They'll Carry Thanksgiving in Their Hearts
By John Sundquist
She was a 98-year-old longtime resident when she grabbed my hand and hugged me. "Thank you," she said, "for allowing me to continue living in my independent living apartment and with all of the friends I have made here...and that little stipend you give me each month is really appreciated." She passed away six years later still smiling and telling everyone that moving into her ABHM community was a wonderful decision.
For more than 85 years, American Baptist Homes of the Midwest has sought to provide caring communities by providing health care, housing and supportive services to seniors, disabled adults and low income adults. We endeavor to provide communities that nurture self-worth, hope and dignity for all, regardless of age, condition or income. American Baptist Homes of the Midwest's long history of caring is driven by our faith and mission.
You may be surprised to learn that last year American Baptist Homes of the Midwest provided more than $2 million in benevolence care to our residents. A majority of that was for adjustments made to offset the cost of care that Medicaid did not cover. In addition, ABHM provided subsidies and direct benevolence to ensure that all of our residents enjoy a lifestyle that nurtures self-worth, hope and dignity.
This new and growing reality is not unique to American Baptist Homes of the Midwest. A recent report from the Institute on Assets and Social Policy states that "more than one of every three seniors (36 percent) is economically insecure today."
We Can Help Residents Together
In light of these findings, the board of directors of the American Baptist Homes of the Midwest voted at their November 2011 board meeting to start the Benevolent Care Endowment Fund with seed capital of $750,000. It is their hope that, together with partners like you, we can grow this fund to a level where it will help to cover this ever-expanding need and, in doing so, ensure that our residents receive the care and services they need.
You may not know their names, but they'll carry thanksgiving in their hearts for your kindness and generosity. Together we can help ensure every ABHM resident receives the care they deserve and need.
Today I ask you to do two things: Please pray for our residents and caregivers, and please consider making a gift to the American Baptist Homes of the Midwest Benevolent Care Endowment Fund.
Your gift to these vital local ministries will change the world of those who it touches. Remember, when we help the least of these, as we care for the Children of God, we are in essence caring for Christ himself.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.