Six Bethany Village employees, enrolled in nursing school, were awarded Sloan Scholarships ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. This year $22,000 in scholarships were made possible by the late Dr. Malachi W. Sloan II, a retired physician and Bethany Village resident.

Dr. Sloan established the fund to encourage individuals to further their educations in nursing – specifically with an intention to practice geriatric care. Bethany Village employees receiving this year’s scholarship awards were:

• Christopher Haley, Resident Care Technician
• Amy Honious, LPN
• Joshua Hust, Resident Care Technician
• Tatiana Lewis, Resident Care Technician
• Robert Pangallo, Resident Care Technician
• Delaney Reynolds, Resident Care Technician

Graceworks Lutheran Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Lauren Coyle to Administrator of Bethany Village. Lauren is a passionate leader with a heart for providing exceptional care to aging adults.

Prior to joining Bethany Village, she earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Wright State University in 2007 and began her career as a nurse on the Oncology Unit at Springfield Community Hospital. Later, she worked as a Case Manager, Team Leader, and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse for Hospice of Dayton.

In 2016, Lauren started her career at Bethany Village as a Nurse Manager in the long-term care unit. Her humble leadership and passion for providing quality care led to a promotion to Chief Nursing Officer in 2017.

Leading up to the retirement of long-time Bethany Village Administrator John Brinkman, Lauren expanded her leadership skills by completing the Administrator in Training (AIT) program in 2019. In her new role, Lauren will oversee the day-to-day operations of the entire Bethany Village campus and ensure the delivery of Faithful Caring to more than 700 residents at Bethany, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, skilled rehab, and memory support care.

“I feel very honored to take on the role of Administrator because I’m able to work with so many hardworking, dedicated, and talented teammates,” Lauren said. “We all bring different strengths to the table, motivating each other to be our best and to provide residents the compassionate care they deserve.”

“It’s always rewarding to support employee growth and to be able to promote from within, supporting the organization’s values and commitment to Faithful Caring,” said Judy Budi, President and CEO. “Lauren is a shining example of a servant leader dedicated to quality of life for older adults as they age.”

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.

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.

On Sunday, March 3, Graceworks formally thanked Willis O. Serr II for his longtime service to the organization. Bill faithfully served Graceworks for over 30 years, with many of those in the role of President and CEO. Bill has earned a happy retirement filled with Ohio State Football games and travel with his wife and adult children.

Today, Judy A. Budi becomes the eighth CEO of Graceworks Lutheran Services. Graceworks was incorporated in 1926 as the Lutheran Inner Mission League of the Miami Valley. Many things have changed over those 90+ years, but the constant has always been the organization’s mission to faithfully care for community members. Today, we serve older adults at Bethany Village, through Graceworks at Home and Graceworks Housing Services. And we remain dedicated to caring for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Graceworks Enhanced Living. With Ms. Budi’s leadership, we look forward to the future.

Bill and Judy recently discussed the history of Graceworks. Here is a video of them reminiscing together.

Centerville, Ohio (January 15, 2019) – Graceworks Lutheran Services, a large nonprofit organization based in Centerville, Ohio is pleased to announce Judy A. Budi will be its new President & Chief Executive Officer effective March 2, 2019.

Budi replaces current CEO Willis O. Serr II who will retire after 30 years of service on March 1, 2019. Budi has been part of the seasoned leadership team developed by Serr and will continue the organization’s strong commitment to mission and values known as Faithful Caring.

Budi will be the first female and the eighth CEO overall in Graceworks’ 93 year history.

The Graceworks Board of Directors launched a four-month long nationwide search to fill the position. Budi was selected from a large pool of candidates. In her current role, Budi serves as Vice President, Residential Care, for Graceworks Lutheran Services, acting as the chief operations officer for Bethany Village, Graceworks Enhanced Living, Graceworks Housing Services, and Graceworks at Home.

A special worship service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church on March 3, 2019, to mark the transition. The service will begin with a celebration of Serr’s leadership and conclude with the commissioning of Budi as the new chief executive.

“The Board had a very difficult decision choosing from several exceptionally well qualified candidates. Ultimately the Board determined that Judy was the best person to continue the Graceworks vision,” explained Jeffrey Teeters, Graceworks Board Chair. “Judy is adept at navigating the changing landscape of healthcare which is essential to so many of our services for seniors and other vulnerable populations. We are confident Judy will successfully lead the organization forward with both strategic vision and compassion for the residents we serve as well as our 1,200 employees.”

“I am excited and honored by this opportunity,” said Budi. “I have devoted the majority of my career championing the Graceworks culture of Faithful Caring, supporting our dedicated employees, and advocating for our residents and clients. I am committed to advancing our great reputation and developing new, innovative strategies for residents who call one of our locations home, and for clients who rely on our services to stay in their homes.”

Willis Serr, current Graceworks CEO observed, “I am delighted with the Board’s selection. Having promoted and mentored Judy in her current position for 15 years, I know that she is exceptionally qualified for her new role. I have great confidence that all Graceworks services will continue to thrive and reflect quality under her leadership.”

A native of Sidney, Ohio, Budi has worked for Graceworks since 1994. She previously served as Director of Food Services for Bethany Village and later as Administrator of Residential Services for Bethany Village and Graceworks Housing Services. She was promoted to Vice President, Residential Care, in 2003. She is a member and immediate past Chair of the Board of Directors for LeadingAge Ohio, an organization that represents over 500 nonprofit senior living communities in the state. Judy is a member and past president of Rotary Club of Centerville and the Centerville-Washington Township Foundation Board. She is a 2008 graduate of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dayton program.

Judy Budi earned her undergraduate degree in dietetics from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. She has completed executive education in strategic management of nonprofit organizations at Harvard Business School and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She lives in Washington Township with her husband, Gerry.

For more than 90 years, Graceworks Lutheran Services has provided a variety of nonprofit residential and community care services. Graceworks provides services in more than 60 locations in southwestern Ohio, eastern Indiana and northern Kentucky.

Programs include Bethany Village, a senior living community; Graceworks at Home, a home health and personal care services agency; Graceworks Enhanced Living serving persons with developmental disabilities; and Graceworks Housing Services providing affordable housing to income qualified seniors and persons with disabilities.