The Year in Review! The year brought changes, but we also saw circumstances that stayed the same. Let’s talk about the changes first.

The most noticeable is the campus redevelopment project. A great deal of dirt has been displaced in order to create three (3) new buildings that will soon serve as home for more than 100 people. Many residents and staff
shared with me the project became real for them when the buildings came out of
the ground and they could see what had been up to that point only discussion and dreaming. Now we are about to open the first two buildings, complete the remodeling and finish the construction of the third building, which will open in the fall. Once this occurs, Phase 1 will be completed. Very exciting!

2022 also saw growth for eliseo. With the retirement of the Foss Home and Village’s CEO, it made sense to bring these two Lutheran sponsored organizations together under one umbrella and serve more seniors efficiently and effectively. In the course of this affiliation process, we formed a 501(c)3 parent corporation called Futura Age and created a Board to oversee both organizations. Both eliseo and Foss have retained their own local Boards and each will continue their oversight responsibilities of each campus. They will focus on advocacy, community engagement and recommend strategic initiatives to the parent Board.

With COVID becoming less threatening, both Assisted Living/North Ridge and the Health Center resumed annual, in-person licensure surveys. I am very proud of our staff as we achieved a deficiency free survey in Assisted Living/North Ridge and minimal citations were received during the Health Center annual survey. We maintained a 5 Star rating throughout 2022 and it has continued into 2023. Please thank our staff in both these areas for their tireless dedication to providing the highest quality of care to our residents.

So, what hasn’t changed? To begin with, I continue to be impressed with the level of engagement of our residents through the work of our four councils (Six-Plex, Apartment, Assisted Living and Health Center). I have been honored to work with them throughout the year as they self-governed through different programs, meetings and events. I appreciate the leadership that is displayed by each of our councils and am looking forward to seeing the councils that will be forming when our new residents move in.

All eliseo staff members continue to provide outstanding customer service to our residents. I find it extremely heartwarming to walk through our campus and see the employees in action, working to meet resident needs and enhance their lives here at eliseo. Caring, concerned and compassionate employees has been a tradition since we first opened our doors in 1938 and this will continue as we move into the future.

Lastly, our Board of Governors and Trustees have put in many hours of selfless service over this past year, as they have in years past. I appreciate their dedication to staying informed and educated on the changes that are occurring at a rapid pace in senior services and their thoughtful, intentional and comprehensive decisions that will ensure eliseo residents will be well taken care of and lead enhanced lives. Our mission statement says it best: Engaging lives through active living, compassion and dignity. Very powerful words and I thank the Board members for all they do.

As we embark on 2023, I am comforted by what Jeremiah 29:11 tells us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I have previously shared this scripture, but it is so reassuring that it bears repeating. Thank you for all your support in 2022 and looking forward to a rewarding 2023!