Heartwarming Examples of Dedication and Service.
Learn how our team members embody Grace and kindness through their inspiring stories at Lutheran Life Communities.
How do you keep a team of 1,000 people moving in the same direction?
At Lutheran Life Communities, our thriving team culture is the cornerstone of exceptional resident satisfaction. Our Grace in Action culture program exemplifies this belief through a systematic approach that nurtures both our team members and the elders we serve. It has roots in the Ritz Carlton approach to customer service.
Grace in Action begins with thorough onboarding, ensuring every new team member understands our values and principles. Each day, team members participate in “Mission Moments,” where we reflect on one of our 14 core commitments and read an inspirational quote from a prominent world figure related to that principle. This daily ritual grounds us in our mission and fosters a shared sense of purpose.
Another integral part of our culture is the sharing of Grace and Heart stories, a cherished tradition where residents, family members and team members take time to compliment and acknowledge jobs well done, celebrate successes and share positive examples of Grace in our communities. This practice not only strengthens our bonds but also creates a supportive and uplifting environment.
The impact of this positive culture is evident in the satisfaction and well-being of the residents we serve. When our team members feel valued and motivated, they bring their best selves to work every day.
At Lutheran Life Communities, we are proud of our dedicated team and the vibrant culture we’ve built together. Grace in Action is more than a program; it’s a way of life that ensures our teams stay focused on what truly matters: the elders we serve and each other. Together, we are extraordinary people serving with grace, to create a community where everyone thrives. Thank you to all our team members for your unwavering commitment and passion.
Here are some of our favorite, recent Grace and Heart stories from our communities that embody the Grace in Action principals we champion on our campuses.
Hearthstone Care Manager at Lutheran Home
The Hearthstone Care Manager at Lutheran Home showcased her exceptional commitment to resident well-being. When a resident needed a helping hand, she came through with flying colors. She not only fulfilled her promise to pick up the resident’s laundry but went the extra mile by washing, folding, and returning them promptly. Her helpful and caring nature doesn’t stop there. This resident shared heartwarming moments where she assisted in making their daily transitions smoother, showing a level of compassion that brightened their day by stepping in when other team members were busy.
CNA at Lutheran Home
This Grace and Heart story was submitted by a family member who was awestruck by the loving care that her mother received. She writes “The bedtime ritual which our CNA duplicated from us for mom’s consistency and comfort, was so precious to watch. Down to the details of placing her stuffed animals in bed with her and telling mom she loved her very much. She would always give us a brief update on how Mom was doing and she would check in on us to see if I needed anything on the days we visited. She instinctively recognized which things were important to us with mom and focused on them. She has all the qualities and more that a family would want to see in someone caring for their loved one.”
Concierge at Lutheran Home
I asked the Concierge at Lutheran Home the same question many times, and she never gets frustrated and asked like it’s the first time I have asked. It makes me keep any dignity even with my dementia.
Three Team Members at Pleasant View
At Pleasant View, team members took the initiative to spread joy by distributing Valentine’s Day cards to both residents and fellow team members on their day off. This thoughtful gesture brought immense happiness and put smiles on the faces of everyone involved, demonstrating how a small act of kindness can go a long way in brightening the day for others.
Two CNAs at Pleasant View
Their commitment to going above and beyond in meeting residents’ needs while also engaging thoughtfully with family members made an impact on a particular family member. In a recent instance, a resident faced significant challenges and the family took notice of these two CNAs’ extraordinary efforts. They appreciated how these two team members diligently ensured that every detail of their mother’s preferences were addressed with compassion and care. The family was deeply touched by the continuous warmth and kindness exhibited by the CNAs, noting their ever-present smiles as they provided not only exceptional care for their mother but also comfort and support for the entire family.
Team Member at Luther Oaks
This Grace and Heart story was submitted by a grateful resident “Whenever he comes to assist us, it’s always with a warm smile and unexpected kindness. His positive demeanor is complemented by an outstanding work ethic and a level of workmanship that exceeds expectations. What sets him apart is his dedication to perfection – he doesn’t leave until the job is absolutely perfect. In our eyes, he has become the go-to person for any issues in our apartment. We are incredibly fortunate to have him, and his reliability brings us a sense of contentment. His presence and skills have made a significant, positive impact on our living situation, and we couldn’t be happier with the service he provides.”
CNA at Luther Oaks
A fellow team member commended a Luther Oaks CNA, who dedicated his day off to provide meaningful companionship to a recently widowed resident. He wrote “[This CNA] was here on his day off and spent extensive time with a resident who was recently widowed. He helped this resident make a pillow during creative hour and then spent time visiting with her in the library. His kind gesture helped give peace and support to this resident who is grieving. His kindness and care for the residence truly shines.” This team member’s actions exemplifies how going above and beyond the typical duties not only provides comfort to residents, but also creates a ripple effect, impacting the entire community.
Fitness Director at Wittenberg Village
Our Wittenberg Village Fitness Director caters to not only the residents’ physical well-being but also creates opportunities for social gatherings, to help facilitate connection between residents. He organized themed days like hotdog, hamburger, pizza, and donut days, personally preparing for these events. He created opportunities for residents to express their sentiments through signed greeting cards, which were then exchanged among residents and team members to convey well wishes. Through these small joyous gestures, residents feel a sense of togetherness and connection.
Building Services Technician at Wittenberg Village
A resident wrote: “We were in the garage, trying to solve a problem with her new car. We were looking at the car manual when our Building Services Technician at Wittenberg Village walked by on his way home at the end of his shift. I said to my husband, ‘maybe he knows something about this’. He graciously stopped and asked what the problem was. When we explained, he said ‘of course he could help’. He dropped his things and very quickly took care of the problem. We were so grateful for a quick solution to a problem that would have taken us a very long time to solve. It is so reassuring to know that there are people here, who are always willing to help out even at the end of a busy workday”
By sharing these stories, we hope to showcase the pride our team takes in exemplifying Grace and compassion, every day. Especially during the holiday season, we encourage everyone in our communities to pause and reflect upon who has bestowed Grace in our lives recently. As a whole, we at Lutheran Life Communities would like to thank YOU, reader, for acknowledging our stories and supporting our mission to serve. Your time and attention are greatly appreciated and we are very grateful for the time you’ve chosen to share with us. Happy holidays!
