| Development
Willow Brook Christian Communities
Case for Support
2005
The Need:
Meeting the housing and healthcare needs of an aging population
is a rapidly growing concern for many families and most communities.
Some lack the financial means to obtain safe and suitable housing.
Others have sufficient funds, but because of issues related to aging,
need the security of having help close-at-hand. Many eventually
need constant medical assistance in a nursing facility.
The concern is great because facilities that are well-run and safe,
and which provide a cheerful, encouraging atmosphere for the elderly,
are in short supply. Over the next 30 years, this shortage will
become even more critical as the wave in population known as the
“baby boom” ages.
The winds of change are bringing challenges to those who care for
the elderly. The need for charitable assistance grows larger each
year as senior incomes flatten, life spans increase, and healthcare
costs rise. Facilities must undergo continuous improvement to remain
contemporary and caring environments. Staff members must keep up
with changing technologies and techniques of caring for the elderly.
And perhaps most significant, because of the uncertain future of
government support for seniors, endowments must be established to
assure that a ministry of care for older people can continue regardless
of financial circumstances.
A mission based on caring:
Many contribute to Willow Brook’s growth and success:
Through the years, many people have given of their time, talents,
energy, and treasure to bring Willow Brook to the level of quality
and service that exists today. Their partnership has enriched the
lives of hundreds of older men and women. Some of these important
contributors include:
- A dedicated board of trustees, a team of men
and women leaders chosen from Ohio Churches of Christ who meet
quarterly to set and evaluate policies and goals for Willow Brook.
Many board members give additional hours to committee work and
special projects.
- The leadership of CEO Larry Harris, who has managed Willow
Brook since 1975. A respected professional, Larry is past president
of the Association of Ohio Philanthropic Homes, Housing and Services
for the Aging (AOPHA). Mr. Harris is a recipient of that organization’s
top honor - the Rock of Ages Award - for exceptional leadership
in the Ohio not-for-profit, long-term healthcare field. He is
also the founding president of the Christian Senior Services Association
(CSSA), representing Church of Christ senior-care organizations
throughout America.
- A caring and compassionate staff, of more than 200 full-time
and part-time workers. Many of our key personnel have long tenures
of service. This attests both to their dedication and to the satisfaction
they derive from serving our residents. Employee excellence is
recognized and encouraged by the Second Mile Award presented each
year by a vote of residents and staff. Excellence is the standard
and perfection is the goal in every aspect of the service we render.
Willow Brook is one of only a handful of senior care facilities
in Ohio to have ever received perfect inspections from the Ohio
Department of Health. This offers the strongest possible evidence
of the high quality of service provided by the Willow Brook staff.
- The extra touch provided by dozens of volunteers, family members
and friends, who each year assist with everything from activities
to personal assistance and care for our residents. Outstanding
volunteer efforts are recognized and encouraged by the Gift of
Love award, presented annually to deserving volunteers at both
the Home and the Village.
- Christian service and support from Churches of Christ throughout
Ohio and the Midwest, which support both the Home and the Village
with charitable contributions for those in need and for special
projects. Local congregations also conduct Sunday worship services,
mid-week Bible studies, song services and other activities for
the residents.
- Interaction with the local Delaware and Worthington
communities, including active involvement in Delaware Council
for Older Adults, Alzheimer’s Association of Delaware and
Franklin Counties, the Arthritis Foundation of Delaware County,
the Delaware General Health Department, and the Chambers of Commerce
in Delaware and Worthington.
Willow Brook looks to the future:
While we take a great deal of pride and satisfaction in the progress
we have made and the service we have rendered over the past 32 years,
the focus is definitely set on the future. We are aware that the
needs and standards for the treatment of the elderly are changing
radically and will continue to do so over the next generation. Our
plans for meeting these needs are already on the drawing board.
The following additions to Willow Brook’s service to seniors
are already in progress:
- A new assisted living center and an expanded and improved nursing home on Lazelle Road.
Willow Brook Christian Home's new assisted living wing was recently completed, and renovation of the skilled nursing center is under way. The enlarged facility gives all residents
private rooms and baths. Additional open spaces and expanded physical
therapy facilities add to the quality of care.
- A second full-service retirement community.
Because of the great interest shown in Willow Brook Christian
Village, a second
Continuing of Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is under construction in Delaware
Community. The first buildings at Willow Brook Christian Village
at Delaware Run will be twin single homes, then independent apartments,
to be followed by a third assisted living and skilled care complex.
How Willow Brook's programs have been funded:
Because of the conservative governance of its board of trustees
and administration, Willow Brook is on very solid ground financially.
Primary sources of income include resident payments and fees, Medicare
and Medicaid reimbursements and funds received from foundations,
grants and charitable gifts.
Why charitable gifts are needed:
The expense involved in operating a senior care program of this
magnitude is great. The cost of health care, including the expense
of paying for the highest quality of nursing staff available, is
rapidly increasing.
More than 70 percent of the residents in the skilled care wing
of Willow Brook Christian Home are on Medicaid, indicating that
their personal funds have been depleted. Medicaid funds are at the
mercy of the state budget and their future is always somewhat uncertain.
Even with government support, the mission of Willow Brook is always
to go beyond basic care to provide the very best quality of life
possible for our residents. This additional level of care requires
additional expense.
There are also many benevolent needs. Several funds exist to pay
for the personal needs of our residents as they arise. Included
are:
- The Julia Smith Fund. Named after a former
resident, this fund exists to assist those in need at the Centrum,
Willow Brook Christian Village's assisted living section.
- The Herb Strigle Fund. Named after a long-term
resident, this fund exists to assist those in need at Willow Brook
Christian Home.
- The Leslie Ward Fund. Named after a founding
board member, this fund exists to assist residents with financial
need.
The importance of Willow Brook supporters:
It is no overstatement to say that Willow Brook could not have
survived or grown to the level of service it renders today if not
for the generous support of many donors. Over the past 32 years,
more than 50 churches and hundreds of individuals have given on
a regular basis, for benevolence, special projects and to support
the annual expenses of operating Willow Brook Christian Communities.
Many have made the commitment to participate in the President’s
Council by making a gift of $1,000 or more annually to Willow Brook.
In 2001, over $1 million was given to the Promise for the Future
Campaign to purchase the skilled nursing license for The Cherith
Care Center at Willow Brook Christian Village and the land for the
Christian Home expansion.
Your gift to Willow Brook makes you a partner in one of the most
highly regarded ministries to the elderly in the Midwest. Willow
Brook is a 501(c)(3) organization and all gifts are tax deductible.
We exist for the people we serve. Every gift is regarded as a gift
to our residents. By your gift you help to assure that Willow Brook
will remain vibrant and be able to continue to minister to the needs
of the elderly in your family, the church, and in the community.
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Wills and Bequests
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Gift Annuities
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Life Insurance
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