Commitment to Connection Creates Ecumen’s “Operation Holiday Cheer”

SHOREVIEW, MN (December 16, 2022) — Keeping people safe and connected has long been a goal at Ecumen

Two years ago – when COVID prevented in-person visits – connections with others took on even more importance. It was at that time that a group of Ecumen team members spearheaded a project to ensure that every single person who lived in an Ecumen community received a bit of holiday cheer in the form of a personal card from an Ecumen team member. It was then that Ecumen’s “Operation Holiday Cheer” was born.

“We decided to do this project because we realized how important it was to stay connected to our mission of serving our older adults – including many who may not have family or friends visiting,” said Mel Sullivan, Ecumen’s Chief People Officer. “It’s a testament to how deeply all of our team members – no matter their role – care about those we serve.”

Team members from every department participated. Some team members created handmade cards, while others included their kids or grandchildren in the card making. Ecumen’s Finance Team got together for “Cards and Cupcakes” and wrote out 200 of the 2,400 total cards distributed to residents.

“This was a great opportunity for our team to meet in person and spread cheer to Ecumen residents,” said Susie Schuh, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. “We know that these cards mean so much to the residents and it’s also an opportunity for us to thank them for choosing Ecumen.”