As a teenager, the course of life changed unexpectedly for Pegi’s brother, Tom. Tom was once on track to play baseball for the Reds, but life’s twists resulted in him suddenly needing constant care and supervision. The options just weren’t there, and Tom ended up in buildings that Pegi said felt more like institutions.

“Certainly not like home,” she said.

If you ask Pegi, the experience drained the life out of him. When Pegi and her family were frustrated and hitting roadblock after roadblock with care for Tom, the Graceworks Enhanced Living program gave Tom the opportunity to thrive.

“The experience really is incredible,” Pegi said. “I know with Graceworks, he is not a number.”

That’s because Tom now lives at home with 4 other men, within a Graceworks Enhanced Living home. They live in a house, in a neighborhood, and Pegi says it doesn’t feel at all institutional, because it’s not.

“We’ve all become friends,” she said. While Pegi lives in Florida, she says she talks daily with Tom and the rest of his Graceworks family in Cincinnati, which includes his care providers.

The whole crew visits Pegi in Florida for vacation, and they also go on vacations throughout the rest of the country, traveling to places like Wisconsin and Tennessee. They go to work; they dance; they play sports; they are active in the community.

Pegi recalls when Tom had to have an extensive surgery during Covid, how the whole group came together to help him pull through.

“When there is a crisis, they pull together,” she said. “These are good, good men.”

For Pegi, and her family, they could not have imagined a better outcome for Tom. “I thank God every day,” she said. “I don’t know how they do it.”

Graceworks Director of Marketing & Advancement Dana Lynch has been selected to participate in the 2026 class of Leadership Dayton, alongside organizational leaders from throughout the Miami Valley.

Leadership Dayton, a premier leadership development program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, is designed to identify, educate and connect community leaders while expanding their capacity to serve the Dayton region.

Over the course of 10 months, members of the Class of 2026 deepen their understanding of the region by examining multiple industries, from government to health & human services, through a social servant lens. Program participants live, work and serve in Darke, Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren Counties.

Dana is driven by guiding people through big decisions, from finding a new retirement home to witnessing passion projects come full circle. She’ll soon join the ranks of eight Graceworks Lutheran Services leaders who have graduated from Leadership Dayton.

Interacting in new ways with individuals who have dementia can be rewarding yet challenging. Finding compelling activities takes creativity as families seek ways to connect with their loved ones. Bethany Village Memory Support staff work tirelessly to find new and clever ways to bring remarkable experiences to residents with dementia.

 

Options for resident engagement now include games from a specialized console called the Tovertafel. This device, known by staff as the “Tover,” is a special projector mounted to the ceiling that sends interactive light projections onto a table. Its interactive games are proven to support cognitive, physical, sensory and social function in persons with dementia.

The Tover has had an instant social impact, creating an inclusive environment for residents with varying cognitive abilities. Brande’ Watras, Nurse Manager at Bethany Village, described a group sitting around the table, playing a game of soccer with their hands. “We found that some of the residents were encouraging their peers to play. It was incredible to witness the sense of accomplishment and purpose residents felt by helping their peers participate.”

These games, and the involvement of the staff, have brought residents together in remarkable ways as they can play one-on-one or in groups, with caregivers, or with family members.

“For grandchildren, it feels like a video game. They can pick it up quickly and engage with their family members through the Tover. It’s helping to facilitate connections that otherwise might not happen.”

The Tover has also been a springboard for activities to reach residents on a deeper level. One popular game has residents “rake” leaves on the projector table. Staff brought fallen leaves from outside to have residents see, touch and smell as they played the game, and asked questions inviting residents to share their memories and autumn experiences.

“We can ask questions along with each game and talk about their memories,” said Brande’. Their faces light up with recognition and the confidence of the players grows as they play the games and share memories.

“Part of the challenge of dementia is that residents are overwhelmed and may struggle making choices. The Tover gives more opportunities to exercise cognition and keep skills longer. Now, we have more options that give them the power of choice. There’s a sense of fulfillment for residents in being able to decide how they’re going to spend their days.”

Brande’ Watras, Nurse Manager, Bethany Village

Funding for the two Tovertafels at Bethany Village was made possible by Premier Health, the Mary Mikesell Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Cincinnati, the Dayton Rotary Foundation, Dayton Foundation and Brighter Tomorrow Foundation.

See more stories in Graceworks’ 2023 Annual Report: Remarkable People

 

Several adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in Graceworks Enhanced Living homes have resided with us for more than a decade. The houses have become their homes and staff have become like family. For many individuals served, that also means they prefer to be able to live their entire lives in their homes and have the ability to receive therapy, medical care, and even hospice support in a familiar environment.

“Many of the individuals we serve don’t have outside family,” said Jack Wooldridge, Graceworks Enhanced Living Services Manager. “We serve many residents for years and we become their family. That comfort of having people around them that love and serve them is important to us all.”

Arminta Gautam and Jack Wooldridge

Arminta Gautam takes that creed to heart, making sure that every individual served can age safely and with dignity. Arminta has been the group home manager at the Greenleaf home in Dayton for the last six years and has a remarkable way of building more than a team among the staff of direct support professionals — she’s built a family.

Douglas Sword, a longtime member of that Greenleaf family, loved making the staff laugh and enjoyed spending his days at the Greenleaf home trying new foods, completing word puzzles, and listening to rock music. Greenleaf was the place Doug felt comfortable.

As Doug’s health began to decline, Arminta stepped in to advocate for him. And when he needed more support, Arminta brought hospice care into the Greenleaf home so he could remain in a familiar setting surrounded by the people who care, enabling him to live out the last weeks of his life as he chose.

“We kept him secure and happy by providing for his needs in the home instead of moving him elsewhere,” said Jack. “Whenever he was at the hospital or appointments, he couldn’t wait to get home. Once we were able to put needed services in place, we advocated for him so he could stay home where he was most comfortable.”

From making sure the right equipment was in Doug’s room to preparing homemade dinners for Doug and those supporting him, Arminta went above and beyond to ensure Doug was able to spend his final days in safety, comfort, and – most importantly – knowing he was loved.

“The culture Arminta has created in the home keeps the staff highly engaged,” said Jack. “She provides that level of care that really can’t be taught. Her staff sees her willingness to go the extra mile and they want to provide that, too. She’s an excellent example of a home manager who wants to provide remarkable experiences for others every day.”

“We become the voice for residents when they no longer have that. Doug was his own guardian and was a good advocate for himself, but it was an honor for me to advocate on his behalf. I knew him and his wants and his needs, so being able to advocate for our individuals is an honor.”

Arminta Gautam, Home Manager, Graceworks Enhanced Living

See more stories in Graceworks’ 2023 Annual Report: Remarkable People

On April 20, 2024, a group of 13 esteemed veterans from our Bethany Village community embarked on an unforgettable journey as part of Honor Flight Dayton. This mission, dedicated to taking veterans who served from WWII through the Vietnam Era to visit their memorials, offered a poignant and heartfelt experience for those who served our country with valor.

The trip, originally planned for last September, presented a profound opportunity for these veterans to connect with their past and reflect on their service. Visiting the memorials dedicated to their sacrifices made for many memorable moments…take a look below.

Upon their return, Bethany Village Independent Living Life Enrichment staff hosted a Welcome Home reception to celebrate the incredible journey they took alongside the group of veterans:

• • Tom Angotti

• • Teb Baines

• • Gary Baker

• • Dennis Barber

• • Fred Berta

• • Tom Broadwell

• • Lew Hann

• • John Linville

• • JD Livesay

• • Jerry Swain

• • Donald Weckstein

• • Jack Wilson

• • Fred Witwer

“We are immensely proud of our veterans and their service to our country,” said Leigh O’Brien, Life Enrichment Coordinator. “Seeing them have this opportunity to visit the memorials and be celebrated for their sacrifices is truly heartwarming.”

We are honored to have such remarkable people living in community at Bethany Village. Their courage, strength, and dedication continue to inspire us all.

Community is more than just a word; it’s a commitment to support and uplift one another in times of need. Closing out National Volunteer Week, Graceworks employees exemplified this spirit by volunteering their time and effort on National Rebuilding Day. Our dedicated crew partnered with Rebuilding Together Dayton to make a difference in the lives of those unable to tackle home maintenance tasks themselves.

National Rebuilding Day, observed annually on the last Saturday of April, serves as a beacon of unity, rallying volunteers nationwide to rehabilitate homes and community facilities. Locally, this day is a chance to revitalize Dayton neighborhoods and foster a stronger sense of camaraderie. Through our volunteer opportunity with Rebuilding Together Dayton, we seized this occasion to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

“The seniors RTD helps don’t have the financial resources themselves to do any home repairs,” shared Jackie D’Aurora, 10-year Rebuilding Together Board member, “so these homeowners are all the more appreciative.”

The Graceworks team delved into outdoor projects at four homes, from pulling weeds to cleaning out flower beds and trimming bushes. For those unable to tend to their homes due to physical limitations or financial constraints, our efforts represented more than just yard work; they symbolized a gesture of support and care from their community.

“Bending and weeding and cleaning up the yard…that is physical work that gets more difficult as we age. Several in our group took time to visit with the homeowner, showing that this experience is not just about the work – it is about impacting the lives of the older adults.”

— JUDY BUDI, GRACEWORKS PRESIDENT & CEO

Each weed pulled and every shrub trimmed was a testament to our collective commitment to make a positive impact, one home at a time. But beyond the physical labor, it was the connections forged and the appreciation shared that truly encapsulated the essence of community.

Our participation in National Rebuilding Day reaffirmed Graceworks’ vision and core values; and our commitment to compassion, service, and community. Through our actions, we not only improved the physical spaces we touched but also nurtured a sense of belonging and solidarity among all involved.

A generous grant awarded by Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been improving wholeness of life for both rehab patients and residents at Bethany Village with the purchase of a Car Transfer Simulator and S3 Balance Bars.

Jen Schoen, PT, and Tina Adamson, SLP, demonstrate the car transfer simulator in the Bethany Rehabilitation Center as LPTAs Joel Chivers and Connie Brzozowski look on.

Therapy staff can now utilize the simulator to assess a patient’s ability to transfer into & out of a vehicle, and identify a treatment plan to help them regain mobility as needed. Bethany Village residents and nearly 75% of all Bethany Rehabilitation Center (BRC) patients admitted annually are expected to benefit from the use of this stationary piece of equipment. It offers the opportunity to regain dexterity to safely enter & exit a car, assisting in a swift return to normal activities of daily living.

Previously, real vehicles were used in the absence of a Car Transfer Simulator. Relying on actual vehicles to perform therapies outdoors was often problematic due to weather conditions and dependence on family or caregiver schedules.

“Having the simulator right here in the BRC allows us to treat patients in a more controlled environment and keep their progress on track.”

– Matt Cassidy, Director of Physical Therapy

The key to reducing fall risks among the aging population involves improving one’s balance—something that requires strengthening muscles. With newly purchased balance equipment from the ELCA grant, Bethany Village exercise specialists are able to teach classes to independent & assisted living residents to improve muscle strength as a fall prevention measure.

The S3 Balance Bars are stability bars that can be held or stood between when exercising. Since they can be taken anywhere on campus, residents of all varying abilities can now engage in physical activities.

Targeted treatment plans and balance-improving exercises using assistive devices—like the Car Transfer Simulator and S3 Balance Bars—provide more opportunities for seniors who have rehabilitative needs, fear falling, or fear falling again.

Bethany Village was recently named the Best Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dayton for the second year running. The state-of-the-art equipment obtained with this ELCA grant enhances our teams’ ability to keep short-term and long-term residents’ needs number one.

Graceworks Vice President of Human Resources & Chief Integrity Officer Dawn Barhorst has been selected to participate in the 2024 class of Leadership Dayton, alongside organizational leaders from throughout the Miami Valley.

Leadership Dayton is a premier leadership development program designed by Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce to identify, educate and motivate a connected network of community leaders and increase the individual’s capacity to serve the Dayton region.

Over the next 10 months, members of the Class of 2024 will further their education and understanding by examining multiple industries, from government to health & human services, through a social servant lens. Program participants live, work and serve in Darke, Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren Counties.

Dawn also heads the Graceworks Corporate Compliance & Organizational Integrity Program as Chief Privacy Officer. She’ll soon join the ranks of seven Graceworks Lutheran Services leaders who have graduated from Leadership Dayton.

The Better Business Bureau, serving Dayton and the Miami Valley, has announced the 2023 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics winners. These awards honor organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; ensure the organizations’ practices meet the highest standards of ethics; and consequently generate trust with customers and the community. Formerly known as the Integrity Awards, the Torch Award embodies BBB’s mission of advancing business trust.

John North, BBB president & CEO, shared, “The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics recognize organizations for their ethics and integrity unlike any other award in our community. They focus on the character, culture, customers and community of Miami Valley organizations. And, all of our finalists model good business practices for us all to follow.”

At the May 9^th awards banquet at the David A. Ponitz Sinclair Center, Graceworks Lutheran Services was named the winner in the large nonprofit category. This Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics recognizes the hard work and dedication we put into Faithfully Caring for residents, teammates and the people in our communities every day.

Governor Mike DeWine has appointed Judy Budi, Graceworks President and CEO, as a board trustee for Bowling Green State University–her undergraduate alma mater.

Judy Budi, class of ’85, joined the BGSU Board of Trustees on Sept. 1, and will serve on the BGSU Board of Trustees through 2027. Judy’s appointment fills a vacancy on the BGSU Board of Trustees. Judy’s predecessor, Ava Harter, now serves as a non-voting, national trustee. BGSU trustees are charged with:

• Establishing and monitoring the execution of policy that guides the administration in the day-to-day operations of the University
• Selects a president, and on his or her advice, a staff to administer the policy
• Supports the efforts of the President and the staff in relation to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, members of the state legislature and state officials

The BGSU Board of Trustees is also charged with working with the president to ensure that the University focuses on contributing to the public good and embraces its role as a national model in addressing the educational, economic and social vitality of our region, the state, the nation and the world.

Congratulations, Judy, on this exciting opportunity!