Because it is a non-profit facility, a serving arm of the Nebraska ELCA Synod, and has 17 "supporting" churches, Blue Valley Lutheran Homes is often misunderstood when it comes to the way it generates funds. It does not receive any special financial aid because of any of these features. 

"Daily expenses are covered by our operations fund, which is essentially the money we receive from Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement and rent paid by residents and their families," according to CEO Bill Taylor. 

Daily expenses include the items and services provided to provide residents with the care and comfort that BVLH strives to make the hallmark of its facilities. 

However, when one of the buildings is looking to provide an "extra" for its residents or staff (such as a Wii gaming system for the activity room or an updated therapy machine for the rehabilitation room), the Foundation is called to action. 

"The Foundation Board hosts several smaller events through the year, plus its annual golf tournament and silent auction in September in order to raise funds to use for what some people might term 'frills,'" said Amy Harris, BVLH Development Director. "But we don't think of an easier-to-use van or a new set of colorful dishes that make mealtime something to look forward to as 'frills.' We see them as items that enhance life for our residents - and our residents have certainly earned 'the good life' through their years." 

Currently the Foundation has a few projects on its to-do list: 

*Renovations to the nursing home have begun; individual room updates will be done on a 'can-do' basis, but there is a donor agreement the resident can participate in if he/she chooses to ensure their room will be updated as soon as possible. "The current nursing home was constructed in 1971, and it was past due for a little updating," said Taylor, who is also administrator at the Nursing Home.  

*A more immediate need that will benefit the Nursing Home residents is a new whirlpool, priced at $16,000.  The current one was installed over 10 years ago; an updated model with side entry would ensure comfortable seating for the residents, as well as being easier for the staff to operate and maintain. Janelle Bruning, Director of Nursing at the Nursing Home, said, "Our ultimate goal is to give our residents soothing whirlpool therapy, and that is just not possible with our current machine." 

*The Care Home has a new $6,000 battery-operated shower chair in its sights. Like the Nursing Home staff, the goal of the Care Home staff is to make the experience better for the residents. Kathy Retzlaff, administrator, said, "This chair will make it easier for the resident to enter and exit the shower, which will make bath time much more relaxing for the resident - as it should be!"  

*Even though Courtyard Terrace recently finished its $6.4 million construction and renovation, one thing was not budgeted for in the process: stained glass windows for the chapel. According to Michelle Plock, CT administrator, "Stained glass windows would really 'finish' the chapel area and complete its elegance." Prices for the windows are being researched. 

  

*Our memory support unit, The Gardens, was completed in 2006. Currently, all that is needed there is some new upholstery for a few of the rocker/recliners in the TV room, which will run about $150 per chair. 

The Foundation Board has been active since 1999 but has seen an increase in giving these past few years. "We are fortunate to live in an area that responds when it hears there is a need. I am constantly amazed by the generosity and outpouring of affection for Blue Valley Lutheran Homes by people who have experienced its outreach, whether personally or through family members and friends," said Sheena Moeller, current president of the Foundation Board. "Every gift BVLH receives is a blessing, and be assured that the Foundation sincerely appreciates each one. I am proud to be a part of the Foundation for BVLH and truly believe we are doing good things for great people." 

Support for BVLH and its four facilities can be lent in several ways: 

          ¨         Pray for us. God's light continues to shine on us, and we know we have all of you to thank! 

          ¨         Volunteer at any of our facilities.  Contact Jeanne Budler at the Nursing Home (768-3906), Linda Raney at the Care Home/Gardens (768-3936), or Nancy Fangmeier at Courtyard Terrace (768-3958). 

          ¨         Visit our residents. Everyone's mood is brighter when there are visitors in the building! 

          ¨         Contribute to our Foundation. Choose one of the worthy projects listed above or make a general gift in honor or in memory of a loved one. Craig Stirtz of Lutheran Planned Giving Services also offers free estate planning for those who would like to remember BVLH in their estate plans.  With his guidance, you could decide how your gift would best benefit BVLH and your family. Other gift methods include cash, stocks, insurance, or commodities, including land or our Gift of Grain program. 

  

We wish to thank current and former residents of Thayer County and its surrounding area for the extreme outpouring of love and well wishes regarding our assisted living campaign and opening. We continue to be amazed by the number of people who have remembered BVLH with memorials and gifts designated to the expansion. Thanks to your generosity, we have reached almost $900,000 and have hope that we will make our original campaign goal of $1 million. Thank you! 

  

Please contact Amy Harris at amyh@bvlh.org or 768-3916 for more information about supporting Blue Valley Lutheran Homes.