For the past 35 years the Genevans have performed for the residents, family and staff at The Reformed Presbyterian Home. On March 4th as the students walked through the audience singing O Sing a New Song to the Lord, Mr. Weir pointed out the students who are children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of our board members, residents, pastors and other connections. Seeing the generations of families who have been connected to the RP Home gave me pause to think about how blessed the RP Home is to have this faithful and generous community. Did the students know as they performed songs from the Book of Philippians that they were planting the seeds for the next generation of this ministry?
The ministry of RP Home is successful today because of the past and present support of the RP Community. As stated in 2 Corinthians 9:11 “You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.” This verse reminds us that there are many ways to give such as money, time , energy or effort to meet the needs of others and that giving is not an obligation but rather driven by a willing and cheerful heart. RP Home has many examples of how believers support our organization and our residents. For example, the Genevans provide the gift of music and message of God year after year; members who serve on our board contribute their time and knowledge to direct the organization’s mission; volunteers build meaningful relationships with our residents; and many of our friends contribute to our benevolent care program or to support various capital improvements and programs.
In 2019, RP Home had many examples of the generosity of others in which to celebrate; the gifts from people who recognize the love of Christ within our walls have enabled RP Home to continue to provide quality of care for our elders. Our Gracious Giving, Grateful Living Fund supports our benevolent care expenses which exceeded more than $2 million in 2019. These funds support the housing and medical care for our older adults. In October 2019, Rev. George Gregory led our annual Thankoffering Service and spoke about his personal experiences at RP Home and how we continue to serve God in our mission. We are sincerely grateful for all the generous support from our RP Home family.
Nola Youngman and Patricia Boyle, RPWA Board Members, have supported RP Home in many ways over the years. Most recently, they spent time in McKee Place, our Personal Care Community, to complete a satisfaction survey with each resident. These ladies met with the residents and gathered the residents’ insight on their quality of care and quality of life. Many of our residents need assistance to complete these surveys and the dedication of Mrs. Nola Youngman and Dr. Patricia Boyle to spend time and collect this information is appreciated. As a result of this survey, we can better serve our residents. Specifically, we are improving our dining room experience which includes an upcoming dining room renovation, revision of our menu and a restaurant like service model.
In 2016, we asked our supporters to consider contributing to the elevator fund. Our goal was to raise more than $100,000. In December of 2019, we were able to complete the 5 week renovation to the elevator car, hydraulic lift and electronics. Many of the funds donated were in honor of Bill Weir, our former Administrator and Chief Financial Officer. We are thankful for the generous gifts that enabled the project to be completed.
Over the years, we have shared many accounts of the generosity of Frank and Olive Walker. They have specifically designated money for programs and equipment to improve the residents’ quality of life. In the fall of 2019 we received a generous gift from the estate of Frank Walker designated for resident transportation. His generosity enabled us to purchase a wheelchair accessible bus and van. Our residents will not only have improved transportation to medical appointments but they will have more access to off campus social and educational outings! We will continue to rejoice in the Walkers’ generosity at our annual Country Fair, July Ice Cream Social, Founder’s Day Celebration and Christmas Dinner, as these events are supported annually by their gifts.
These are just a few examples of the generosity RP Home has to be thankful for in 2019. We are so grateful for those we mention above and all the other people who continue to support our ministry every day. We hope you will follow more of these stories on our new website (coming soon) and/or on Facebook. In 2020, RP Home will be kicking off a capital campaign for the renovation of the resident social and chapel space.
If you have a story you would like to share or a memory of RP Home, please contact Cara D. Todhunter, Executive Director, as we continue to celebrate the heart of others and thankfulness to God.