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At 80 years old, Darlene Schafer shows no signs of slowing down. Her journey with Ecumen began in the winter of 2015, when she moved back to Minnesota after living in Arizona. Unsatisfied with retirement, Darlene knew she needed a purpose and an outlet to continue doing what she loves—working with people. Little did she know, this new chapter at Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights would be one of the most fulfilling of her life.

Darlene’s motivation to continue working at Ecumen, even at 80, stems from her deep passion for the work she does. “I enjoy the team I work with every day and the residents and their families that I get to help find homes,” she shares. For Darlene, sitting idle is simply not an option. She thrives on having a purpose and contributing to something larger than herself each day.

Her role as Senior Living Consultant at Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights has allowed Darlene to reconnect with old friends in the area and help them find their place at Ecumen. “It’s so fun to watch them thrive here,” she says, highlighting the personal joy she gets from helping familiar faces settle into their new homes. Darlene’s love for staying active and up-to-date with current trends keeps her engaged both professionally and personally.  

While technology has posed a challenge at times, Darlene has always embraced change with open arms. “I adapt quickly and can catch on once I’m shown something,” she says. Her experience in relational sales, a key part of Ecumen’s approach, has been incredibly rewarding. She finds it fulfilling to see younger team members trained in this style, as it’s something she’s been passionate about throughout her career.

Darlene’s commitment to her work at Ecumen not only benefits her professionally but also personally. “I love getting up for work and having a schedule,” she explains. Her job aligns seamlessly with her volunteer work in local organizations such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce. Interaction with people from all walks of life is something Darlene finds truly fulfilling, and it keeps her connected to the community.

Her wisdom and experience shine through in her work, and she prides herself on being able to connect with others in a way that brings trust and ease. “I can talk to almost anyone and make them feel at ease,” she says. This ability to build rapport with residents and their families is one of Darlene’s greatest strengths and a key part of her success in the role.

When asked for advice for younger colleagues or those considering a long-term career in this field, Darlene’s message is clear: “If you are a people person, go for it! Focus on building trust and being relatable and get involved in your community.” She encourages others to volunteer, join local groups, and engage with people—because it’s through these connections that meaningful relationships and career success are built.

For those considering re-entering the workforce in their later years, Darlene has an inspiring message: “Age is just a number! Give it a try!” She believes that staying active and engaged in fulfilling work can have profound personal rewards. “I get more back than I give—it’s like I get paid twice!”

Looking to the future, Darlene is excited about the expansion of Ecumen, particularly the development of new housing options at Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights. She’s also eager to see Ecumen Home Care expand into her area to serve even more clients. Darlene’s vision for the future is filled with optimism, and she hopes to see the team at Point Pleasant Heights continue to thrive as they achieve their occupancy goals for 2025.

Over the years, Darlene has formed lasting friendships with many people she’s met through her work. “My job has fulfilled me and kept me active and youthful,” she says with a smile. Darlene’s time at Ecumen has been incredibly rewarding, and her impact on the residents, families, and team members she works with is immeasurable.

As Darlene celebrates her 80th birthday, she’s a shining example of how passion, purpose, and dedication can continue to make a difference, no matter your age. We are incredibly fortunate to have Darlene as part of the Ecumen team, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact she will have in the years to come.

Four Ecumen communities have been named “Best Nursing Home” by U.S. News & World Report. To be considered for this recognition, a senior living community had to participate in a consumer satisfaction survey in 2024, meet specific eligibility criteria, and earn a required score based on the program’s guidelines.

In the 2025 Best Nursing Homes report, over 15,000 nursing homes were evaluated based on factors like patient and resident outcomes, infection rates, staffing levels, use of antipsychotic medications, health inspection results, and other quality measures.

Ecumen North Branch, Ecumen Lakeshore, Ecumen Sartell Therapy Suites, and Ecumen Detroit Lakes all earned the “Best Nursing Home” rating for their short-term rehabilitation services. 

“We are proud to announce that four of our communities have been recognized as the top nursing homes in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report. These awards reflect the exceptional care provided by our dedicated team members to our residents and patients, who are the true recipients of this recognition,” said Shelley Kendrick, President & CEO of Ecumen.

Since 2009, the U.S. News Best Nursing Home ratings have used data from Nursing Home Compare, a program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that sets and enforces nursing home standards. The Best Nursing Homes ratings help people find a nursing home for themselves or a loved one, whether they need short-term rehabilitation or long-term care. These ratings are based on U.S. News’ analysis of government-published data, using a different approach than the federal government.

The federal CMS system rates nursing homes on three key areas: health inspections, nurse staffing, and medical quality measures. Nursing homes also get a star rating in each of these areas. For short-term rehabilitation, U.S. News looks at two years of data on emergency-room visits and hospitalizations to get more reliable information about a nursing home’s ability to prevent these issues. This method was used last year for long-term care ratings and is now applied to both types of care.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes is proud to announce its achievement of the Gold Credentialing through CARD Montessori Lifestyle (MIL) and Awakenings Transformation. This significant milestone reflects the community’s unwavering commitment to providing a resident-centered, dignified, and empowering environment for both residents and team members.

The Gold Credentialing recognizes Ecumen Detroit Lakes’ continued dedication to creating a thriving, independent community where individuals of all abilities are encouraged to make decisions, maintain autonomy, and engage meaningfully with their greater community. The community has consistently surpassed expectations, reaching a variety of milestones that reflect the core values of the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle (MIL), including respect, dignity, and inclusion.

“We are truly honored to have received the Gold Credentialing from CARD Montessori Lifestyle and Awakenings Transformation,” said Danielle Olson, Executive Director at Ecumen Detroit Lakes. “This achievement highlights our team’s commitment to fostering an environment where residents can live with purpose, autonomy, and respect, and it reflects the dedication of everyone at Ecumen Detroit Lakes who works hard every day to bring these values to life.”  

Gold Milestones: A Commitment to Excellence

Ecumen Detroit Lakes has demonstrated exemplary achievement in several key areas, including:

• Exemplary and Innovative Application of MIL Principles: Ecumen Detroit Lakes has successfully implemented unique and innovative practices such as the Good Ideas Committee, which empowers residents to collaborate and contribute new ideas that enhance their daily lives through life enrichment activities.
• Team Evaluations and Job Descriptions Reflecting MIL Values: The community ensures that job descriptions and team member evaluations align with MIL values, ensuring that the principles of dignity, respect, and community membership are integrated into every level of service.
• Sustainable Systems for Continued Success: Ecumen Detroit Lakes has put systems in place to ensure that their bronze and silver achievements are sustained, creating a lasting framework for excellence in care and resident engagement.
• Collaboration with CARD Experts: As part of the credentialing process, Ecumen Detroit Lakes completed a half-day site visit with a member of CARD to further refine and enhance their implementation of the Montessori principles.

Building on Bronze and Silver Milestones

This achievement follows a series of important milestones achieved during earlier stages of the process.

At the Bronze level, Ecumen Detroit Lakes focused on building relationships and creating an environment of choice and autonomy for residents and staff. These efforts included:

• Encouraging residents to call each other by name, enhancing personal connections.
• Providing residents with opportunities to make decisions, including participation in committees and volunteering for various roles.
• Promoting engaging interactions during family visits and ensuring cognitive ramps support wayfinding.

At the Silver level, the community expanded its commitment to ongoing learning and development, including:

• Implementing a system for in-service training led by internal trainers to ensure continuous growth.
• Emphasizing the community’s mission of dignity, equality, and respect.
• Ensuring residents have the ability to personalize their private spaces and contribute to decisions regarding shared areas.

Looking Ahead

With the Gold Credentialing, Ecumen Detroit Lakes has reaffirmed its position as a leader in creating a vibrant, empowered community where residents and team members are encouraged to live to their fullest potential. Moving forward, the community remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and continually innovating to improve the lives of residents and staff alike.

“Achieving this credential is just the beginning,” said Olson. “We will continue to build on this success and ensure that Ecumen Detroit Lakes remains a place where residents can thrive, feel valued, and enjoy a sense of community that is truly exceptional.”

Ecumen announced that Doug Harrison has joined its leadership team as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Harrison is an award-winning CEO, CFO, and COO with expertise in healthcare and nonprofit organizations. He brings more than 35 years of experience in finance and operations across senior living—including skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice, and home care—and is driven by a vision to change the world by serving others.

Harrison has successfully transformed business operations and enhanced financial sustainability in the organizations he’s served. Beyond healthcare and senior living, his experience spans companies such as Citigroup, Bank of America, Sprint, and Trinity Real Estate Solutions, the company he co-founded.

“Since Doug joined our team in an interim capacity several months ago, he has already made a significant impact. He combines his decades of experience with a genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn about our work. This combination has led to productive discussions and insightful perspectives that position us well financially,” said Shelley Kendrick, President & CEO of Ecumen.

Harrison graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Marketing and International Business and an MBA in Finance.

Richie’s story is one of determination, humor, and resilience. When Richie came to Ecumen Detroit Lakes, he had just experienced some challenges, but that didn’t stop him from holding onto his zest for life. In fact, it only fueled his desire to reclaim the things he loved most—his family, his business, and his passion for coaching lacrosse. Richie was frustrated by the changes that came with his obstacles, but he was ready to take on the challenge and push through it.

One of the first things Ecumen Detroit Lakes noticed about Richie was his strong personality and infectious energy. “He’s someone who has always approached life with vigor and enthusiasm, and he wasn’t going to let anything change that,” said Deerae Nelson, Ecumen Detroit Lake’s Speech Language Pathologist. As an avid lacrosse coach, an avid traveler, and a family man, Richie had always been on the go. This transition wasn’t easy for him, but it became clear early on that Richie had the resilience and spirit to take on the recovery process headfirst.

What made Richie’s experience even more special was his close bond with the Ecumen Detroit Lakes Transitional Care team. Richie, along with his family, quickly developed a strong rapport with everyone here. He jokes around and there’s always a playful back-and-forth about how the team is “plotting” new ways to challenge him. Richie’s sense of humor shines through in every interaction, and his positive attitude has kept the Detroit Lakes team smiling, even on tough days. His wit and perseverance have been truly inspiring.  

In keeping with the Montessori approach, the Ecumen Detroit Lakes team made sure to explore Richie’s interests and past hobbies. Being from Arizona, Richie shared with us one of his specialties—a mean guacamole! He even told the team about a few secret tricks for making it extra special, and of course, they had to ask him to whip up a batch for everyone. It was a fun and delicious way to celebrate his time at Ecumen Detroit Lakes while honoring one of his passions.

Richie’s journey with Ecumen Detroit Lakes may be coming to a close, but we’re confident that his zest for life will continue to carry him through. “We’re incredibly proud of the progress he’s made, and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next,” said Nelson.

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, it’s also a time of profound grief, especially if a loved one has passed away. The absence of someone important can make the holidays feel heavier, more difficult to navigate, and at times, isolating. It’s important to acknowledge that grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays. In fact, the season can sometimes bring those emotions into sharper focus.

If you’re grieving a loss during the holidays, you’re not alone in feeling the weight of the season. The sights, sounds, and traditions that once brought joy can now serve as painful reminders of the person who is no longer with you. While there’s no “right” way to grieve or experience loss, there are steps you can take to care for yourself as you navigate this difficult time, while also finding meaningful ways to honor your loved one.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel

Grief doesn’t pause for the holidays. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or even numb. Don’t force yourself to act cheerful if you’re not ready. Honor your emotions and take breaks when needed.

2. Create New Traditions or Modify Old Ones

Instead of trying to recreate past holidays, consider creating new traditions to honor your loved one. This might include lighting a candle in their memory, visiting a place they loved, or volunteering for a cause they cared about.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Grieving is exhausting. Be kind to yourself by getting rest, eating well, and engaging in gentle activities like walking or meditating. Set boundaries to avoid overcommitting and take time for quiet reflection.

4. Reach Out for Support

You don’t have to grieve alone. Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor. Share your feelings and let others know how they can help, whether it’s offering a listening ear or respecting your need for space. This holiday season, the Ecumen Hospice team is offering free presentations to help you navigate grief. These events are open to all and will be held at the following locations: Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley, Ecumen Seasons at Maplewood, Ecumen Litchfield, Ecumen Pathstone, Ecumen Lakeshore, and Ecumen North Branch.

5. Honor Your Loved One’s Memory

Take time to celebrate your loved one’s life. Light a candle, share stories, or make a donation to Ecumen in their name. These small acts can help keep their memory alive during the holidays.

6. Consider a Low-Key Approach

You don’t have to participate in every tradition or event. Opt for a simpler, quieter holiday if that feels more comforting. Take things one day at a time and listen to what you need.

7. Let Go of Guilt

Allow yourself to experience moments of joy without guilt. It’s okay to laugh or enjoy the season. Grief and joy can coexist, and embracing both is part of healing.

Navigating the holidays while grieving is difficult, but with self-compassion and meaningful ways to remember your loved one, you can move through this season with tenderness and resilience.

Ecumen is pleased to announce that Jenn Faris has joined the Ecumen Hospice team as Director – Hospice Operations.

Faris brings decades of experience in home health and hospice care to her new role. She most recently served as Program Manager for Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital’s hospice operations. Prior to that, she had an extensive 21-year tenure with Excela Home Health and Hospice in Greensburg, PA, where she held several key positions.

“I look forward to collaborating with Jenn to set standards, work with cross-functional teams, engage with regulatory bodies, and partner with industry leaders to ensure the highest quality of hospice care,” said Tami Haley, Ecumen’s Chief Nursing Officer. “We are excited to welcome Jenn to Ecumen and look forward to the expertise and leadership she will bring to our hospice operations.”

Faris holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, earned at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Ecumen North Branch is always looking for meaningful ways to engage with their community and make a positive impact. One special initiative that their residents look forward to every two weeks is the partnership with the Viking Vittles program, a local effort to support food-insecure students in the North Branch Area.

Here’s how it works: every two weeks, the Viking Vittles team drops off totes filled with brown paper lunch bags and stickers to Ecumen North Branch. The residents then roll up their sleeves and get to work—placing stickers on each lunch bag, turning them into a colorful part of a much larger effort. Once the bags are ready, they’re picked up and packed with meals for local schoolchildren in need.

It’s a simple yet impactful task, and the residents absolutely love it. It provides them with the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than themselves and connect with the local kids in a meaningful way. Knowing that their small act of kindness is part of a larger effort to support food-insecure students brings everyone a sense of purpose and pride.  

What is Viking Vittles?

Viking Vittles is a weekend backpack program created to help students in the North Branch Area Public Schools who face food insecurity. The program provides bags of food to children from pre-K through grade 5, ensuring that they have enough to eat over the weekend when school meals aren’t available. The program was launched in 2019 by Trinity Lutheran Church, in partnership with Family Pathways, and has grown with the support of the local community.

By partnering with Viking Vittles, Ecumen North Branch residents have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of local children. This simple act of packing lunch bags is a reminder of the power of community and the joy that comes from helping others, no matter how small the task may seem.

A Heartwarming Connection

For the Ecumen North Branch residents, the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause is more than just an activity—it’s a way to stay connected with the broader community and feel involved in something that truly matters. It’s also a chance to leave a legacy of kindness and support for the children in their own backyard.

As the Viking Vittles program continues to grow, so too does the spirit of giving in our community. They are proud to be a part of this wonderful initiative, and they look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that no child goes hungry over the weekend.

Thank you to Viking Vittles, Trinity Lutheran Church, Family Pathways, and all those who support this program.

We’re proud to announce that two Ecumen communities have been honored as 2024 Top Living Communities by Mpls. St. Paul Magazine.

To create this list, the Mpls. St. Paul Magazine partnered with DataJoe, a respected national research firm that specializes in local evaluations. They thoroughly assess care communities and resources based on several important factors, including availability, federal government ratings, the frequency of negative reports to state regulatory agencies, and overall community perception.

Congratulations to Abiitan Mill City, and Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley for earning this recognition as top assisted living communities.

For more details about their achievements, be sure to check out the November issue of Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, now available on newsstands.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes recently witnessed a heartwarming story that beautifully encapsulates the essence of creativity and support. It all began with Wayne, a talented individual whose history with painting was uncertain, but whose passion for art was undeniable.

Wayne’s journey into painting sparked from a simple yet powerful inspiration: “Bob Ross can do it, I think I can too.” With that belief, he picked up a brush, often completing a painting in just about an hour. His artistic endeavors weren’t limited to canvases; he also engaged in commercial and residential painting, showcasing his versatile skills.

The pivotal moment came when Deerae Nelson, Ecumen Detroit Lake’s Speech Therapist, took the initiative to showcase Wayne’s older artwork within the community. This not only highlighted his abilities but also celebrated his creative spirit, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Heather Spier, Ecumen Detroit Lakes RN Clinical Manager and Morgan Johnson, an Ecumen Detroit Lakes Nursing Assistant-Registered, further encouraged Wayne to explore his artistic side, even going as far as providing him with new supplies. However, Wayne initially hesitated, grappling with self-doubt about his capabilities.  

Recognizing his concerns, the team decided to let things unfold naturally for a while. Eventually, Heather reached out to his wife, enlisting her support in encouraging Wayne to give painting another shot. With her help, the team gathered his old supplies, including a cherished easel from years past.

“I reassured Wayne that art is a personal journey—it’s not about perfection but about expression,” said Heather. “I encouraged him to embrace the possibility of reinventing his style, reassuring him that it was perfectly okay if his work looked different from what he created years ago.”

Wayne is truly an incredible person, and the team said it was fulfilling to see him supported in pursuing something he loves. During a recent painting session, it was clear how knowledgeable and passionate he is about art. “He even taught me a thing or two while we painted together. The joy on his face was infectious, especially as he welcomed a couple of assistants who were eager to help,” said Heather.

“Heather played a crucial role in this process, embodying the principles of a Montessori-inspired culture. By understanding Wayne as an individual and focusing on his abilities, she removed barriers that might have hindered his creativity. She set up a painting station for him, allowing him to engage in a meaningful and fulfilling activity,” said Danielle Olson, Ecumen Detroit Lakes Executive Director. Stay tuned for updates on Wayne’s artistic journey!