Honoring our Past by Preparing for the Future
By Katrina McPherson, BS, LNHA, Good Samaritan-Denton Village, Denton LIVING WELL Magazine
Good Samaritan Society (GSS) began in a six-room rented house in rural North Dakota in 1922 and is now the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services, serving 27,000 people in over 240 locations. Through a community fund drive, GSS – Denton Village opened in 1976 and serves almost 300 residents each day. Our mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone is Someone.” Our vision is to create an environment where people are loved, valued and at peace. Our question now . . . will we embrace the same foresight as our founders to prepare now for the needs of the future?
We are facing a looming challenge. In the next decade, our nation’s population over age 65 will explode, with significant growth projected in Denton. In fact, the first “baby boomers” turned 65 in 2010. There is little doubt that the “biggest generation” will become the biggest aging population in our history. As you know, “baby boomers” have different expectations of what it means to age and are more active than any previous generation. They expect to remain physically and socially active far into their later years. The actions we take now will affect our entire community and campus for years to come.
We are not ready . . . yet, however, we can be, with your help. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society gave final approval to our plans to build a Community Life Enrichment and Wellness Center for Denton County’s age 55+ population. This project will help build capacity and prepare us to serve the growing needs and expectations of not only our current campus residents, but the entire Denton County community at large. Our strategic direction is to lead the way in supporting well-being . . . at your place or ours.
As we go forward with our capital campaign, we invite you to share your time, talent and/or treasure and join a special group of generous people who are changing history. Help us in honoring our past by preparing for the future at one of Denton’s most treasured and beloved organizations, Good Samaritan Society – Denton Village as we raise funds to build a Community Life Enrichment and Wellness Center for those 55+.
For more information about our continuum of care and/or our project, please contact Virginia McDaniel at 940-383-6347 or Katrina McPherson at 940-383-6327 or email to kmcphers@good-sam.com.
Author Katrina McPherson, BS, LNHA, is the director of resource development.