois), Ives Hill Retirement Community (Watertown), and Rolling Fields Elder Care (Conneautville, Pennsylvania).
Lisa Haglund is particularly excited to serve as Heritage’s first female President and CEO overseeing 11 communities. She is also proud of Heritage’s efforts to ensure the safety of staff and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last seven months Heritage has seen fewer than .05% total cases across all of its communities. Lisa attributes this to money and resources Heritage has invested in protective professional equipment and ongoing testing.
Recognizing the hardship the pandemic has wrought on families and residents, Lisa and her staff do everything possible to facilitate communication through phone calls, eblasts, and social media. There is even a page on their website anyone through which individuals can send a free electronic greeting that can be printed out and personally delivered to residents, Heritage has also instituted an advocacy initiative which allows families to have a voice in government and advocate for loved ones in skilled nursing facilities.
On May 29 Marilyn Hooper celebrated her 88th birthday with her son Greg at Heritage Green. The two safely distanced outside, Greg brought donuts to share with everyone, and Marilyn was thrilled to receive 120 cards from the staff and residents. Marilyn shared her thoughts about Heritage as they celebrated at https://youtu.be/hS9wI-Uqn3M.
Lisa knows that the holiday season won’t be easy for families and their loved ones. To tackle those inevitable feelings of despair and depression, Lisa is doing all she can to spread joy throughout Heritage, starting with Heritage’s Bring the Joy campaign through which residents will be entertained by a Zoom chorus, church group, and uplifting stories. Residents can also receive a simple gift and e-card through their website at www.heritage1886.org/joy.
Heritage’s newest venture for 2021 is to begin a Grandma or Grandpa buddy program, through which community volunteers can reach out and connect with a senior who lacks family support through a phone call, Zoom meeting, Facetime, or a simple card or letter. If you are interested, reach out! Visit https://www.heritage1886.org or call 487-6800. You can even arrange for a tour of the beautiful surroundings. For uplifting stories visit www.facebook.com/HeritageMinistries.
