Good Samaritan Society

This Memorial Day, we hold in our hearts the veterans who paid the ultimate price to preserve our democracy and freedom. Their courage and commitment will never be forgotten. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15, NIV).

Shawn Bogart was an English teacher for about 20 years. Now, he's at an early stage of a new career, working to become a nurse. Shawn has started working with residents at Good Samaritan Society – Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, SD as part of his coursework for Southeast Technical College, which has its nursing students spend a semester in long-term care locations. Visits from students like Shawn brighten the days of residents like Bonnie Limmer. Bonnie is a former teacher herself, and says she enjoys talking the ears off of students and hopes that some of them decide that long-term care is the right path for them. Watch more: https://bit.ly/4aDODoK

Maria Danil, an employee at Good Samaritan Society – Lakota, brings life to the facility with her vibrant hand-painted murals. Originally from Moldova, Danil had gotten her masters degree in art and was a professor. She and her husband immigrated to the U.S. shortly before the pandemic. Seeing the health emergency hit the long-term care sector hard, Danil felt compelled to step in and became a certified nursing assistant. She stepped foot in the Society location and never looked back, and is now a certified medication aide. Recognizing her artistic talent, the community's administrator, Anna Halvorson, encouraged Danil to paint the common room. Residents got involved, too, often coming out to watch her work-in-progress and giving input on what they'd like to see incorporated into the design. Halverson loves that Danil is not only a dedicated care worker, but also enriches the lives of residents through her artistic talent. Danil has painted five murals throughout the Lakota location and can often be found doing other artistic activities with residents like face painting. Read the full story from McKnight's Long-Term Care News: https://bit.ly/3KcLNwa

The Good Samaritan Society – Sioux Falls Village Auxiliary team recently received the Honor's Society Award from the Good Samaritan Foundation! This award is in recognition of the over $35,000 in gifts made in support of the community since 1994. The Auxiliary is comprised of volunteers that raise funds by operating the store in the facility. Funds are used to help support things such as resident activities and to help purchase Christmas and birthday gifts for residents! Congratulations!

After nearly 20 years of boning hams for Hormel Foods Corps, Gina Richardson decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in nursing. That new career path has led to a position as a registered nurse at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare for the past 12 years and Richardson says, "It was definitely a great decision. I wish I would have made it sooner." Richardson also notes that the career is not only rewarding on a personal level, but professional level as well. When advising others to consider a career in skilled nursing she said, "I would tell them that in a nursing home, when you’re working there, you get hands-on education on all sorts of things. You get a knowledge of the whole picture and you also have a lot of abilities to make decisions. The atmosphere here is like a home." Read more at: https://bit.ly/4dO260b

Congratulations two Good Samaritan Society leaders and 2024 McKnight's Women of Distinction honorees: Shelly Koch, executive director of operations, home-based services Stephanie Uhrmacher, administrator - senior living These leading ladies were honored with the Rising Star recognition, awarded to those who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment in the community, or at the facility, agency or corporate level. Congratulations, Shelly and Stephanie! 🎉 | McKnight's Long-Term Care News

This week, two Good Samaritan Society leaders were featured in educational sessions at this year's McKnight's Women of Distinction Forum and Awards. Aimee Middleton, chief operating officer for the Society, discussed what successful providers are doing to keep their organizations operating efficiently and effectively. Shelly Koch, executive director of operations, home-based services at the Society discussed what makes for great leaders and mentors and how they contribute to an organization's culture. Such great and insightful discussions for our leaders to be a part of! McKnight's Long-Term Care News

Celebrating 38 years of service with the Good Samaritan Society and the recognition of a Guardian Angel Award from the Good Samaritan Foundation. 🎉 Mike Deuth, former regional vice president for the Minnesota region was recently recognized for his years of service at a retirement party, where he was also honored with a Guardian Angel Award after several employees gave Guardian Angel gifts on Mike's behalf. Here are just a few of the kind words Mike's former coworkers had to say in their donor statements: "Mike's 38 years of service to the Good Samaritan Society exemplifies 'above and beyond'." "Mike is one of those individuals and leaders that embodied the very best of the Good Samaritan Society's mission! He lived it out through every interaction and gave his heart and soul to those he was privileged to serve." "You have been a servant leader and role model for those leaders you have served with. I will always appreciate your dedication to hospitality for all. You consistently went out of your way to make sure Everyone was Someone!" Congratulations, Mike! Enjoy your retirement!

During National Skilled Nursing Care Week, we recognize the importance of creating and nurturing connections for our residents and how life-sustaining those connections can be. This year's theme, Radiant Memories – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio, embraces nostalgia and is a call to honor the enduring legacy of skilled nursing care centers. Thank you for your compassionate, person-centered care that you give each and every day! #NationalSkilledNursingWeek #NSNCW2024 | AHCA/NCAL

On Mother's Day, the Good Samaritan Society pays tribute to the many women across our organization and beyond who share love, joy, compassion, hope and wisdom. You make our world a better place. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Happy Mother's Day!