MAPLECREEK REACHES OUT AS AN EXPRESSION OF THE LOVE OF CHRIST
By Dollie Grant
Grand Rapids, Mich., (January 17, 2014)— A division of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, MapleCreek is a senior living community providing housing for seniors at every stage of the aging process. We provide living options which range from complete independence to total care, said Deedre Vriesman, Executive Director of the 40 acre campus.
The Cottages at MapleCreek houses our most independent residents. Individuals can choose from one or two-bedroom stand-alone condo-style homes.
The Terraces at MapleCreek offer outstanding independent living. Seniors can pick from a variety of apartment layouts that feature private balconies, a wide array of amenities and convenient services.
The Woods at MapleCreek is a vibrant and active community for those with memory loss. Over sixty-four residents currently benefit from a specialized living environment and personal attention.
A licensed environment, The Woods is staffed 24 hours a day in a secured home designed with comfortable and functional spaces throughout. The Lodge at MapleCreek offers short and long term, inpatient nursing care.
The Lodge is divided into three main areas of service – rehabilitation, skilled memory care and general long term care. Each program has different requirements that would be evaluated before admission to assess appropriate placement within the Lodge.
The Rehabilitation Center at the Lodge provides inpatient, sub-acute rehabilitation and therapy services based on individual needs and conditions. Our goal is to help short-term residents successfully transition back to their home or into a more appropriate setting based on their person-centered care plan. Serving people as an expression of the love of Christ is our mission. It is our strong faith in the mission that support and drive all we do. “Over 300 of our trained staff meet the needs of almost 350 individuals and their families who live and visit our campus daily. We uphold human dignity and advocate equality for all people.
We have collaborated and reached out to many organizations including, but not limited to: The Alzheimer’s Association, the Kids Food Basket, the Veterans Support Group, Rotarian groups, Goodwill Industries Work program and churches to name a few”, said Vriesman. “Our outreach is diverse, strategic and thoughtful” said, Dollie Grant, Outreach Coordinator for MapleCreek. “Reaching out to a variety of audiences and organizations through activities, events and social media helps the organization understand trends and provide a link to the larger community. This important outreach also helps the larger community understand who we are and what we do. Our “Celebrating diversity through the arts” program is another way to show our commitment to advocacy and equality in a gentle and sensitive way, Vriesman reported.
“Many have not heard or don’t know the African American National Anthem, is why I wanted to sing that song for Dr. King’s birthday celebration” said Rainell Sterling, health clinic employee at Maple Creek. “We embrace and showcase the rich culture, talent and history or our residents, staff and community partners to help people keep Dr. King’s dream and legacy alive”, said Vriesman.
Residents who live in our skilled nursing area also recently partnered with Lutheran Social Services of Michigan’s Foster Care program in Grand Rapids. They collected items for school supplies to give to school-aged kids within the foster care system. “The residents wanted to do something to benefit foster children in the area. We collected enough items to fill backpacks for 60 foster children”, said Christa Schwartz, activity director for the Lodge at MapleCreek.
The mission of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan does not stop with senior living. Their advocacy and values are evident throughout LSSM’s programs and services including: Foster care, adoption services, supervised independent living for teens aging out of foster care, women leaving the correction system, subsidized housing for low-income seniors, shelter for homeless families, refugee resettlement and services for person with disabilities. If your organization wants to collaborate with Maple Creek’s outreach programs contact: Dollie Grant, Outreach Coordinator at (616) 284-5704. As a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, Maple Creek welcomes seniors of every religion, race, nationality and ethnic heritage. Visit MapleCreek.org for more information.
