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After moving into Ecumen Pathstone in Mankato, Mick realized he had a problem. He had a collection of movies that he brought with him, but he didn’t have a DVD player that worked. That sparked an idea that the Ecumen team was happy to help him pursue. He decided to start hosting movie nights for all of his fellow residents so they could enjoy the movies together.

“I love watching movies,” said Mick. “It keeps your mind occupied, and it can let you enter a dream world. Your mind wanders and you can put yourself there.”

Two nights a week, Mick invites residents to a common room where they sit and enjoy a movie together. He posts the schedule in advance so people can know what to expect. Some movies attract bigger crowds than others but Mick says every time they get together you can feel the energy and enjoyment in the room.

“Watching TV or a movie by yourself can be fine,” he said, “but it’s different when you watch something together. It can be really nice.”

Ecumen Pathstone team members say Mick’s movie nights are a perfect example of what can happen when residents are encouraged to pursue and share things they are passionate about. It gave residents some additional evening activities, which they were asking for. It also allowed Mick to take on a leadership role doing something that he loves.

“Being allowed to choose things for myself and show these movies makes me feel like I’m more a part of the group,” he said. “I like that I’m able to offer something that people like.”

Mick has enjoyed sharing some of his all-time favorite movies, like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Other residents and team members have also started suggesting movies for him to show, contributing their own DVDs to the library. Mick says they are even considering taking a trip to the library to check out some additional titles.

No matter what the movie is, Mick says the experience of watching things as a group is special. He recalls one movie night when they played The Sound of Music.

“There wasn’t a huge turnout, but they loved it,” he said. “We were watching the movie and when it got to a touching part one of the ladies beside me just took my hand and gave it a nice little squeeze. It was really nice.”

It can be a lot of work to plan and host events a couple of times a week, but Mick says it’s all worth it. He says he is proud to be able to give residents moments to look forward to, and simply knowing that someone sat and enjoyed a movie with him is what matters most of all.

Ecumen is helping older adults pursue their passions and use their skills. As part of a new initiative, Ecumen North Branch, Ecumen Pathstone, and Ecumen Detroit Lakes are implementing an innovative program based on the “Montessori method,” emphasizing residents’ interests and abilities rather than their limitations. This new initiative builds on Ecumen’s award-winning Awakenings care-giving model, which focuses on individual needs to support the highest quality of life. Adding a Montessori framework to this model is giving Ecumen team members new tools and resources to help residents find meaning and purpose in their everyday lives.

Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights recently celebrated a major milestone with the completion of its long-anticipated renovations. The celebration was a remarkable afternoon, filled with joy, gratitude, and a profound sense of community among residents, team members, and visitors alike.

The event’s centerpiece was a heartfelt dedication ceremony led by Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights housing manager, Mara Krinke. The ceremony was further elevated by live music that created an uplifting atmosphere, and a special blessing over the community, leaving attendees inspired and connected.

“This event was incredibly meaningful to me and to those we serve,” said Krinke. “Seeing our community come together to celebrate these beautiful renovations filled me with such joy. I’m so excited to witness how these updates will continue to enhance the lives of those who call us home and help our community flourish even more in the years to come.” 

These extensive renovations were made possible through the generous support of the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing the project to life. Ecumen expressed deep gratitude to the Foundation for its longstanding commitment to enhancing the lives of the community’s residents.

The renovations include significant improvements, such as the much-anticipated accessible door to the Zen Garden, roofing and townhome enhancements, and improved transportation options, which now offer greater access to the wider community. The Foundation’s recent $1,000,000 award to Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights was pivotal in making these enhancements possible.

For nearly 25 years, the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Ecumen, benefiting over 4,000 community members through various projects. These have included building renovations, grounds improvements, enhanced health and wellness spaces, transportation initiatives, and the sponsorship of cornerstone community events.

The success of the event was largely due to the dedicated efforts of Ecumen team members, who worked tirelessly to organize an open house that was not only memorable but also inclusive of the broader community. Their hard work ensured that the day was a fitting celebration of the newly refreshed spaces.

A significant community project aimed at enhancing outdoor spaces and connecting residents with nature has received substantial financial backing from various organizations. The project, which includes the development of a nature trail and an upper patio area, has garnered a total of over $160,000 in grants and contributions, demonstrating strong local support.

The West Central Initiative has given $28,000 in grant dollars, playing a crucial role in advancing the project. Additionally, the Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District has contributed a generous $74,602.25. This support is bolstered by a $10,000 donation from the Douglas County Water Quality Legacy Fund, highlighting the project’s alignment with environmental and conservation goals.

Moreover, the City of Alexandria has shown its commitment to the initiative by pitching in $49,300. These combined funds are facilitating the ongoing development of the nature trail, with visible progress already made on the ground. The new outdoor spaces are intended to provide residents with recreational areas that promote physical activity, environmental education, and community gathering.

The project’s team members and residents have expressed deep gratitude to all the donors and organizations that have made this possible. “We are beyond excited to share that we have received numerous grants regarding this project, allowing us to continue with the nature trail and upper patio portion of our project,” said Wendy Halbe, housing director at Ecumen Bethel Manor and Winona Shores. “Our team members and residents are extremely grateful to all donors who have made this project possible. It’s been a joy for many to watch this project come together.”

The ongoing development is a testament to the community’s commitment to enhancing local amenities and fostering a closer connection to nature. As the project progresses, Ecumen Bethel Manor and Winona Shores invites more community members to get involved and support this transformative endeavor.

In a heartwarming celebration, Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community in Monticello unveiled its newly upgraded walking trail, a project made possible through the generosity of community donors. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ecumen President & CEO, Shelley Kendrick, who acknowledged the vital role of residents in advocating for the trail.

On August 1st, residents, team members, and Monticello Mayor Lloyd Hilgart, gathered to mark the occasion, highlighting the importance of the new trail in promoting physical activity and well-being among residents. Shelley Kendrick, in her address, expressed gratitude to the community and residents, who played a crucial role in identifying the need for such a facility.

“Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and it was their voices that highlighted the need for this new trail. We are thrilled to provide them with a space where they can continue to stay active and enjoy the beautiful surroundings,” said Shelley Kendrick.

Residents of Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community-Monticello are equally enthusiastic about the new addition. The trail offers a safe and scenic environment for residents to exercise and socialize, contributing to their overall health and quality of life. Many expressed excitement about having a dedicated space to “get their steps in” and maintain an active lifestyle.

This upgraded walking trail is a significant enhancement for the community, providing a valuable resource for residents to thrive both physically and socially. It stands as a testament to the importance of listening to and addressing the needs of those we serve.