Providence Magazine Issue No. 2 | 2024

Providence LIFE SERVICES ISSUE No. 2 | 2024 T RCH LIGHT T RCH LIGHT

T RCH LIGHT 2 0 2 4

CHICAGO’S HISTORIC POST OFFICE BUILDING

Answering the call to enhance the lives of those we serve in the name of Jesus Christ.

PROVIDENCE MISSION

PROVIDENCE LEADERSHIP 2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Breems Paul Buikema Chair

INVESTING IN MINISTRY By Chair Paul Buikema

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” 1 PETER 4:10 (NIV) When we invest our finances, we keep an eye on returns. Many of you, like Henry & Kathy Schroth who you will meet later in this issue, have invested

Ed Damstra III Dave DeGraff Ted Feenstra Ken Hoving Vice Chair

Karen Huizenga Secretary/Treasurer Patti Jabaay Arnold Koldenhoven Gary W. Leo Rob Petroelje Darren VanEssen Asst. Secretary/Treasurer David Voss Dr. Eric Woo Kyle Yonker BOARD OF GOVERNORS Jacob Groenewold Chair Don DeGraff Justin Kats Bastian Knoppers

in Providence. They are two names on the long list you’ll find in this magazine of people who chose to invest in seniors by supporting our ministry. The returns of that investment are in the residents who are thriving and programs that are growing. We also make investments of our talents. You’ll read about a resident who invested in the lives of students on the mission field and of outstanding staff honored at our Hallmark of Caring event. We’ve seen the fruits of our labors together as we attained Assisted Living licensure in Indiana, as Providence Hospice reached a new level in We Honor Veterans designation, or in the beautiful Arbor Walk at Park Place of Elmhurst that earned ArbNet designation. What about that most precious of commodities: time? As you read you’ll meet some of our residents who invest their time in the lives of Bethshan residents (a mutual benefit, I may add) and Zeeland students who invested their time beautifying our Michigan campus. You’ll see women from Palos Heights CRC invest their time bringing game time and fellowship to Victorian Village. Of course, you’ll enjoy meeting Dewey, a Royal Park Place resident and centenarian, who spends his time cultivating his health and sharing his love of God with all who meet him. And, finally, we must visit the bittersweet retirement of Providence CEO Rich Schutt, who has invested all that he is into this non-for-profit since he was 15 years old, working as a custodian at one of our communities and continuing to this day modeling a servant’s heart in leadership. His entire professional career has been spent enhancing the lives of those he serves. We see the returns of his investment on the faces of each of our residents, and we know that all he has given to Providence through the years will continue to show fruit for years to come. We thank him, and we thank all of you, for choosing to invest in our ministry.

Dave Larsen Bruce Leep Dick Molenhouse

Cal Tameling Don Van Dyk Richard Van Hattem Dr. Eric Woo Liaison to Board of Directors

Robert Workman William Zandstra

PROVIDENCE LOCATIONS & SERVICES

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING Park Place of Elmhurst (IL)

REHABILITATION & SKILLED CARE Park Place Health & Wellness Center | ELMHURST 1150 S. Euclid Avenue (AL, SN, R, M) Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (630) 936-4100 Park Place Health & Wellness Center | ST. JOHN 10820 Park Place (AL, SN) St. John, Indiana 46373 (219) 351-5205 Victorian Village Health & Wellness Center 12525 Renaissance Circle (SN, R, M) Homer Glen, Illinois 60491 (708) 590-5050 HOME & COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES Providence at Home (Home Health) SERVING ILLINOIS (800) 509-2800

1050 S. Euclid Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (630) 936-4500 Park Place Health & Wellness Center | ELMHURST (AL, SN, R, M) 1150 S. Euclid Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (630) 936-4100 Park Place of St. John (IL) 10700 Park Place St. John, Indiana 46373 (219) 351-5200 Park Place Health & Wellness Center | ST. JOHN 10820 Park Place (AL, SN) St. John, Indiana 46373 (219) 351-5205 Royal Atrium Inn (AL) 400 Parkside Drive Zeeland, Michigan 49464 (616) 772-1248 Royal Park Place (IL) 500 Parkside Drive Zeeland, Michigan 49464 (616) 772-2224 Victorian Village (IL, AL, M)

Providence Hospice SERVING ILLINOIS AND INDIANA (800) 509-2800 AGING NAVIGATION Providence Solutions (708) 342-8100 AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING Arbor Place of Lisle (AH) 4795 Karns Roads Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 637-0540 Thomas Place Senior Living (AH) 15415 South Harlem Avenue Orland Park, IL 60462 (708) 535-0474

12600 Renaissance Circle Homer Glen, Illinois 60491 (708) 301-0800 TOWNHOME LIVING Fairways at Village Woods 2681 Route 394 Crete, Illinois 60417 708) 719-9704 Victorian Courts 12600 Renaissance Circle Homer Glen, Illinois 60491 (708) 301-0800

8 Torchlight 2024 10 Area Women Bring Beloved

Dinner Celebration

Church Activity to Victorian Village

FEATURE STORY Investing in Lives Royal Atrium Inn Resident Recounts a Lifetime of Educating 16

12 Active Aging — At Any Age

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 6 Passing the Torch 15 Z-Swep Students Help Make the Royal Park Campus a Beautiful Place to Live 20 Assisted Living at Park Place of St. John 22 Park Place of Elmhurst achieves ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation 23 Pastors Masters Providence Open 26 Providence Testimonials 28 Walking Together 30 Why I Give 31 A Generous Community

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 5

Passing the Torch CEO RICH SCHUTT TO RETIRE, LEAVING A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

The Board of Providence Life Services express- es its deep gratitude to Richard Schutt on the an- nouncement of his retirement as our long-term CEO. Rich has led the organization as CEO since 1986, and previously served as a Campus Administrator dating back to 1976. The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich’s successor, William De Young. Beginning in January of 2025, Bill De Young will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. In the spring of 2023, the Board of Providence formed a Search Committee to manage the leader- ship transition of Rich Schutt, who was planning his retirement for the end of 2024. Given Rich’s exten- sive career with Providence, the Board felt it would be important to carefully plan for the transition. “It’s not often an organization is blessed with almost 50 years of leadership, as is the case with Rich,” says Paul Buikema, Providence’s Board Chair. “The Search Committee considered pursuing both internal and external candidate options, but it quick- ly became obvious Providence had the perfect candi- date within its current employ.” Bill De Young originally began working for Prov- dence on December 26, 1995. He has been the Chief Operations Officer for the last 8 years and has guided the organization’s mission throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his Chief Oper- ations role, he was Providence Life Services’ Chief Financial Officer for 21 years. Bill’s commitment to

the Providence’ mis- sion led the Search Committee to ask him to consider the CEO role upon Schutt’s re- tirement. It was clear from Bill’s history and commitment he was the ideal candidate to lead the organization into the future. During his tenure at Providence, Bill DeYoung became well

RICH SCHUTT Providence Life Services, CEO, since 1986

BILL DEYOUNG Providence Life Services, COO.

known in the Aging Services field. He has Chaired the Leading Age Illinois State Association and served on that organization’s Board and committees for many years. Bill was instrumental in the formation of Caring Communities, an insurance captive, which provides coverage to non-profit organizations in Ag- ing Services. After Caring Communities formation, Bill continued in various Board leadership roles for over 20 years. Bill De Young, Barry VanderGenugten (Provi- dence’s CFO), and Rich Schutt have operated as a team for over 20 years. “Bill was originally my manager when I started at Providence 20 years ago,” Barry says. “When he became the COO, I shifted my responsibilities, becoming the Chief Financial Offi- cer. Our sense of partnership and common mission

6 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

continues on to this day. I believe Bill will make an excellent CEO upon Rich’s retirement.” Rich Schutt has been Providence’s leader since 1986, but his career with the organization goes back to his high school days. Working part-time before school and on weekends, Rich came to love the resi- dents of the organization, which was then called Rest Haven Christian Services. Rich says that he could never have imagined that his career would span decades with the organization. “The mission of serving our senior saints was compelling,” Rich says. “God calls us to give special care and respect to the elderly. He tells us that true religion is to help the orphan and the widow. I can’t imagine a better place to have spent my time than with Providence. Its mission has brought meaning to my career, substance in service, and great emotional reward. And now, at the age of 70, I am very pleased to see my colleague and friend, Bill De Young, con- tinue this exciting mission. He knows the numbers, the operations, and the regulations. Most important- ly, he knows the mission and is committed to it.” The Board of Providence Life Services is excited to have Bill as our next CEO and looks forward to God’s leading of the organization in the future. Bill DeYoung was born in Roseland in the midst of the Providence Life Services constituency. He attended Trinity Christian College and graduated with a de- gree in accounting. Upon graduation, he worked as an auditor before shifting to the banking industry at BMO Harris in Frankfort, Illinois. Twenty-nine years ago, he left banking to become the CFO of Provi- dence Life Services, and, more recently, COO. While saying goodbye to Rich Schutt is bitter- sweet, we wish him the best in retirement and welcome Bill De Young, looking forward to his leadership.

RICH SCHUTT | A Legacy of Leadership

1977 | Richard Mulder meets with Rich Schutt

1980 | Rich Schutt, Rest Haven South Administrator

1986 | Rich Schutt announced as CEO of then Rest Haven

1988 | Saratoga Grove Groundbreaking

1996 | Victorian Village Ground- breaking

2001 | Rich Schutt, Chairman of Leading Age

2012 | Thomas Place Groundbreaking event

2014 | Park Place of St. John Groundbreaking event

2019 | Torchlight Event at Chicago Union League

2024 | Providence Life Services board members

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 7

PROVIDENCE LIFE SERVICES T RCH LIGHT I

T RCH LIGHT 2 0 2 4 C H Join Us for Our 62nd Torchlight Celebration Friday, November 1, 2024 HELD AT THE OLD CHICAGO POST OFFICE

As we celebrate Providence Life Services’ Legacy of Community , explore the Historic Lobby, once bustling with mail carriers and patrons and fully restored to its original state, a true tribute to its 1920’s Art Deco design. Walk through double doors into the Library, a unique room

unlike any library you’ve seen before, filled with modern tables and seating, lending space for fun.

CHICAGO’S HISTORIC POST OFFICE BUILDING

The Old Post Office building is a prominent example of Art Deco-style architecture.

The Grand Hall rounds out the magnificent mix of historic and modern spaces. Enjoy various games and activities in a truly unique setting! There is no better place to connect with the broad Chicagoland community of Providence than at the annual Torchlight dinner. The meal is always fantastic, and music remains a highlight of the evening, but the real blessing is joining with others who support the mission of Providence Life Services. Please join us to celebrate the legacy of care we provide together.

We are thrilled to celebrate our ministry at this unique loca- tion.

JOIN US AT TORCHLIGHT 2024!

www.TorchlightDinner.com

Fun & Fellowship AREA WOMEN BRING BELOVED CHURCH ACTIVITY TO VICTORIAN VILLAGE For decades, the women of Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church (CRC) have gathered at their church to enjoy time together at Fun & Fellowship, a weekly activity with games, refreshments, and plenty of laughs. Once a month, that get-together moves to Victorian Village, where the ladies there join in on this beloved tradition.

“We started coming here when some of our members moved here, and we wanted to continue that fellowship with them,” Ann Vis, Palos CRC member and one of the coordinators of Fun & Fellowship at Victorian Village. The group stays for two hours, playing a variety of games, and they always bring refreshments. Some of the Victorian Village ladies who come to the activity are

members of Palos CRC, but many are not—they’re simply looking for fun and fellowship! “It’s a nice outlet for us,” Ann says. “We enjoy getting together, playing cards, and this lets us meet even more people. This is something that is a blessing to us.” Ann adds that many women who have been widowed find purpose in the opportunity to visit residents at Victorian Village.

She says that she loves seeing the gratitude from residents each time they visit. “Everyone is so happy,” she says. “We get such a nice welcome for coming, you would think we were some big stars or something.” To the residents at Victorian Village, this group is full of big stars and bright lights who bring happiness to the community, and we thank them.

10 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 11

12 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Active Aging — At Any Age 100-YEAR-OLD ROYAL PARK PLACE RESIDENT SHARES FITNESS ROUTINE “I exercise every day, weekends and all,” Dewey Ferman says. “It’s just a habit I got into.”

Dewey is a Royal Park Place resident, still living independently at 100 years young. He and his wife Dorothy moved to the Zeeland, Michigan, retirement community back in 1991, a move that made both of their lives much simpler and easier to manage. When Dorothy’s health needs increased, Dewey served as her caregiver, a job that he joyfully undertook until she passed away last year.

On Sunday nights, you’ll find him at the community’s church service. He’s famous for being social, someone everyone enjoys spending time with. “I have a lot of friends here,” he says, “and I put a high priority on personal communication.” While his spiritual and social health are certainly a priority, Dewey is known for the emphasis he puts on his physical health, following a daily routine that he

Dewey takes his continued health seriously, following a fitness regime at Royal Park Place’s Fitness Center.

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 13

ACTIVE AGING — AT ANY AGE

only misses when he is sick, which is seldom. Even during those 3 ½ years of caregiving for his wife, he rarely missed a day to exercise.

When it comes to his exercise, Dewey isn’t on his own. Like all Providence communities, a Well- Being instructor helps residents

optimize their health safely. His Royal Park Place Well-Being fitness instructor Sara Doezema says Dewey’s fortitude makes a difference to his neighbors at the community. “Dewey

“Dewey is kind of a legend here,” Sara says. “People say, ‘If Dewey did it, I can try.’”

is kind of a legend here,” Sara says. “People say, ‘If Dewey did it, I can try.’ They talk about how strong his handshake is. They’ll say, ‘If only I pull these weights, maybe I’ll get strong, too.’ He’s an inspiration.” His sons and daughters-in-law are frequent visitors, and they say Dewey is doing just fine on his own. After all, Dewey has a long history of surpassing expectations and overcoming obstacles. He taught himself Morse code at age 9 (and still remembers it), a skill that came in handy when he served as a radioman in the Navy during World War II. His strength of body, mind, and spirit have helped him throughout his life, but he says nothing has sustained him like his relationship with God.

Dewey insists there is no secret to long life. “It’s just what you find in Proverbs,” Dewey says. “’Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.’ I just let Him lead me.” He knows that at 100 years old, God has a plan for each day of his life, and he plans to live every moment to his fullest potential. “I hope I am making an impact here,” Dewey says. If you ask anyone who knows him, they will tell you he certainly is. Dewey’s can-do attitude shines as he uses the Can-Do Pedaling Machine in the Royal Park Place Fitness Room.

“It keeps my body strong,” he says. “I feel that the Lord has total control of my life. He gave me this body, so I feel that He would have me keep this body active and fed properly.”

DEWEY FERMAN’S EXERCISE ROUTINEWEIGHT MACHINE

Lift 80 pounds to full arm extension 30 TIMES RECUMBENT BIKE 5 minutes Can-Do Pedaling Machine (“arm-bike”) 30 TIMES EACH DIRECTION WALKING Walk around the top floor of Royal Park Place 30 MINUTES

14 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Z-Swep Students Help Make the Royal Park Campus a Beautiful Place to Live

Z-SWEP students braved high temperatures to stain the wooden deck and bridges at the Michigan campus. Z-SWEP is a collaboration be- tween Zeeland Public Schools, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Juniper LLC.

During the months of June and July, Royal Park Place Retirement Living and Royal Atrium Inn Assist- ed Living partnered with Zeeland Student Work Experience Program (Z-SWEP) to help high school stu- dents with barriers gain work ex- perience in their own community. The students worked as a team, while an adult mentor helped them gain hands-on knowledge of what work is. Students learned about decision making and team-

work, and they also gained an understanding of what it takes to earn a paycheck. The Michigan community enjoyed hosting this team of hardworking students, who stained their large wooden deck and bridges; a job well-done despite the high tem- peratures. It was a pleasure work- ing with these students and they were a blessing to Royal Park Place and Royal Atrium Inn.

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 15

16 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

INVESTING IN LIVES Royal Atrium Inn Resident Recounts a Lifetime of Educating At age 98, Gertrude Van Haitsma decided it was finally time to retire from a lifetime of teaching. Her remarkable ministry touched nine different decades, two continents, and countless lives.

Gertrude’s career began shortly after her graduation from Calvin College in 1943. For three years, she taught 4th grade at Zeeland Christian School until she faced a predicament: her little sister was scheduled to be in her classroom the next year. “I decided that wasn’t a wise idea,” Gertrude says, “so I looked around for a new opportunity.” Her mother, who had always been interested in missionary work, had read about teaching

opportunities with Rehoboth Christian School serving the

Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The two women drove to Grand Rapids to meet with the Head of Missions. “He was delighted to see us,” Gertrude remembers. “He said they had three openings in New Mexico,‘Would you like one?’” Ultimately, Gertrude said yes, and that one word set the trajectory of her life in motion.

Gertrude, pictured here in New Mexico with a mother and child.

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 17

INVESTING IN LIVES

the Zuni people, but Rehoboth was full. The mission told the people there that if they built a building, the mission would furnish the teacher. That teacher was Gertrude. “Now that was a challenge,” Gertrude says. “I had found my place at Rehoboth and was very happy there. This would put me all alone—I’d be the only teacher teaching grades 1-6 as the school became established.” Even her pastor advised that it didn’t seem like the right fit for her personality. “But the requests kept coming, and when I finally said yes, the burden just fell away right away. I knew it was right.” For the next six years, Gertrude lived in the hills of New Mexico, but she says those somewhat solitary years as an only-teacher were also beautiful. “I really picked up the culture there and got to know the families of those children well,” she says.

all eight grades and high school. I would just be teaching one grade. This was very different than what I was used to.” Once Gertrude arrived, more families came to the school, and they needed more teachers. She soon became emotionally attached to the country, the staff, and students, staying on to teach for many years. Many of them came to school by plane, and whenever she had a break from teaching, she’d visit the stations where the children lived. After a 5-year break from missions to care for her aging parents, Gertrude returned to Africa, eventually finding herself in Liberia teaching the children of six families. When a coup broke out, the missionaries were forced to leave. Gertrude then moved to Sierra Leone to be a personal teacher to a missionary’s son who was struggling in the traditional classroom. Under Gertrude’s teaching and support, that boy became a good reader and a fine student. “I just started from where he was at and I helped him grow,” she says. “He just needed a teacher to get him over that hump.”

NEW MEXICO Gertrude settled in at Rehoboth as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher, working with children who came to the school directly from their Navajo reservation. She remembers fondly those years, calling them a “wonderful time.” She taught many children, even one who went on to become the vice chairman for the Navajo nation. The two remained friends throughout the rest of his life. Later, another group of Christians in Gallup, New Mexico, wanted Christian education for Above, Gertrude in 1946, the year she moved to New Mexico. Below, Gertrude at 102 in her apartment at Royal Atrium Inn.

AFRICA

When the school in New Mexico closed, she accepted an assignment in Nigeria, Africa. Gertrude arrived in Nigeria and found a much larger school run by 12 different missions. “They had

18 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

INVESTING IN LIVES

“Whenever people ask me what my secret to a long life is, my answer is always that it’s not a secret,” Gertrude says. “It’s God’s gift to me, and it’s God’s challenge to me. He’s given me long life, and even when situations come up that seem troubling, I trust Him. I know there’s still a reason for me to be on earth, and I look for opportunities to be used of Him.” The wisdom and life experiences Gertrude shares with others serve as encouragement and an example to those blessed to meet her. Gertrude never married and has no children, but one could argue that with her investment in education, she raised many, many children who carry their memories of this selfless, faith-filled woman in their heart, and whose impact on their lives will be felt for many generations to come.

MICHIGAN In 1988, Gertrude retired from missionary teaching, happy to return to her home church of Bethel CRC in Zeeland. Never one to rest on her laurels, she soon began teaching at Zeeland Christian School. She taught there for 25 years in various positions, ending her time there working in a landmark program created by Barb Newman, a pioneer for special education in Christian schools. Gertrude had been praying about when to retire, when the pandemic offered her an opportunity to quietly do just that. When Gertrude turned 100, she was pleasantly overwhelmed by seeing so many people come from all around the globe to celebrate her century of life and ministry. Finally, at age 102, she moved to Royal Atrium Inn after a fall helped her see living alone wasn’t a good fit anymore. “Even in this, just like all along, everything happened in God’s plan and with His provision all the way through.” She enjoys meeting new people, attending the exercise classes, and having meals with her neighbors at the friendly community. She also enjoys visits from her nieces, who have faithfully cared for her for many years now.

Top: Gertrude with her parents Lambert & Jennie Van Haitsma in 1930. Middle: Gertrude and her first class at Reboboth (1946-47). Bottom: Gertrude teaching in her classroom in Nigeria

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 19

Park Place of St. John Earns Assisted Living Licensure in Indiana Park Place of St. John has been providing long- term skilled nursing care in their Health & Wellness Center for over a decade. Now, thanks to earning licensure from the State of Indiana, they also offer Assisted Living in the same compassionate, personalized style.

Park Place Health & Wellness Center is designed in a unique “Small House” style. A Small House structure is designed like a home, not the typical institution one may picture when thinking of long-term healthcare. In our Assisted Living Small House, 30 pri- vate studio apartments, which sur- round welcoming living areas and a shared, open kitchen and dining area. The smaller space means the

walking distance from bedroom to living room is short enough for most people to navigate without assistance, giving residents greater independence. The Small House style also leads to greater flexibility with pro- gramming. Park Place does not take a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to schedules; instead, programming is formed around the natural rhythms of an individual’s daily life. The

Interested in Learning More

SCAN ME

20 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Small House culture recognizes and allows room for different patterns, knowing freedom is as important as security. “We’re thrilled to bring Small- House style, Assisted Living to Northwest Indiana,” says Larry Otte, Park Place of St. John Executive Director. “Earning this licensure is part of our commit- ment to providing expert care at Park Place.”

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 21

Park Place of Elmhurst achieves ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation

The Park Place Arboretum spans 12 acres, showcasing 28 tree varieties and seasonal plantings. Director Beth Welch emphasizes the importance: “This accreditation ensures our green space will be cherished for generations.” If you’d like to spend more time at the Park Place of Elmhurst Arboretum, plan a visit to the Park Place community. Contact their team at ppe@provlife.com to schedule a tour.

Park Place of Elmhurst’s beautiful grounds have al- ways been

ArbNet is an interactive, collabora- tive, and international community of arboreta that are all accredited based on a set of professional standards. This means that the Park Place of Elmhurst Arbore- tum is classified as a publicly accessible site

an attractive area for residents to enjoy the great outdoors. Now, there’s even more reason to take an “Arbor Walk” at the community: the Park Place of Elmhurst Arboretum has been accredited by ArbNet.

with a governing body and a plan to maintain and conserve the arboretum.

SCAN ME Online Map

Timothy Christian School

1050 South Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 333-4343 Park Place of Elmhurst

PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST

COURTYARD

STEWARDED WETLAND POND

13 14 15

7 8 9 10 11 12

Chanticleer Pear (Pyrus calleryana) Jane Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) Accolade TM Elm (Ulmus ‘Morton’ Accolade TM) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer x freemanii)

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) River Birch (Betula nigra) Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) Green Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens) Blue Point Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) Espresso Kentucky Coffee (Cladrastis kentukes) Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crusgalli inermis) Little Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata)

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Crabapple CV (Malus cultivar) Loebner Magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri) Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) Vernal Witchhazel (Hamamelis vemalis) Apple Serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora)

Royal Raindrops Crabapple (Malus "Royal Raindrops)

18 19 20 21 22

2 3 4 5

Skyline Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis) Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata) Red Oak (Quercus rubra) American Linden (Tilia americana)

26 27 28

22 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

The Pastors Masters It was a great day to connect with and share our mission with our sponsors and pastors at the 28th Annual Pastor’s Masters, held Mon- day, May 15th!

The purpose of the Pastors Masters Golf Out- ing is to support the Chaplains Program of Provi- dence Life Services and to thank the pastors and

elders or deacons who are engaged with surrounding PLS commu- nities for their support of our chaplains and those who minister to our residents. Over 60 pastors, elders, and deacons were golfing; 23 of them were lead pastors for their congregations. We are grateful to the 18 Sponsors and 30 Leadership Donors for their faithful support of this outing and our haplains. We saw a significant group of teams at 2 and 1 under par for the day on this new and challenging course. That bodes well for future scor- ing opportunities in years to come! WE ALREADY CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR!

EVENT WINNERS WERE: 1ST PLACE WINNING FOURSOME | with a score of 62

Rich Van Hattem, Steve Kats, Roger DeGraff, and David DeGraff 2ND PLACE FOURSOMEE | via scorecard playoff: (score of 63) Kyle Beckrich, Reed Schafer, Jim Hollendoner, and Rodger Maatman 3RD PLACE FOURSOMEE | via scorecard playoff: (score of 65) Gregg DeMey, Jackson Kemper, Jeff Klein, and Dan Rudman

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 23

PROVIDENCE

LIFE SERVICES

PROVIDENCE OPEN

Providence Open 2024 Our Providence Open was a lovely time for all involved! About a hundred golfers showed up for the Providence Open. They spent a beautiful day at Olympia Fields Country Club, enjoying sunny weather. Our golfers began the morning with breakfast and access to the driving range and putting greens. They gathered at the carts as Rick Van Dyken opened the event with prayer and a few comments about the ministry of Providence. The course had been meticulously maintained and was in beautiful condition. When golfing was finished, everyone returned to the clubhouse and enjoyed a cookout lunch on the patio. Each year, the Providence Open is held to raise funds and awareness for our Memory Care programs. We appreciate everyone who is a part of this important event, and we send a special thank you to our sponsors who made this special day happen. Our three winning foursomes were each given a certificate to select a new golf polo from the pro shops. RESULTS: WINNERS FOR THE SOUTH COURSE 1ST PLACE FOURSOME | with a score of 62 was Zach Van Dyke, Jake Nydam, Chad Woldman, and Jeff VanderNaald. 2ND PLACE FOURSOME | with a score of 63 was Hutson Prioleau, Casey, Schuler, Alex Thornton, and Ryan Hoffman. 3RD PLACE FOURSOME | with a score of 65 was John Lindemulder, Chad Mertz, Robert O’Neill, and Ken Garson. WINNERS FOR THE NORTH COURSE 1ST PLACE FOURSOME | with a score of 60 was Nick & Mike Frederick, Mike Spender, and Scott Scheeringa. 2ND PLACE FOURSOME | with a score of 62 was Tim, Catherine, John, and Steve Wojcik. 3RD PLACE FOURSOME | with a score of 63 was Van, David, Tom, and Marcus Zeilstra.

24 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Hallmark of

Caring 2024

Each year we recognize outstanding individuals from our communities whose dedication and service to fulfilling our mission sets them apart with our Hallmark of Caring event. After the red carpet was rolled out in each community, these honored employees from Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan were transported to Navy Pier and enjoyed a relaxing day on the lake. We thank all those who serve our residents and clients with selfless compassion. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve alongside them. We also want to thank our Hallmark of Caring sponsors for making this special day possible.

Park Place of Elmhurst Health & Wellness Center Cristina Botello Arjelio Cabrera Christian Chalcak JoAnne DiCanio Victoria Lopez Noemi Lopez Brianne Scherer Bertha Sotelo Murlena Williams Park Place of Elmhurst Rebecca Cash Marionette McNutt Maria Salazar Park Place of St. John Health & Wellness Center Corin Miller Jade Czarny Maribel Domingo Sarah Haney Samantha Cervantes

Park Place of St. John

Victorian Village Tiffany High Dan Koche Anna Kuita-Seiuli Warren Madkins Corin Miller Rosy Strasser Providence Hospice Chad Hobbs April Narjes Providence Life Services Corporate Office Barb Hodal Lisa Pogorzelski ProviNET Brisa Moreno Tom Murray Providence at Home Kim Yanowsky

Alyssa Georgiefski Jacqueline Clemens Heather Wittig Royal Park Place Jamie Kooiker Marva VanDyke Royal Atrium Inn Carol Christians Sara Miramontes Victorian Village Health & Wellness Center Devin Amschler Joellen Blackburn Lisa Butler Verrick Goss Lynn VanKanegan

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 25

Testimonies IN THEIR OWN WORDS

We often hear about outstanding Providence experiences from our residents and their families, and they are eager to share their stories. Read on, and you will see why our communities are unique and extraordinary, right from the people who experience Providence life firsthand.

A ROYAL ATRIUM INN TESTIMONIAL “ The peace we feel knowing this incredible staff is here caring for him— it’s so freeing.” Nancy McCleery, daughter of Royal Atrium Inn resident

or Mick Zuverink, the move to a retirement community was mainly for social reasons. After his wife passed away, Mitch found himself spending much of his time alone. While he could live independently just fine, he wanted to be around friends.

“My father- and mother-in-law loved living at Royal Park Place, so we suggested he take a look,” Mick’s daughter Nancy McCleery says of the retirement community. “He decided to move in that very day.” For years, Mick thrived at Royal Park Place living on his own. But as his health issues increased, managing medications on his own became difficult. After a few short hospital stays, Mick and his family decided it was

time to move to Royal Atrium Inn, the Assisted Living community on campus. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Nancy says, “but we wanted to make sure he was safe.”

It wasn’t long before Mick’s quality of life improved drastically. “He loves his apartment. It has a view of the pond and he gets to see all the wildlife,” Nancy says. “He eats lunch with his neighbors and goes to exercise class each day. He has so many friends and has less stress. This was a good move for him.” Nancy loves that she and her brothers can go back to simply being their dad’s kids again. “There were times we visited three times a day, but that doesn’t mean something couldn’t happen five minutes after we’d leave,” she says. “The peace we feel knowing this incredible staff is here caring for him—it’s so freeing.” Mick agrees that the staff is outstanding. “They treat me so good,” he says. “I have a lot of fun with them.” He loves the food, and he absolutely loves his view. “You never know what you’re gonna see out there—a goose with all her young ones. Ducks—you just never know!” For Nancy, who now feels the freedom to split her time between her dad, her kids, and her 17 grandkids, Royal Atrium Inn is the answer to her prayers. “It’s such a relief,” she says. “My dad, my in-laws—they’re all safe and they’re all content, and that is everything to me.”

26 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

A VICTORIAN VILLAGE TESTIMONIAL

“It’s like living in the lap of luxury .”

Irene Johnson, Victorian Village resident

rene Johnson has always enjoyed a lifestyle centered on family and her local church. After her husband passed away, she continued her active lifestyle, dog-sitting at her home and driving to church and other events. She moved to a 55+ community, where

she checked in on neighbors and made sure everyone had what they needed. Then Irene suffered a health crisis, and her family didn’t want her to live completely alone anymore. Her daughters asked if Irene was open to moving to Victorian Village, a community where she could live independently, but where staff and healthcare assistance would be available, should Irene ever need help. “I came for a visit, and I just loved it right away,” Irene says. “I was happy to make this move.” After living here almost a year, Irene is still thrilled with her decision. “It’s like living in the lap of luxury,” she says. “I love my apartment—it’s quiet. It reminds me of the 23rd Psalm, where I can sit beside the still waters and God restores my soul.” But she says her life at Victorian Village is bigger than the apartment. “You can go out and just have a blast and be a part of so many things,” she says. “There’s always something you can do. I love eating in the dining room with everyone—my neighbors are so friendly. And the food—it’s so delicious! When I’m ill, they even deliver my meals right to my door and they check on me.” Irene praises the staff. “They’re just precious. They’ve been so kind to me,” she says. “I love them all. The maintenance people are so friendly, and so are the nurses and all the people who serve and make the food. The exercise girl is wonderful—she helps us stay in shape but makes sure we’re safe. The chaplain is so full of God’s wisdom. The people here make you feel so loved—it’s priceless.” When her family and friends from church visit, she says they all love Victorian Village and agree it’s a great place to live. “I feel so blessed,” Irene says. “I’m beyond content. I just love it here.”

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 27

Walking Together BETHSHAN RESIDENTS AND VICTORIAN VILLAGE RESIDENTS FIND COMMON GROUND

Friendships can be one of the most meaningful components of a healthy life. Unfortunately, for old- er adults, as well as for adults with disabilities, social opportunities can be difficult to find. That’s part of what makes Victorian Village’s new friendship with Bethshan so special—their unique friendships have highly enriched their lives. Much like Providence Life Ser- vices, Bethshan was founded because a group of Christians saw there was an unmet need. In the case with Bethshan, children with developmental disabilities were cared for and nurtured throughout their schooling years by ministries like Elim, but af- ter graduation, there was really nowhere for these students to go. Bethshan now fills that gap, providing 14 residential facilities, 14 CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements) and 2 ICFs (Intermediate Care Facilities), as

well as occupational training, for adults with disabilities. For the past year and a half, Bethshan Life Enrichment Director Bill Schepel has worked with Victorian Village’s Life Enrichment team to schedule monthly bingo

Bill Schepel and Bethshan residents join Vic- torian Village residents and Life Enrichment Director Tammy Tjoelker for bingo.

lage for dinner,” Bill Schepel says. “Some of our residents are also older adults, and there’s a great deal of common ground. It was a great opportunity for some of the Bethshan women to connect more deeply to Victorian Village women and form meaningful friendships.” As Bethshan residents plan their monthly calendars, Bill is hoping for more life enriching opportuni- ties where the two organizations can join together. “We’ve seen so many authentic relationships form, and we know this is just the beginning.”

nights that have proved to be a blessing to both organizations. “Our residents have made great friendships with the Bethshan residents,” says Diane Giglio, a Life Enrichment Director at Victorian Village. “The residents are always asking when we can get together with Bethshan again.” Bethshan residents don’t feel that a monthly bingo night is enough when it comes to spending time with their new friends. “A couple weeks ago, our residents invited some people from Victorian Vil-

28 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Providence Hospice Earns Level Three Designation from Veterans Organization

Providence Hospice recently achieved the distinction of We Honor Veterans Partner Level Three for their exceptional work meeting the needs of veterans and their families in end of life care. “Our staff members and volunteers were able to make this happen because of their dedication and their care toward the miltary veterans we serve,” says Annette McClain, Providence Hospice Volunteer Coor- dinator. “We achieved this designation a few months earlier than we expected to because of their heartfelt commitment to continually learn more about the unique needs of veterans on hospice.” As a We Honor Veterans Partner, there are five lev- els that Providence Hospice can achieve. Each level shows that Providence has completed specific activ-

ities using practical resources to progressively in- crease their ability to serve veterans. Moving through the partner levels shows that Providence Hospice has increased their knowledge and capacity to serve veterans. It also demonstrates that Providence Hos- pice is making an active commitment to veterans, providing compassionate care that is specific to each person’s needs and goals. Level 3 specifically shows that Providence has purposely developed and strengthened relation- ships with VA medical centers and other veteran organizations. It also shows Providence Hospice continues to integrate veteran-specific content into staff and volunteer orientation and education within the organization. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Prov- idence Hospice for their dedication to caring for veterans and their families.

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 29

Why I Give HENRY & KATHY SCHROTH When Henry Schroth as a young boy in school, he watched a girl with a disability get ridiculed by classmates. His heart ached for her. “My uncle was a pastor, and he used to say, ‘Before you open your mouth about someone, walk a mile in their shoes.’ That really stuck with me, so I began visiting this little girl who didn’t have many friends.” That same spirit of compassion stayed with Henry throughout his life. For 20 years, he served as the 24/7 caretaker for his first wife as she battled multiple sclerosis, and remained faithfully by her side until her death, following 30 years of marriage. He also later cared for his mother as she became ill. “We have a sovereign God who takes care of us,” Henry says. “When times were hard, I looked to him, and he gave me strength.” When his mother finally needed long-term nursing care, he went to a nursing facility that his doctor recommended. “It was disappointing,” Henry says, especially concerning the low ratio of staff per patient. “We would wait for a long time for food, or for help when my mom pushed her call button.” It was evident that this for-profit nursing home cut corners to save money, even at the expense of care. Thankfully, he visited frequently, so he was able to oversee what happened there, but he acknowledges that not all residents had family members to watch out for them. Meanwhile, Henry met his current wife Kathy at church. “She was teaching a Bible study class, and I thought, ‘Wow, she knows her stuff.’” They soon married, and she has the same generous, compassionate spirit Henry has. They had already

been tithing and giving to numerous charities, but while attending a Ligonier Conference, Henry heard a speaker from the Barnabas Foundation talking about investing, and he felt called to look into more giving.

Henry and Kathy Schroth

“I was drawn to the name of Providence because I’d always relied on God’s providence,” Henry says. He spoke to an elder at his church, Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church, who put him in touch with Providence Life Services. “I’ve toured three of the Providence communities, and they were a world of difference from where my mom was,” Henry says. “The people there really care. It’s like a calling to work there. It was such an amount of care, more than they needed to do. It’s beautiful.” At 80 years old and a retired schoolteacher, Henry remains committed to giving to Providence. “We have an aging population, and we need to have places people can live where they are treated with Christian love,” he says. He adds that we’re all called to give, and to pray for the needs we see around us. “It’s God’s grace. It’s just giving a little bit out of what God has given to us so freely. That’s something we can all do, and should all do.”

To donate, use the QR Code with your phone or go to GiveToProvidence.com Providence Life Services is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

SCAN ME

30 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Generous Community

2024 Leadership Donors * *Leadership Donors also contribute as Sponsors to all our Special Events Amber Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Assurance - Marsh McLennen Agency LLC Barry & Karen VanderGenugten Bastian Knoppers Bill & Kathy De Young

Show respect to the aged; honor the presence of an elder; fear your God. I am God. LEVITICUS 19:32

We thank the following people, whose generous donations and kindness have helped us sustain our ministry. Gifts to Providence Life Services January 1, 2024 - July 31, 2024

Brian & Patrice Kamstra Buikema & Keune, LLC Colonial Chapel Dale & Karen Huizenga Dave & Sally Larsen Dunhill Formal Wear Gary W. Leo Heidi Huizenga Homewood Disposal Joyce Lagestee Ken & Gwen Hoving Kevin & Renita Van Solkema Kharis Foundation Friends of Providence Providence Bank & Trust Rich & Esther Van Hattem Richard & Linda Schutt Robert & Beth Workman

DONATIONS TO THE PROVIDENCE FUND Tim & Deborah Abbring Advacare Systems Kiersten Baker Lucette Bamford Kurt & Julie Benda Janna Boger Ted & Josie Boswell Buikema & Keune, LLC Bill Buikema & Jean Hoffman Buikema Kevin & Dr. Michelle Buikema Paul & Angela Buikema Robert & Danette Buikema Ruth Buikema Carden & Tracy Care Purchasing Services (CPS) Caring Communities

Kirk & Jean Cavanaugh Clarence Davids & Company Luis Colon Colonial Chapel Ron & Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo Friends of Providence Darwill, Inc. Roger & Joyce De Groot Michelle Dykstra Dunhill Formal Wear Friends of Providence Edward Jones Investments - Jake Mudde Rev. Gerry & Carol Erffmeyer Evenhouse & Co. PC Faith Christian Reformed Church - Elmhurst Faith Church - Dyer First Church (PCA) - Lansing Kenneth & Carole Flutman

Carl & Debra Goodfriend Georgio’s Banquets Robert Gerritsen Kris & Susan Glintborg Mark & Joyce Groen Barbara Groenewold Bill & Nancy Guth Richard Haan Cathy Hamstra Schipma Haney & Company, Ltd. Harvest Wealth Partners Bob & Carol Heikema Fred & Barb Hoekstra Ken & Gwen Hoving Dale & Karen Huizenga Fred & Flo Huizinga JB Capital Management Kallemeyn Collision

Sam & Judy Van Til Schepel Auto Group Friends of Providence Symbria Friends of Providence The Ozinga Foundation Van & Lois Zeilstra Witech Co. Inc.

Bert & Lori Kamp Timothy & Sherryl Kamphuis Jacqueline Kamps

Shared Services George & Shirley Castor

Issue No. 2 | ProvidenceLifeServices.com 31

GENEROUS COMMUNITY

GIVEN IN LOVING MEMORY Thomas J. Bamford Bill & Judy Zandstra Rev. L. Bazuin Neil & Johanna Zandstra Rev. Derke P. Bergsma Dan & Deborah VanProoyen Anne Boerema Roger & Leona Boerema Martin “Mick” A. Brouwer Richard & Linda Schutt Gertrude Marion Buikema Bill Buikema & Jean Hoffman Buikema Tim & Irene Buikema Bob Bultema Mark & Joyce Groen

Carol Housman Beth Cunningham Harry & Jeanette Olthoff James & Joanne Olthoff Ralph & Jean Olthoff James & Joanne Olthoff Paul Palmy Michael Knight Mae Solenek Kris & Susan Glintborg Jerry Stefek Bill & Lu Ann Stefek Marie Tameling Roger & Leona Boerema Willard Van Eck, Jr. Roy & Cheryl Van Eck Ruth Van Eck Peter “Pete” Ven Housen Bill & Lu Ann Stefek William & Anne VenHousen Bill & Lu Ann Stefek Charlotte & Larry Viero Mary Noelle Repetto

RICK VANDYKEN Providence Life Services announces the transi- tion of Rick VanDyken from our ministry to the advancement de- partment of Providence Christian College in southern California.

Richard & Linda Schutt Alexandra Shloss Smits Funeral Homes - Dyer, Indiana South Suburban Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Nicholas Spoolstra Bill & Lu Ann Stefek Stolte Enterprises, Inc. Donald Stoub Scott & Mary Studebaker David Sullivan Symbria Megan Tengerstrom Thrivent Choice Timothy G. Lawler, Ltd. Amy Unger Roy & Cheryl VanEck Ruth VanEck Darren & Janna VanEssen Alden & Bethany VanSolkema Carla VanTil Sam & Judy VanTil Barry & Karen VanderGenugten Rick & Sue VanDyken Simon Visser Walt’s Food Centers WDS Construction Western Springs Christian Reformed Church Ron & Sharon Wieringa Witech Co. Inc. Thelma J. Workman Bill & Judy Zandstra Van & Lois Zeilstra

Rick came to us from Trinity Christian Col- lege in Palos Heights, and he has served us well in the last three years. But he has been called to undertake a significant role for this Christian college in California. While we will miss Rick’s efforts toward the success of Providence here in Chicago, we trust God will use him to help build the next generation of Christian college grad- uates. Providence Christian College is a confessionally Reformed Christian liberal arts college based in Pasadena, California.

Lisa Keaveny John & Mary Beth Kerlin Lee & Marian Kickert John & Donna Kloosterman Michael Knight Bastian Knoppers Arnold & Sandy Koldenhoven Joyce Lagestee Dave & Sally Larsen Gary W. Leo Lockton Companies Randall & Mary Mitchell Dr. Mark G. Neerhof & Betty A. Neerhof Old Plank Trail Community Bank William & Joan Ooms

James & Joanne Olthoff Larry & Johnna Otte The Ozinga Foundation A Friend of Providence PalCare Mark & Mary Porcaro Premier Outdoor Environments Rev. Mark Prestriedge & Linda Prestriedge Providence Bank & Trust Mary Noelle Repetto Robert E Hill & Shirley A Hill Trust Ruff Breems, LLP RYAN Companies Schepel Auto Group Henry & Kathy Schroth

Martha Dykstra James & Joanne Olthoff

John C. Groenewold Barbara Groenewold William F. “Bill” Guth Bill & Nancy Guth John & Bernice Hoekstra Fred & Barb Hoekstra

32 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36

www.providencelifeservices.com

Made with FlippingBook Annual report