TLHA Recognizes Care of Soul Award Winners at Annual Board Retreat

Marketing May 11, 2015

BELLE PLAINE, MINN. May 8, 2015 — The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA), a nonprofit ministry dedicated to providing for the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of people, held its annual board retreat May 4-5, 2015 in Bloomington, Minn. While TLHA’s board of directors meet four times a year, the annual spring retreat is a more informal gathering with speakers, fellowship and prayer. This year’s retreat provided the opportunity for board members to meet with TLHA facility administrators, TLHA executive leadership team members and chaplains in addition to recognizing individuals for their work with TLHA and their years of service.

During the retreat, the board of directors discussed opportunities that could lead to serving more people within the senior community as well as serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The board identified and prioritized growth opportunities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and other states. In order to continue to provide quality Christian programs and services, TLHA will develop new hospital relationships to further the ministry. Recognizing the need for additional disability housing and sharing God’s word with individuals with special needs, TLHA will expand its disability housing locations and programs.

“We are fortunate to have involved and committed board members,” said Arvid Schwartz, chairman of the board of The Lutheran Home Association. “The actions items identified by the board of directors demonstrate their ongoing commitment and support to The Lutheran Home Association’s ministry.”

On Monday, May 4, a banquet was held to honor the Care of the Soul Award winners and TLHA service award individuals. The Care of the Soul Leadership Award recognizes men and women who provide leadership in the area of special ministries, create public awareness about our ministries and share the Gospel. Care of the Soul award winners included:

  • Carman Meyer of Belle Plaine, Minn.
  • Judy Schwartz of Green Isle, Minn.
  • Pastor Nathan Cordes of Nile, Ill.
  • Myrtiss Riediger of Willmar, Minn.

Four team members were recognized for their years of service with TLHA.

  1. Sarah Beckius for 35 years of service at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, Minn.
  2. Sally Koepp for 35 years of service at Hope Residence, Belle Plaine, Minn.
  3. Sue Koenig for 25 years of service at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, Minn. in the special care residence unit
  4. Sandy Volkenant for 25 years of service at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, Minn. in the special care residence unit

“Individuals that are recognized for the Care of the Soul Award and team member service awards exemplify our mission and vision. These individuals live it every day as they volunteer and participate in our program or go to work,” said Michael Klatt, president and chief executive officer of TLHA. “Their commitment to our ministry has helped us share eternal hope, provide hope and inspire hope with a larger audience.”

About The Lutheran Home Association
The Lutheran Home Association is a not-for-profit ministry dedicated to providing for the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of people in our care. We offer a wide variety of health care, housing, and spiritual outreach services with campuses in several states and congregational programs serving seniors and individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities nationwide.  Services and programs include senior living, skilled nursing care, memory care, disability services, rehabilitative therapies, chaplaincy, Bible classes, worship services and property management services.  Learn more at www.tlha.org, follow @TLHAword on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook.

About Jesus Cares Ministries 
Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) is a ministry of The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA). JCM assists congregations in reaching out to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and communities to share God’s Word. Within the U.S. and Malawi, Africa, JCM programs encourage Bible studies, worship and fellowship opportunities. Learn more at https://www.tlha.org/jesus-cares-ministries/ and “Like” us on Facebook.

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