Centerville, Ohio (July 26, 2019) – Bethany Village, a large retirement community, has earned the distinction of Bronze Employer of Choice. More than 600 individuals work at Bethany Village. Sponsored by Graceworks Lutheran Services, Bethany Village is recognized as one of Centerville’s largest employers.

LeadingAge is the advocate of non-for-profit services for older Ohioans. The organization recently selected top employers from around the state.

Bethany Village was one of only 23 organizations statewide within LeadingAge Ohio’s 400+ members to receive a prestigious Employer of Choice designation.

The Bronze Employer of Choice designation runs through the end of 2020. This acknowledges a strong commitment to high quality recruiting and retention standards.

Applicant organizations must have a 3-star or better rating on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Five-Star Quality Rating system, and an occupancy rate of 80% or higher for at least one year as of the date of application for newly-opened communities.

In early 2019, Bethany Village opened Crescent Crossing Assisted Living. This new 90,000 square foot building required the additional hiring of 60 staff members. This increased staffing at Bethany Village by nine percent.

“We are working on a recruiting and retention program called Learn, Train, Succeed,” explains Graceworks Lutheran Services President and CEO Judy Budi. “This program helps us identify top talent and ensures we train them to be leaders at Bethany Village for tomorrow and years to come. I am very proud we are known as an Employer of Choice.”

View open positions online at bethanylutheranvillage.org.

We all deserve quality, safe housing that is also affordable. Living in the right housing environment promotes better mental and physical health and a better quality of life for everyone. These positive outcomes, in turn, support healthier communities.

Affordable housing is especially important to the well-being of seniors. Housing instability–such as high housing costs or poor house quality–can lead to physical and mental distress, difficulty sleeping and depression. When housing costs take a significant portion from already-limited incomes, many seniors are forced to curtail spending on life necessities like food, healthcare, transportation or, in many cases, in-home assistance.

Affordable housing helps seniors achieve stability

A majority of seniors today want to stay in their own homes as they age. Moreover, having a safe, comfortable place to live is even more significant to older adults aging in place, since they will spend much of their time there.

Affordable housing can improve the stability of seniors living at home by freeing up their resources for food and in-home care. Ensuring that housing is easily accessible to in-home caregivers is also key to helping older adults age safely and comfortably.

Affordable housing helps seniors take better care of their health

It’s a fact of life that as we age, we develop more chronic illnesses. Heart disease, strokes, auto-immune conditions such as arthritis, asthma and diabetes are some of the most common chronic conditions faced by older adults. Unfortunately, living on a limited income causes many seniors to postpone essential medical visits or delay buying the medications they need to properly monitor and treat these illnesses.

Another too-common situation among this population is a high incidence of hospital readmissions. One contributing factor is the lack of an appropriate place to recover after a hospital stay. For seniors to recover adequately, accessible, affordable senior housing is a must. The right housing can also serve as a suitable place to receive wellness and therapeutic services during post-hospital recovery.

Affordable housing helps seniors live more safely

One of the most significant contributors to health care costs and emergency visits among aging adults is falling. About one in four adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors, and most of these dangerous accidents happen at home.

Safety and accessibility improvements in homes—such as shower and bath bars and non-slippery floor surfaces—can help prevent these injuries. Other safety features seniors at home can benefit from include fall monitoring systems and wearable emergency alert devices. Affordable housing helps put these safety features within reach for older adults living on small, fixed incomes.

Affordable housing is more than a place to live

The goals for seniors aging in place is to achieve good health and mental well-being so they can live enriched lives for many years to come. Some affordable housing communities, such as those offered by Graceworks Housing Services, are conveniently located near services and amenities that allow older adults to maintain their schedules and live more independently in their homes.

Graceworks Housing Services recognizes that affordable housing is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. With well-maintained apartment communities available throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, there’s bound to be one that’s right for you or your loved one. For more information about Graceworks Housing Services, pleasecontact us today.

Day programs, such as those offered by Graceworks Enhanced Living, provide a place for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be active within their community and socialize with others, outside of a home environment. These coordinated programs give participants the independence and freedom to be themselves and pursue their interests, while at the same time providing necessary support and care that is catered to their unique needs.

To learn more about the value of activity and community-based programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we sat down with Scott Osterfeld, Director of Day Program and Waiver Services at Graceworks Enhanced Living.

When did you first realize you wanted to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

I think it was in junior high that I discovered I wanted to work in the disability field. I always thought it was unfair that the kids with intellectual disabilities were never with me in the same classroom, or in gym classes, lunch, or school dances. This was my first inclination to invest my life in this field and provide opportunities for individuals to participate in daily life within their communities.

I’ve been working in the disability field for 32 years now. I started working in a children’s home in 1986 and then worked in various community homes for people with intellectual disabilities. About a year and a half ago, I began working at Graceworks Enhanced Living as the Director of Day Program and Waiver Services. My job is to oversee our two day programs in Montgomery and Hamilton County, and mentor and supervise the managers of these programs.

What kinds of activities do individuals participate in during the Day Programs?

The entire focus and purpose of Day Programming offered by Graceworks Enhanced Living is to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities become more involved and integrated into their community. During the day, our staff will take individuals out to different places, so they can experience the activities that they enjoy doing.

Each participant in our day program has a service plan, which lists the activities that they love to do. For example, if an individual loves animals, we’ll make sure they get to interact with animals, whether it’s going to a local park or the aquarium or zoo. Other examples of outings include going to restaurants, seeing plays, getting manicures, or going to a cultural event within the community. We’ll also organize hands-on arts and crafts and exercise activities.

Why is Day Programming so important?

Day programs ultimately enhance the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Instead of being isolated from others, they are out and about, doing the things that everyone else is doing. Our goal is to create an environment where these individuals are fully integrated and active members of their community and enjoy a higher quality of life. Caregivers and family members benefit from the day programs as well, because it gives them time to themselves for errands, work, or self-care.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I like most is the team atmosphere I have with my co-workers. Being able to mentor our staff has allowed me to pass on my knowledge and help them grow. While I may not make a direct, day-to-day impact, I am able to effectively equip and empower the managers and staff, so they can go forth and make a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve.

I also strive to go out of my way to show our staff that I appreciate and value them. I have a “Manager Appreciation Menu,” where, once a month, managers can pick something off the list that I will do for them. For example, I will deliver takeout to their family, get them a gift card, take the company vehicle for an oil change, or bring over cookies and snacks. It’s important to do those little things that show the staff that I’m thinking about them, and I appreciate their hard work.

What has been a highlight of your experience working at Graceworks Enhanced Living?

For the day programs, a huge highlight is seeing people do the things that they enjoy. I remember a group of individuals went to the University of Dayton arena to watch the basketball teams practice before the NCAA tournament. Everyone had so much fun and got to be a part of the experience. It means a lot to watch people go out and do the things they enjoy, just like everybody else.

Another highlight was a block party hosted by some of the residents in one of the Graceworks Enhanced Living homes. Together with our staff, the residents opened their doors to their neighbors and invited them over for a block party with food and music. It provided a chance for the neighbors in the community to get to know the residents a little bit better, enjoy each other’s company and create a stronger connection throughout the neighborhood. It was really amazing to watch.

Learn more about Graceworks Enhanced Living

As our name implies, we enhance lives every day through our Graceworks Enhanced Living services. Everything we do is based on our principles of Gentle Teaching, servant leadership, and building community.

Our Montgomery and Hamilton County Day Programs are uniquely designed to cater to each of our client’s needs as a group while at the same time giving them independence and freedom to be themselves individually. Participants in our Montgomery and Hamilton County day programs enjoy a broad range of recreation and leisure activities. Activities are planned based on each individual’s needs. Some of our activities include hands-on arts and crafts, daily exercise, current events exploration and community outings. We also offer separate activity rooms for those who require a quieter environment to thrive. Day programming services are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays.

In addition to day programming, Graceworks Enhanced Living provides a variety of services to persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including residential services with 24/7 care and medical and non-medical transportation services.

To request further information about our day programs or supportive residential services, please contact us. We would be delighted to speak with you!

Centerville, Ohio (June 5, 2019) – Graceworks Lutheran Services, a non-profit organization based in Centerville, Ohio is pleased to announce the creation of a new Employee Resource Network ® (ERN) and Success Coach. The ERN, which is a partnership of three local employers plus Graceworks, is the first of its kind in southwest Ohio.

Called Soaring to Success, it is just the fourth ERN in all of Ohio.

Kathleen Rome will serve as the Success Coach for this new ERN. She is employed by the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership. Ms. Rome will split her time amongst all four employers. Her work with employees is completely confidential.

Graceworks employees may reach out to the Success Coach for a variety of issues, including seeking help securing childcare, homelessness prevention, legal matters and more. Rome is skilled at navigating agencies and community services.

While Kathleen Rome does not formally begin her position as Success Coach until June 10, she has already helped several Graceworks employees impacted by the recent tornado outbreak in Dayton. This assistance includes rehoming, sourcing companies for property cleanup and locating food sources and donations.

“I am happy to welcome Kathleen Rome to Graceworks as our Success Coach,” says Jennifer Wurzelbacher, Human Resources Manager. “Having Ms. Rome available to help employees during a time of crisis or transition helps us to live our organizational value of Faithful Caring.”

Graceworks and the other three employers spent about a year researching and building the Soaring to Success ERN. The goal of the ERN is to increase work/life balance among employees and to reduce turnover.

In our ever-changing digital world, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest technological trends. But it can be especially frustrating for older adults, who may be learning technology for the first time. While today’s teens grew up surrounded by smartphones, wireless internet, and social networking sites, the digital world is a relatively new experience for older adults.

This isn’t to say that older generations aren’t interested in embracing digital technology. In fact, according to Pew Research, seniors are more digitally connected than ever before, with 67% of adults ages 65 and older saying they go online. However, the research also found that one barrier to seniors joining the online world is the need for assistance. Of the respondents, 77% said they’d need someone to assist them with using new digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers.

Getting older adults “plugged in” to technology isn’t always an easy process, but there are ways to help bridge the generational gap in tech savviness. At one of the Graceworks Housing Services communities, a unique partnership was formed when local teens met with older adults to help them navigate the internet and digital devices, set up social media accounts, and communicate with friends and loved ones through technology.

Once a month, students of the Bellefontaine High School DECA program walked down the street to visit Graceworks Luther Community, which offers affordable housing for seniors 62 and older with limited income. The students volunteered their time and talents to teach the residents technological skills, answer their questions, and build their confidence in the digital world.

For residents in the Luther Community, learning technology opened up a world of possibilities.

“This program is important to our residents because it gives them an opportunity to learn something new, something out of the box that’s a little creative,” said LeAnnea Taylor, Service Coordinator at Luther Community.

In the end, the rewards of the collaborative program extended beyond the benefits of learning technology. During every visit, generational differences were overcome and new friendships blossomed.

“I really love the fact that the partnership has helped bridge the gap,” said Katie Rychener, DECA Advisor at Bellefontaine High School. “While we’re talking about technology, we’re also learning about relationships.”

For students, the partnership gave them an opportunity to share their knowledge of technology and make a difference in the lives of the residents.

Brooke Miranda, one of DECA student volunteers from Bellefontaine High School, said she loved participating in the program. “I love helping people,” she said. “And I love knowing that my happiness can make someone else happy.”

To learn more about the innovative technology program and Graceworks Housing Services, watch this video from the 2018 Graceworks Lutheran Services Annual Report.

Graceworks Housing Services is affiliated with Graceworks Lutheran Services, which has devoted nearly a century to faithfully caring for the needs of all people. Incorporated in 1926, Graceworks Lutheran Services provides residential and personal services to help individuals achieve stability in their lives. We serve people of all faiths through our apartment communities located throughout Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

For more information on our safe and affordable housing options for low-income elderly or disabled individuals, please contact us. We are happy to speak with you and answer your questions.

Centerville, Ohio (May 28, 2019) – Graceworks Lutheran Services is pleased to announce Dawn Barhorst as its new Vice President of Human Resources. Barhorst will be in charge of recruiting, benefits, training and volunteer programs.

As Vice President of Human Resources, Barhorst will lead a human resources and talent team that is refocusing on employee engagement and positioning Graceworks as the employer of choice for entry-level career seekers in the Miami Valley. With nearly 1,200 employees, Graceworks is one of the largest employers in Centerville and the surrounding area.

“At Graceworks, our goal is to help all our residents and clients experience a sense of home. We strive to deliver on the brand promise of Faithful Caring each day,” said Judy A. Budi, Graceworks President & CEO. “We are a mission-driven employer. At Graceworks, we wish to help our employees derive meaning from their work with older adults and those with disabilities. With the proper drive, we are an organization where individuals at all levels may learn, train and succeed.”

Barhorst joins Graceworks following a role as Human Resources Director for ITW Hobart. At ITW, she oversaw HR strategy for all employees across 46 states and seven countries. She held a similar level position at NCR. She has a B.S. in Marketing and an MBA in Management from Wright State University.

It can be difficult for caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to “let go” and allow them to find a more independent lifestyle. As with any change, there is always a natural fear of the unknown. Caregivers may ask themselves questions like:

Will he be able to get along on his own?

Will she be able to take care of her daily needs?

Will people overestimate their abilities and put them at risk?

Will they get hurt?

Will they become isolated or withdraw from too much stimulation?

But, caregivers can take heart by a recent focus group study that found most individuals with intellectual disabilities want to lead a life where they can live as independently as possible within their communities.

Residential or community living has been shown to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve the sense of independence they’re seeking while receiving the level of physical, mental and emotional support they need.

An enhanced support network fosters shared responsibility

Community living builds a more extensive network of caregivers and teachers who take the time to let individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn on their own. “Gentle teaching” where individuals are provided the space they need to develop skills and accomplish daily tasks helps them take on more responsibility. And, that, in turn, promotes a sense of pride and independence.

Social interaction helps break the chain of dependence

Having people to interact with in addition to primary caregivers is one way for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to build more self-confidence and involvement. Community living may also contribute to an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Research finds that there’s a long list of healthy-living benefits to having an extended community of supporters, including:

o   Reduced stress and anxiety

o   Faster healing

o   Improved memory function

o   Less pain

o   Generally, leading a longer, happier life.

Everyone deserves to be a part of his or her community and reap the benefits of having a supportive network of peers and friends.

Community living expands choices

With the right learning opportunities, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities can flourish. But when it comes to learning, one size does not fit all.

Community groups offer encouragement, not control, of an individual’s choices for their hobbies and interests. Sometimes all it takes is exposure to one new activity for your loved one to find what he or she really loves to do.

Increasing your loved one’s opportunities to make their own decisions about what’s right for them is just one more step on the way to building their independence.

At Graceworks Enhanced Living, building community is what we do

Graceworks Enhanced Living, affiliated with Graceworks Lutheran Services, provides residential living, support, and daily care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We create strong, safe settings for growth where the people we support and their caregivers can come together to form a positive, nurturing community. We provide services in nearly 40 residential settings including intermediate care facilities (ICFs), licensed and non-licensed homes. See the locations we serve.

At Graceworks Enhanced Living, we believe that individuals thrive when they can make their own decisions and live interdependently with others. Our innovative day programs provide group and individual recreational and leisure activities that will give your loved one a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Find out more about our supportive residential services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We’re here to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease.

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, it’s projected that the number of Americans over the age of 65 will more than double by 2040, increasing to about 91 million. The rapid growth of the senior population means that there will be an increased need for housing options that are safe, affordable, and accessible for older adults who want to age in place.

However, for older adults with limited income and/or disabilities, access to affordable housing can be a major barrier. Modifying or renovating a home to accommodate changing needs (such as limited physical mobility) is often expensive, especially for older adults already living on small, fixed incomes. Seniors residing in houses without accessibility features may be more likely to experience dangerous accidents like falls when trying to move around their home. Likewise, older adults with limited mobility may become socially isolated if it is difficult to leave their homes.

Without supportive services, home accessibility features, and access to transportation to nearby conveniences such as grocery and retail stores, and medical facilities, older adults with limited income and/or disabilities may be unable to age in place safely and comfortably.

To meet the unique needs of this vulnerable senior population, Graceworks Housing Services offers affordable, accessible housing options. Designed for retirees living on fixed incomes or older adults who need a supportive downsizing option, Graceworks Housing Services is a safe and comfortable solution that helps older adults enjoy more independence and improved quality of life.

Graceworks Housing Services recognizes that housing is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. For this reason, Graceworks apartments are like communities within themselves. Residents enjoy common areas for social, recreational, and educational activities, allowing them to create new friendships with their peers in a welcoming, caring, and familial environment.

Each individual’s residence is designed to be clean, secure, and offer accessibility features for older adults with mobility impairments. The apartment communities include appliances, affordable utilities, laundry facilities, and 24/7 on-site maintenance staff in case of emergency repairs. Most communities are located near grocery stores, shopping centers, medical facilities, and other local resources, enabling residents to remain fully connected and engaged within their respective communities.

With 18 Graceworks apartment communities available throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, there’s bound to be one that’s right for you or your loved one. For more information about our supportive housing services, contact us today.

Everyone deserves the right to be fully included and immersed in their community and enjoy opportunities to live, learn, grow, work and socialize with others side by side. This includes older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, who need varying levels of support with things like transportation, shopping for groceries and clothes, and finding community employment.

All people, with and without disabilities, should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose. But older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities often face barriers to finding the right housing for their needs and becoming fully immersed in their communities. However, through residential living services like those offered by Graceworks Enhanced Living, older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities are able to live in homes, apartments, and communities of their choice with access to the care and supports they may need on a daily basis.

According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, there are numerous benefits to living in smaller community settings. People with disabilities who live in these environments lead safer, more independent, and more satisfying lives. Living in a community setting allows residents to enjoy a rich social life in a welcoming, family-like setting made up of their peers, something that they might not have been able to experience if they lived with family or on their own.

Community living gives older adults with disabilities a chance to live as independently as possible, enabling them to become more active and contributing members within their communities while still ensuring their needs for care and safety are met.

At Graceworks Enhanced Living, we believe in the value of community inclusion for everyone, and we understand how important it is to find supportive residential services for loved ones with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We strive to break down barriers to community inclusion by providing residential living, support and daily care in a safe and loving environment. We also provide day programs and non-medical transportation for those living with intellectual disabilities.

Find out more about our supportive residential services and day programs. We’d be happy to speak with you and answer your questions.

On March 3, 2019, Judy A. Budi officially became the eighth CEO of Graceworks Lutheran Services. After 20+ years with the organization in a wide range of capacities, Judy is well able to lead us forward as the future of healthcare and the workforce continues to evolve.

Since 1926, the Graceworks vision of faithful caring has never wavered. Under Judy’s mindful leadership, we will remain dedicated to caring for older adults and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our communities. As Judy says … “We’ve been a leader for 90 years and we will continue to be a leader!”

Watch the video to learn more.