1 VOICES on goins By Ted W. Goins, Jr. | LSC president We were made for more

utheran Services Carolinas always we did not win! Generally, it’s not necessary At St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salis- seems to be marching to its own for you to lose so I can win. If we approach bury, Pastor Rhodes Woolly preached on drummer, and I wouldn’t have it any our issues together and through the lens February 2 that “you were made for more.” other way. In a time period when civility of abundance versus scarcity, we can have That drives home The LSC Way. We in and truth and loving one another are out a better ministry and a better country and LSC are made for more in how we care for of style, when society is daily subjected to world. and serve people, from foster children to rudeness, lies, what’s in it LSC doubled down on this philosophy refugees to seniors! We can also expect the for me and to heck with in 2019 by creating The LSC Way. Already, best from each other, support each other, you, LSC lifts its Vision, more than 1,500 of LSC’s 2,000 teammates and not look to pull people down. And we Mission, and Values even have been through the training. You’ve can model The LSC Way at home, in our higher. heard about this program; it’s more exciting communities, and in our world. Our value of integrity to see it in action. We created a program Wouldn’t it be a better world with more is a cornerstone of our that pulls what is the very best from our integrity, trust, and love? The LSC Way is ministry. You must have integrity every day very best employees, then teaches the rest of not copyrighted. Feel free to adopt it and use and every way. If we win without integrity, us to act that same way! it in your world. You were made for more!

Worker of Wonders — Callie Gray

Callie Gray understands from personal (Worker of Wonders) award for her efforts. with a performance group from her high experience that music helps enrich the lives Callie is compassionate and goes the extra school and plays a large role in helping the of Trinity Grove residents. mile to make her inter- students feel comfort- When her grandmother was a resident, actions with residents able in approaching the Callie, a young teenager then, would play special, says Life Enrich- residents. She also visits the piano and sing when she came to visit ment Director Amanda as an individual, often Trinity Grove. Powell. coming to Trinity Grove’s On the day that her grandmother died, “She exudes a positive memory care neighbor- as a way to honor her family, Callie called light, is encouraging, hood. Trinity Grove to inquire about volunteering. accepting, and never Trinity Grove and Staff members were impressed that even in excluding of others,” LSC are grateful for her grief, Callie wanted to reach out to help Amanda says. “She is in- volunteers like Callie, others. credibly dependable and who share their gifts to Now 17, Callie has been volunteering is a positive reflection of make our nursing homes at Trinity Grove for three years. She was our LSC core values.” brighter and warmer recently named a recipient of LSC’s WOW Callie sometimes visits places for the residents.

On the cover: Veteran John Goubeaux of Fayetteville, N.C., sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2011. He uses two piec- es of wood – one rough and one smooth – to show how his life changed after he got help. LSC staffer Casey Bennett, at right, meets with Goubeaux several times a week to help him work on his goals.

2 VOICES DISCOVER YOUR TRINITY! Whether you are looking for warm sandy beaches, crisp mountain air, or something in between, Lutheran Services Carolinas has just the right retirement living option for you.

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1-800-HELPING www.LSCarolinas.net MARCH 2020 3 Christopher Otten has been helping Trinity View residents with their technology ques- tions for over a year. Resident Susan Evans (right) said Otten is always patient.

STAYING CONN CTED Teenager helps Trinity View residents with technology

or over a year Christopher Otten has helped the in the mountains between Asheville and Hendersonville, residents of Trinity View with their technology attending its trick-or-treat event every year with his church. questions, and he hasn’t been stumped yet. As a senior at the Franklin School of Innovation Charter The 18-year-old visits the senior living commu- School, he was required to complete a senior project to grad- nity once a week and is in high demand. Resi- uate. His father suggested he reach out to the community dents come to him with questions about their phones, iPads, and do something with his technology skills. laptops and even the latest financial scam that targets senior After writing a very convincing paper to his parents citizens. They say he always has an answer. explaining why he needed an iPhone at age 12, Otten finally “He’s been outstanding and he’s been here a while,” Ralph mowed enough yards to help pay for one when he was 14. Dimenna, 95, said. “He’s been very, very good. I’ve got Since then, he reads technology news almost every day to an old computer and he’s been a big help on that, and he keep up with the trends. doesn’t mind repeating. He’s taken me through some things “My dad said, ‘Don’t you always help your grandmothers three or four different times.” with technology?’ Because I already go over to their house Otten grew up around Trinity View, which is nestled and fix little problems they might have,” Otten said. “So he

4 VOICES Above: Otten began visiting the resi- dents as part of his senior project. Right: Rob Newcomer (left) said he trusts Otten with his electronics and is impressed with his knowledge of new technologies. Below right: Neal and Susan Evans have nothing but great things to say about Otten and the assistance he provides. said I should scale that up and basically do more clients. He suggested this place, and I loved it.” Originally he began scheduling 20-min- ute appointments with any resident who had questions about their devices, but the sessions were so popular that he eventually extended them to 30 minutes. “Through the individual appointments (he’s seen) a lot of different things. Every- body’s at a different level in their tech- nological know-how,” Otten said. “Some people are pro’s and we can learn more advanced things or we might need to go over the basics a few times, and that’s fine. It’s really fun to see people happy because they’re learning about it.” Otten fulfilled his 100 hours require- internet and different protocols that go on. on the top of the list,” she said. “We are ment for his senior project very quickly. How to stay safe from hackers and spam- just so pleased he picked us.” After graduating from high school, he still mers, which is a big deal, especially with Otten plans to attend Montreat College kept coming back to Trinity View. this age group,” Otten said. “There’s a lot in the spring and pursue a career in “I love doing it. I love teaching,” he said. of people who want to take advantage and cyber security, but says he won’t leave the “I love meeting new people and seeing old we’ve kind of learned how to identify those residents of Trinity View without their faces too. It’s really special to me to come threats and shut them down at the source.” technology guru. here and feel like part of this community Sherri Redden, Trinity View’s marketing “I’m going to keep coming here once and just help people learn.” director, said Otten fulfills a need in the a week, and hopefully in the future two The demand for his services continued community. times a week. I think it’s important for me to grow, so Otten also added an hour-long “One of the things I’ve observed is that on a personal level, just because I get to tutorial once a week so residents can bring I really like the inter-generational relation- interact with people I normally wouldn’t in their devices for him to examine or ship that our residents seem to have with interact with,” he said. “I’m constantly discuss any recent technological advance- him. I think from a marketing standpoint, surrounded by younger and middle-aged ments that might be relevant to their daily it gives us something else to sell with out- people, and it’s good to have a breath of lives. side people looking in. I have to say out of fresh air and get a new perspective on “So with the class, we’ve been learning all the amenities and services that we offer technology and life in general. It’s really more advanced ins and outs of using the at Trinity View, I think he is right up there opened my eyes a lot.”

MARCH 2020 5 The future recreational waterfront pavilion (artist’s rendering) will offer a beautiful community space.

COASTAL VISION Future Trinity Landing residents already feel connected

here’s a sense of community already.” That’s what Clancy Thompson said about Trinity Landing after he and his wife, Susan, decided to become part of its Founders Club. The couple heard about the upcoming senior living community in Wilming- ton through friends, and decided to make it their future home after meeting the staff and other soon-to-be residents. “I think it’s critically important to be in a supportive community with rituals and a sense of belonging,” Clancy said. “And (at Trinity Land- ing), there is a sense of community already, and I really enjoyed being with and talking to them.” The Thompsons are among the future residents — more than 200 — who became part of the Founders Club by making the decision to live in Clancy and Susan Thompson decided to make Trinity Landing their future the community when it opens in 2021. In Octo- home because of the sense of community they felt during their tour. ber 2019, staff announced the community was 70

6 VOICES Trinity Landing is now 70 percent reserved, which is a requirement for construction. Site work is well under way.

percent reserved, which is a requirement for construction. “We are beyond thrilled to reach such a huge milestone in the development of our community! There has been a tremendous amount of hard work behind the scenes, teamwork, and collaboration to achieve our 70 percent reservation goal in such a timely fashion,” Ann Pressly, director of marketing and sales for Trinity Landing, said. “We’ve had nothing but support and encouragement from our home office and all of our friends and fami- lies who have been so invested in our progress and our success. We are excited to continue to fill our community with wonderful residents and reach 100 percent in the coming months ahead!”

A DREAM COASTAL RESIDENCE Just a short drive from downtown Wilmington, Trinity Landing will offer residents a community of resort-like amenities and services to call home. The senior living center sits on 50 acres, 30 of which Future resident Joanne Bryant showed her family where she will be living were donated by the Lossen family, led by Abba Lossen when Trinity Landing opens in 2021. Crumpler. “We continue to have words of encouragement from villas. There will be multi-story apartment home buildings with en- the community wherever we turn, people who are excited that we closed walkways connected to Town Center amenities, and separate are developing this active senior living community on this spec- two-story villa buildings, some with garages for cars and golf carts, tacular tract of land,” said John Frye, executive director of project featuring four residences per floor. development. Amenities emphasize lifelong wellness and fitness, successful Residents can choose from two styles of homes; apartments or aging, and heartfelt connections with a caring staff. Nate Futrell,

MARCH 2020 7 Zig Peret pauses for a photo at the site of the future Trinity Landing. To learn more about the Wilmington community, call 910-769-9600.

director of health and wellness services, is already working with future residents on their fitness goals by leading them in exercise sessions and outdoor activities such as power walks. Nate Futrell, director of health and wellness, and Ann Pressly, director CULTIVATING NEW FRIENDSHIPS of marketing and sales, give a tour Don and Meg Smith always knew they of the site to future resident Lad wanted to retire in their 50s so they could Bright and his girlfriend. enjoy years of good health and give back to the community. The upstate New York natives moved to Leland, North Carolina in 2006 after retirement. When several of their friends from church attended a Trinity Landing infor- mation session, the couple decided to take a tour of the site. What they came away with was a plan for the future and “a good feeling.” “I liked that it was associated with Lutheran Services Carolinas,” Don said. “While we love the concept of living near the water and the community’s many ame- future residents. They told Trinity Landing events for its future residents to get to nities, it’s really about the peace of mind staff that they see endless opportunities to know each other,” Meg said. “I think that’s should something happen to one of us.” cultivate new friendships in the commu- a great thing.” The couple is looking forward to the nity. To learn more about Trinity Landing, give social activities and getting to know more “Trinity Landing staff is already hosting its marketing team a call at 910-769-9600. 8 VOICES in the news

Tyler, shown Trinity Living Center tree here hold- ing his son, takes top honors is grateful to be part Trinity Living Center’s of LSC’s Alzheimer’s Awareness tree Transitional took home first place in The Living for Arc of North Carolina-Triad Young Adults Region’s Festival of Trees, program in held in Salisbury, N.C., in South December 2019. About 40 Carolina. trees were featured in the festival. Transitional Living The ornaments were program receives grant handmade by Trinity Living Center participants with the LSC’s Transitional Living for Young adults help of volunteers. program in South Carolina recently received a The Festival of Trees is The $10,000 grant from Aflac, housed at Central Arc’s signature fundraising Carolina Community Foundation. The funds event and features a collec- will be used for clients’ emergency needs, tion of beautifully-decorated including housing, food and clothing. trees to kick-off the Christ- With two case managers, based in Colum- mas season. The Arc is an bia and Florence, the LSC Transitional Living organization that provides program helps pave the way to safety, security, services to people with and independence for young people entering intellectual or developmental adulthood without the support, skills, and disabilities and their family life experience they need to face the world on members. their own. The young adults, ages 18 to 25, served by this program receive case manage- ment and support services to address their immediate needs; help them set and achieve Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation supports goals (employment, education, financial Love One Another stability); and build support networks to encourage them on their journey toward Lutheran Services Carolinas received a $10,000 grant in December of 2019 from the independence. Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation, Greenville, South Carolina, to help fund the final Case managers serve as a listening ear and stages of the Love One Another campaign. a guiding hand to help participants learn to solve their own problems and to help celebrate each success they make on their way towards self-sufficiency. LSC moves up on LeadingAge and Ziegler 200 list LSC works closely with partners in the Lutheran Services Carolinas has once again made the Leading Age Ziegler 200 list. community, including local homeless shelters, Published annually by LeadingAge and the Ziegler Capital Markets Group, the list iden- transitional living centers, the Departments tifies the largest providers of not-for-profit aging services in the United States. of Social Services and Juvenile Justice, and LSC, the largest provider from the Carolinas in the report, climbed three places to num- local libraries and school districts to identify ber 60 out of the list of 200 for total senior living units. program participants. On the list of health care communities (nursing homes), LSC moved from number 34 The program, which began in October of to number 32 out of 200. 2018, took off in 2019, serving more than LSC’s ranking does not include its $25 million child and family programs, two PACE 20 young people. The program could serve as partnerships, and other health and human services collaborations. many as 36 young adults in 2020.

MARCH 2020 9 Debbie Frechette, a Trinity at Home caregiver (left), enjoys the flower art dis- played in the yard of Betty Lomax, a Trinity at Home client (right).

Betty’s flowers Client teams up with Trinity at Home caregiver to make beautiful art

aregiver Debbie Frechette says building on Statesville Blvd. where he ionship with a fluffy, four-legged friend she would visit Betty Lomax practiced for over 20 years before retiring. named GiGi and her Trinity at Home every day if her schedule Betty Lomax was an assistant professor caregivers. allowed. The two were paired in physical education at Catawba College, Trinity at Home, a program of Lutheran up over a year ago and formed a bond that and her husband endowed a scholarship in Services Carolinas, offers home care in goes beyond caregiver and client. They are her honor in 1992. Rowan County. Based on the campus of more like friends who embarked on an The Community Care Clinic in Salis- Trinity Oaks, the program offers personal artistic journey together. bury dedicated its dental lobby to the care and support services that allow older Lomax is a well-known name in Salis- couple as a thank-you for their continuous adults to stay comfortably in their own bury. Betty’s late husband, Bobby Lomax, generosity to the people of the city in homes. worked as a dentist at the VA Medical 2017. Trinity at Home gives people a plan tai- Center in Salisbury before opening his Bobby Lomax passed away last year at lored to their needs. In Betty Lomax’s case, own practice in 1962. He eventually the age of 90, and in his absence 93-year- she says that Frechette is more than just a joined three other partners in a two-story old Betty Lomax found new compan- caregiver; she’s a friend.

10 VOICES ‘I THINK I CAN DO THAT’ they don’t want anymore, and somebody really good outside.” Lomax has always been a whiz at crafting. brought me a whole jar of marbles. They Frechette has learned a lot about art Frechette said Lomax gave her friends were all different colors and we might put from Lomax, and is even currently work- handmade Christmas gifts almost every those around the edge of the thing. Some- ing on a new faux stained glass project. year. That’s why when her niece brought body else might bring some small flowers She created a piece for Lomax, which now her a glass flower from an artist in Virginia, that could be glued, or they might be put in hangs in her bedroom at her home in Lomax decided to learn to make her own. the bowl in the center to make it look more Salisbury. “So she brought me one of his works and real.” The pair say they’ve learned a lot from I said ‘Ooh, I think I can do that.’ And The pair have made about 28 flowers so each other during their short time togeth- Debbie said she could do it. She doesn’t say far. Some are proudly displayed in the yard er and don’t plan to stop making flowers no to anything,” Lomax said. “So I started. of the Lomax home, some were given as anytime soon. We had to experiment at first.” gifts, and four are in the garden of Trinity “It keeps me busy and it’s simple. So The flowers are made by gluing three or at Home. when you’re sick you can still do it,” Lo- four plates together, along with other kinds Lomax donated the flowers to the Trinity max said. “That’s why I like to do it.” of serving dishes and glass trinkets that at Home office to show her appreciation Teresa Dakins, Trinity at Home commu- Lomax and Frechette find at thrift stores. for her caregivers. nity outreach coordinator, said caregivers “We will go to thrift stores and look for “We picked nice big ones,” Lomax said are encouraged to give their clients mean- dishes that look pretty and fluted; some- of the ones at Trinity at Home. “They look ingful experiences and to try to let them thing that looks like a flower,” do the things they enjoyed Frechette said. “Because Betty before they needed assistance. says that at the end we want Lomax and Frechette are the to look at it, and ask ourselves, perfect example of that. ‘Does it look like a flower?’” “Sometimes our caregiv- After Lomax picks out the ers and clients discover new plates and arranges them to her interests they like to share with liking, Frechette is responsible each other,” Dakins said. “It for gluing them together. is such a warm feeling when “When you look at a rose, a family calls to tell you that you see some petals outside because of our caregivers, their and inside, and that’s what we loved one was able to stay are trying to reproduce. And home and thrive until the end we use everything,” Lomax of life or that because they said. “People bring things to have a caregiver, they are doing me they think I might like and Betty Lomax poses with GiGi, her dog. better than ever.”

MARCH 2020 11 John Goubeaux works out several times a week with Casey Bennett. So far, LSC has served eight veterans with TBI through its Home and Community-based Services program.

Veteran with TBI finds a ‘Battle buddy’

s part of a 23-year career with the have broken his neck and killed him if his suffers from severe headaches and daily, Air Force, John Goubeaux investi- watch hadn’t caught on the truck as he crippling bouts of vertigo. He is unable to gated all sorts of accidents, from fell, which lessened the impact somewhat. drive. He has no peripheral vision and no aviation crashes to vehicle mishaps. His Still, it was a horrific accident, causing sense of smell or taste. ultimate goal was always to determine a severe arterial bleed. John underwent a But John, who lives in Fayetteville, what went wrong. decompressive hemi-craniectomy, which N.C., doesn’t see his cup as half empty. In Then, in 2011, things went very wrong removed a sixth of his skull. Making his fact, he says, people who talk about cups for John himself. Succumbing to heat- condition even more complicated, John being half full or half empty have it all stroke, John fell off the back of a military had sustained previous concussions from wrong. vehicle at Pope Army Airfield as he was I.E.Ds during four tours in Afghanistan. “Whatever you have, at least you have a preparing for an inspection. The back of He remembers waking up on a mor- cup,” he says. “You need to do something his head slammed against the pavement. phine drip, intubated, with no idea he’d with it. Figure it out.” It would be difficult to describe any- had major surgery. John would tell you that for four years thing about such an accident as lucky, Like many veterans, John now lives after his accident, he hadn’t figured it out. but John is convinced that the fall would with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He “I did nothing,” he says. “I just didn’t

12 VOICES John Goubeaux and Casey Bennett shop together for produce.

have the motivation. Nothing made an assessment and identifies the needs and pounds and has been able to cut his pain sense.” Not only was John dealing with desires of the veteran. NCC then requests medication in half. John has even walked a TBI, he suffered from post-traumatic LSC to pair the veteran with one of their a 5K wearing a 30-pound weighted vest. stress disorder. community support staff to help the vet- Both John and Casey like to “eat clean,” Things changed, he says, when The eran pursue his or her goals. so they’re a good match as lunch buddies. Wounded Warrior Project became a part LSC works to ensure that a good match John is dedicated to working with of his life in 2015, helping him to find a is made so the veteran can be as comfort- Casey, whom he also describes as a life path forward through its Independence able as possible and be able to build a coach, to help avoid assisted living as long Program. solid relationship with his or her support as possible. “With integrity, she empowers Lutheran Services Carolinas began staff. An additional benefit to the program me,” John says. working indirectly with WWP’s Indepen- is that caretakers, like John’s wife, Vicky, John accepts that he can’t do as much dence Program through its Home and get some needed respite. as he did before his injury. He chooses Community-based Services program in John was matched with an LSC staffer daily to focus on what he is able to do. “I January of 2019. The Wounded Warrior named Casey Bennett, whom he calls am only me, but I am still me,” he says, Project contracts with Neuro Communi- his “battle buddy.” It’s clear there is both sharing a quotation that resonates with ty Care (NCC), an agency based out of respect and fondness between John and him. “I cannot do everything, but I must Wake Forest, N.C. NCC serves as an in- Casey, who meet Wednesdays and Fridays. do something.” termediary between the Wounded Warrior Physical fitness is important to John, so “John is very motivated,” Casey says. Project and LSC, which was chosen as a he and Casey go to the gym together and “He’s very positive, and he has a high level service provider because of its experience walk on the track, work out on elliptical of integrity and character.” serving those with TBI. machines, and pedal recumbent bikes. John says he just wants to keep moving Working with the Wounded Warrior They also practice yoga, go grocery shop- forward and remain as independent as Project, an NCC case manager makes ping, and eat lunch together. possible. the initial contact with a veteran who has Since he started working out with And Casey, his battle buddy, is with sustained a TBI. The case manager does Casey in September, John says he’s lost 10 him on the journey.

MARCH 2020 13 Trinity Glen and Trinity Village win AHCA/NCAL awards The American Health Care Association have made the commitment to and National Center for Assisted Living the quality improvement journey (AHCA/NCAL) recently recognized long through the Baldrige Perfor- term and post-acute care members across mance Excellence Criteria. North Carolina with awards for their The program has three levels: dedication to quality care. Trinity Glen and Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Pro- Trinity Village were both recognized with viders begin the quality improve- Bronze awards. ment journey at the Bronze level, The National where they develop an organi- Quality Award zational profile with essential Program, imple- performance elements such as mented by AHCA/ vision and mission statements NCAL in 1996, and an assessment of customers’ is centered on the expectations. Bronze applicants core values and cri- must also demonstrate their abil- teria of the Baldrige ity to implement a performance Performance Excellence Program, which is improvement system. Trained the foundation of the metric-based AHCA/ Examiners review each Bronze Cissy McCoy, Kesha Smith, and Marcheta Campbell NCAL Quality Initiative. The National application to determine if the celebrate the Bronze Awards won by Trinity Glen and Trinity Village. Quality Award program assists providers center has met the demands of of long term and post-acute care services the criteria. Recipients of the in achieving the application of continuous Bronze — Commitment to Quality Award trator of Trinity Glen, accepted the awards quality improvement. may now move forward in developing on behalf of their facilities. Chief Operating The program honors providers through- approaches and achieving performance levels Officer Kesha Smith was also on hand. out the country that have demonstrated that meet the criteria required for the Silver The awards were presented during their commitment to delivering quality care — Achievement in Quality Award. AHCA/NCAL’s 69th Annual Convention for seniors and persons with disabilities, and Marcheta Campbell, administrator of and Exposition in Orlando, Florida, Octo- shines a spotlight on those providers who Trinity Village, and Cissy McCoy, adminis- ber 13-16, 2019.

Searstone/LSC awards $331,000 to Wake-area nonprofits The SearStone/Lutheran Services Caroli- nas Community Benefit Committee recent- ly announced a total of $331,000 in grant awards to 15 organizations in Wake County. The awards bring the total disbursement for calendar year 2019 to $618,000. The committee directs five percent of revenues from the operation of SearStone to Wake County nonprofit organizations serving seniors, indigent seniors, or other vulnerable populations. Since the incep- tion of the grants in 2014, more than $2.6 million has been awarded. The following organizations received awards this grant cycle: Transitions LifeCare, $60,000; Meals on Wheels of Wake County, $55,000; Caring Center of Wake County, $19,000; Pretty Triangle Aphasia Project, $10,000; Temple’s Community Foundation, $35,000; Habitat in Pink Foundation, $16,000; Shepherd’s Table, $8,500; Alliance Medical Ministry, for Humanity of Wake County, $35,000; Table, $15,000; Ship Community Outreach, $8,000; Dorcas Ministries, $7,500; and Triangle Family Services, $30,000; Women’s $15,000; Note in the Pocket, $11,000; Rebuilding Together of the Triangle; $6,000.

14 VOICES Lutherhaus, an apartment complex in Hickory, is home to 50 residents.

A community and a ministry Lutherhaus offers affordable housing and sense of family

utherhaus is a special place. You can feel the warmth that surrounds the Hickory apartment complex when you step on its campus. Whether it’s a hug from Manager San- di Shuford, a smile from one of the 50 residents, or an energetic greeting from its new mascot, Milo, Lutherhaus feels differ- ent. It feels like a family. “If I had a choice right now to move somewhere and live rent-free, I don’t think I would go. I really don’t,” resident Zim Seagle said. “That’s how much I really enjoy being here.”

BUILDING A DREAM Zim Seagle loves the sense of community at Lutherhaus. In 1980 a devoted group of parishio- ners from St. Andrews Lutheran Church, build a dream. What started out as a parcel Lenoir-Rhyne University, is managed by Bethany Lutheran Church, and Lutheran of land for sale has been home to residents Community Management Corporation Services for the Aging, now Lutheran Ser- now for close to 40 years. and offers independent living for 50 vices Carolinas (LSC), joined together to The complex, which is adjacent to residents to promote an active lifestyle in

MARCH 2020 15 Angie Turner, left, is the service coor- dinator for Lutherhaus residents. Sandi Shuford, right, manages Lutherhaus.

The Lutherhaus community room allows residents to come together for group activities.

a protected environment. It is a HUD, advantage of that. We try to take advantage gospel singing is the best. A local family section 202/8 apartment community, and of as many services in the county that we comes with their instruments to perform individuals must meet certain requirements can.” every so often, and Larkin says it always to be considered for residency. They must The complex also has a community lifts her spirits. be at least 62 years old or disabled, but also room where residents can participate in a Then there is Seagle, who constantly capable of independent living and eligible variety of activities, from crafts to karaoke. seems to have a smile on his face. He based on income. Shuford bought the residents a speaker moved into the complex in 2015 and has Shuford said the apartment complex is with a microphone for Christmas and said been a loving neighbor ever since. in high demand, especially now that the they had a blast singing, or trying to sing, He helps fellow residents in the garden, baby boomer generation is rapidly aging, all of the Christmas carols. takes their trash to the dumpster and walks creating a need for more retirement com- A local librarian also brings new large- Milo, who Shuford is training to be a munities and healthcare workers. print books every 6 months, and residents therapy dog. “I wish we had more because, especially don’t have to sign up for a library card “I try to do everything because I feel like now, it’s really relevant. Today I have a to check them out. Speakers from the com- if I were to ask someone here to do me a heavy waitlist. I get probably 10 calls on munity visit to talk about things of interest favor or to help me, I wouldn’t have to ask average a week with people looking for an to residents, like wills or living wills. but one time and they’d be right there,” apartment,” Shuford said. “I wish we had Seagle said. “It makes me feel good to 50 more apartments because people need THAT FAMILY FEELING know I can do something to help some- them right now.” Gioia Larkin says that she would be body.” Lutherhaus is an apartment community living on the street if she hadn’t found About a year and a half ago, Seagle said and a ministry. When residents move in, Lutherhaus. he had a problem with his medication and they meet with Service Coordinator Angie It was the low rent that originally at- ended up in the hospital. Then he had to Turner to address any needs, from trans- tracted her, but she stayed for the atmo- go to rehab for 30 days. He said during his portation to help with paying for food. sphere and the people. hospital stay, his friends from the complex “You move in here and you don’t drive “My sister was helping me look around came to see him, and left a surprise on his anymore, so you need transportation, so and this was the nicest looking place. Then door when he got home. she’ll get you hooked up with that. You we came and talked to Sandi and she took “There was the biggest card on my door move in and want to apply for food stamps us to look at one that happened to be that had been hand-drawn and had all of but have never done that, she’ll hook you empty, and I liked the layout,” Larkin said. the signatures. Before I even unlocked my up with that,” Shuford said. “We have “And to have your own outdoor patio, that door I just broke down and cried. Things Cooperative Christian Ministries not even is really nice.” like that, you know it’s real,” he said. “I’m a mile away and most of our residents take Of all the activities offered, she says the just so glad to be here. I absolutely love it.”

16 VOICES ANNUAL REPORT 2019

PART ONE

MARCH 2020 17 Lutheran Services Carolinas Boards of Trustees 2019-2020

• Mr. Jerry Bramley • Mr. Eric Hoyle – Chair • Mrs. Kaye Leonard • Ms. Rosebud W. Reubel Wilmington, NC Winston-Salem, NC Lexington, NC Raleigh, NC • Rev. Pamela Cook • Mr. Jim Huddle • Mrs. Betty P. Lohr – Vice • Ms. Eunika Simons Myrtle Beach, SC Charlotte, NC Chair Columbia, SC • Rev. Mary Finklea • Mr. Greg Hudgins Hickory, NC • Mr. Mark Tonnesen Effingham, SC Durham, NC • Mrs. Debbie Purper Fort Myers, FL (ex officio) • Mr. J. White Iddings, Jr. Salisbury, NC • Ms. Anna Williams • Mr. Ted W. Goins, Jr. – President Hickory, NC (ex officio) Columbia, SC Salisbury, NC • Ms. Joycelyn V. Johnson • Dr. Shannon Mathews • Mr. Cary Grant Winston-Salem, NC Lewisville, NC Durham, NC • Mrs. Frances Lamb • Mrs. Jeanie Moore Wilmington, NC Salisbury, NC

Lutheran Services Carolinas Board of Advisors 2019-2020

• The Rev. Dr. James S. Aull • Mrs. Louise Deely • Mrs. Ruth D. Kooken • Mr. Fred A. Reddel, Jr. White Rock, SC Mt. Pleasant, SC Winston-Salem, NC Charlotte, NC • Mrs. Virginia K. Aull • The Rev. Dr. David A. Donges • Mr. G. Leroy Lail • Mrs. Nora Sliney White Rock, SC Columbia, SC Conover, NC Rock Hill, SC • Mr. Wayne M. Bach • Mrs. Donna K. Gaither • Mrs. Lynn Lail • Mr. Bill Sliney Hickory, NC Albemarle, NC Conover, NC Rock Hill, SC • Mrs. Terry Bellamy • Dr. Robert H. Gaither • Mr. James E. Lippard, Sr. • The Rev. David A. Sloop Asheville, NC Albemarle, NC Winston-Salem, NC Raleigh, NC • Mrs. Sarah W. Benbow • The Rev. Jennifer M. Ginn • Mrs. Melinda Matthews • Ms. Zandra H. Spencer Cary, NC Salisbury, NC Greenville, SC Salisbury, NC • Ms. Maggie Blackwell • Mr. Thomas L. Gipson • Mr. Van Matthews • Mr. Stephen Stanfield-Switzer Salisbury, NC Raleigh, NC Greenville, SC Wilmington, NC • Mrs. Beth L. Bowman • Dr. David D. Goltra, Jr. • Mr. James E. Meyers • Mrs. Victoria Stanfield-Switzer Newton, NC Mt. Pleasant, SC Wilmington, NC Wilmington, NC • Mr. Larry A.. Bowman • Ms. Sharon D. Graeber • Mrs. Loretta J. Meyers • The Rev. Dr. Scott J. Suskovic Newton, NC Greensboro, NC Wilmington, NC Charlotte, NC • The Rev. Jann Boyd • Mrs. Ellen Hearne • The Rev. William B. Miller-Zu- • Mr. Hans Teich Lexington, SC Florence, SC rell Matthews, NC • Mrs. Betty M. Brown • Mr. Perry D. Hood Hickory, NC • Mrs. Eloise D. Thomas Salisbury, NC Salisbury, NC • The Rev. Dr. Jane P. Mitcham Matthews, NC • The Rev. Gene W. Bruce • Mrs. Constance Hurlocker Lexington, SC • The Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas Salisbury, NC Salisbury, NC • Mr. George A. Moretz Columbia, SC • Mr. Donald E. Bumgarner • The Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Hickory, NC • Mr. Eric Vaughn Conover, NC Hurlocker • Mr. Robert A. Mullinax, Sr. Raleigh, NC • Mrs. Nancy S. Bumgarner Salisbury, NC Newton, NC • Dr. Katrina M. Weirick Conover, NC • Mrs. Betty K. Hussey • Mr. Douglas E. Nelson Greensboro, NC • Dr. James M. Chapman, Jr. Chapel Hill, NC Clemmons, NC • The Rev. Andrew F. Weisner Columbia, SC • Mr. Bert E. Joines, Sr. • The Rev. Kevin Ogilvie Hickory, NC • Mrs. Kay L Cosgrove Winston-Salem, NC Lexington, SC • The Rev. Gregory B. Williams Richfield, NC • The Rev. David R. Keck, Jr. • Mr. James T. Owens Hendersonville, NC • Mr. Richard S. Cosgrove, Jr. Mooresville, NC Myrtle Beach, SC • Mr. David E. Yount Richfield, NC • Mr. Robert O. Klepfer, Jr. • Ms. Mary S. Ponds Winston-Salem, NC • Mr. Tony Deely Greensboro, NC Granite Quarry, NC • Mrs. Susan W. Yount Mount Pleasant, SC • Dr. Keith R. Kooken • Mrs. Beth B. Pottle Winston-Salem, NC Winston-Salem, NC Wilmington, NC

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2019HIGHLIGHTS

In 2019, Lutheran Services Carolinas created The Foundation for Abundant Living, which replaced the Lutheran Services for the Aging Foundation. With LSC Chief Development Officer Rich Duncan serving as president, the foundation will provide a giving avenue that encompasses the entire outreach of Lutheran Services Carolinas, including In 2019, LSC began a program to serve older refugees. Directed by Levi Hall, the program’s its vibrant child and family services main goal is to support older refugees as they work to attain U.S. Citizenship. program.

LSC launched its new customer service initiative, The LSC Way, to glowing reviews among staff. The In 2019, LSC entered into a partnership with Tsali Care Center, run LSC Way seeks to create a culture of exceptional by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, N.C. Tsali customer service. needed LSC’s management expertise to continue serving residents, so Mary Beth Lemly, one of LSC’s certified nursing home administrators (right), helped Tsali successfully get back into compliance in order to retain its Medicare and Medicaid services. The partnership was so successful that the tribe has requested a longer term agreement for support and assistance. Here, Lemly receives an award from Casey Cooper, the CEO of Cherokee Hospital.

PART ONE 19 2019HIGHLIGHTS

2019 was a big year for Trini- ty Landing in Wilmington. In January, Zan and Jerry Bram- ley were the first 10 percent depositors. Before the end of the year, Trinity Landing had 70 percent of the phase 1 units spoken for with 10 percent deposits. Trinity Landing will open in 2021.

In 2019, with the help of 13 volunteers, LSC participated in the Strengthening Families program Transitional Foster Care for Unaccompanied Children grew in 2019, in South Carolina, running two 14-week cycles and serving 53 children, up from 33 the previous year. serving 29 parents/caregivers and 42 children. Seventeen families successfully completed the program, all reporting stronger caregiver/child bonds, better communication, and increased time spent as a family.

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2019HIGHLIGHTS

LSC began providing management services (operational, financial, and consulting) to GlenFlora in February. GlenFlora is a skilled nursing home in Lumberton, N.C. Under this arrangement, the administrator is an employee of LSC but all other staff remain employees of GlenFlora.

Lutheran Services Carolinas partnered with In- Transitional Living for Young adults, which launched in 2018, kicked spiritus, the organization formed by the merging into high gear in 2019, largely through word of mouth. The program was of Lutheran Services of Georgia and Lutheran made possible by the Love One Another campaign, which wrapped up Services in Tennessee, to help North Carolina Dec. 31, 2019, reaching its $1.2 million goal. Elizabeth, above, is one of flood victims with recovery and repair. the program’s clients.

PART ONE 21 LSC by the numbers Nearly 2,100 Lutheran Services Carolinas staffers, along with 3,221 donors, 3,284 advocates, and more than 1,400 volunteers, improved the lives of more than 6,630 Carolinians in 2019. Across the states:

464 children 4 young 436,344 days of were shielded survivors 178 seniors lived residential services by dedicated of human more successfully were provided to foster care trafficking at home because of 2,939 North Carolina parents and received adult day and home seniors. (That’s more LSC case ongoing care services. than 1,195 years!) workers. compassionate care.

242 families 143 men and 260 unaccompanied chil- avoided women with dren, as well as 53 children homelessness intellectual and/ in transitional foster care, through LSC’s or developmental were protected by devoted supportive disabilities and staff and foster parents. housing T.B.I. reached their network. greatest potential.

207 families in 152 newly 632 other Eight South Carolina injured arrived refugees and 544 families in refugees received veterans North Carolina were received were continued assisted though LSC welcomed to support and in-home hurricane-related support. the United encouragement. disaster relief States. efforts.

70 people battling severe 71 individuals were helped Through LSC’s public and and persistent mental illness through the Strengthening private adoption programs, found hope and support. Families program. 30 children were matched with adoptive families, with 12 adoptions finalized. 69 CORE VALUES families received adoption Compassion: Recognize the unhappiness of others and act to change it. services. 171 individuals, Faith: Love, serve, and be joyful in your work. Support and forgive. including family members Integrity: Work honestly, seek help, admit failure. within the adoptive families, Excellence: Any job worth doing is worth doing well. Strive for excellence. were served. Respect: Recognize the gifts and worth of everyone. Collaborate: Trust, enjoy, and cooperate to enrich your workplace.

Learn more about LSC • by following Lutheran Services Carolinas on Facebook and Instagram • by following LSC President Ted Goins on Twitter at TedGoinsLSCPrez • or by visiting the LSC website at www.LSCarolinas.net.

22 ANNUAL REPORT LSC Senior Services OPERATIONS STATEMENT 2019 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Revenue ...... $115,879,171 Expense* ...... $115,859,624 Lutheran Services Carolinas senior services was just above break Operating income ...... $19,537 even for the year, with an operating Unrestricted contributions** . . . . .$587,918 income of $19,537. This number Operating income with contributions . $607,455 NURSING was due in part to a significant Other unrestricted changes . . . . $4,470,758 HOME accounting rule change that dictated marketing costs for LSC’s new Total increase in unrestricted assets . $5,078,213 OCCUPANCY Trinity Landing project in Wilm- Other restricted changes . . . . . $(1,804,455) g ington be removed from the project Total increase to assets ...... $3,273,758 Medicaid | 54.5% and expensed; that amount was g Private Pay | 30.6% $1,022,495. Without that adjust- g Medicare | 10.6% ment, operating income would have been $1,042,495. g Insurance | 4.3% EXPENSES LSC’s nursing facilities en- joyed strong occupancy of 93.2% g Program Services | 89.0% throughout the year, slightly higher g Administration/Development/Marketing | than the 2018 level. LSC’s newest 11.0% addition in Clemmons, 54 Trinity Elms independent living apart- ments, began to accept residents in December 2018 and ended the year at 93.7% occupancy. LSC Child and Family LSC is in the process of licens- OPERATIONS STATEMENT ing the Trinity Elms campus as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Revenue ...... $24,083,132 It was another challenging Expense ...... $25,067,015 financial year for LSC child and family services, with Operating income ...... $(983,883) a 2019 fiscal year operat- Unrestricted contributions** . . . $533,707 ing loss of ($983,883); Operating income with contributions $(450,176) when contributions were Other unrestricted changes . . . . $10,744 PROGRAMS added in, the change in BY STATE unrestricted net asset Total increase (decrease) in unrestricted assets ...... $(439,432) g South Carolina | 50.6% totals was reduced to ($439,432). Unfortu- Other restricted changes . . . . . $173,075 g North Carolina | 49.4% nately staffing pressures Total increase (decrease) to assets . $(266,357) continue to add costs to group home programs. EXPENSES Additionally the foster care program in the • Residential Care | 42.6% • ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) | 3.6% Charlotte, North Caro- lina area struggled with • Foster Care | 35.4% • Adoption Services | 2.1% keeping pace with child • Refugee & Immigrant | 10.9% • Supportive Housing | 0.9% placements. For 2020, • Disaster Case Management | 4.3% • Veterans Services | 0.2% operational changes are in the works to make the year a better one from a financial *Expense for senior services includes a one-time charge for Trinity Landing marketing expense in the perspective. amount of $1,424,489. **Total contributions for senior services, not including in-kind contributions: $1,122,513 **Total contributions for child and family services, not including in-kind contributions: $1,340,014 PART ONE 23 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Salisbury, N.C. Permit #98

Post Office Box 947 Salisbury, North Carolina 28145 Phone: 704-637-2870 Toll free: 1-800-HELPING www.LSCarolinas.net

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“Empowered by Christ, we walk together with all we serve.”

Trinity Place opens addition

Trinity Place, a senior care community in Albemarle, opened a 27-bed addition on January 1, 2020. The addition offers both private and semi-private rooms for residents needing assisted living services. A ribbon- cutting celebration for the new addition is planned for Sunday, March 22 from 2-4 p.m. For more information or to arrange a tour, please call 704-982-8191.

Voices is a publication of Lutheran Services Carolinas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health and human services organization and a social min- istry serving children and families in North and South Carolina and older adults in North Carolina. Content for Voices is written by Katie Scarvey, director of communications, and Erin Kidd, marketing specialist. Questions or comments should be directed to Katie Scarvey at [email protected].

LSC Administrative Office LSC Charlotte Office LSC Columbia Office LSC Raleigh Office 1416 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. Post Office Box 30066 1118 Union St. 4020 Wake Forest Road Post Office Box 947 Charlotte, N.C. 28230 Columbia, S.C. 29201 Suite 301 Salisbury, N.C. 28145 704-940-3333 803-750-9917 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 704-637-2870 919-832-2620 24 ANNUAL REPORT