BHHM Articles

Baptist Homes Benevolence History – A Complicated Story.

In this final installment of delving into the backstory of The Baptist Home’s benevolence journey, we will examine the need to move to a new methodology of providing care for our most financially vulnerable residents. We now turn to a new chapter that bridges the principles of our founding and the challenge to become the Christlike standard of care for the aging.

In December of 2024, our board of trustees voted to approve a recommendation from our Community Engagement Committee which will create a bridge from our past to our future. The John Burney Grant creates a process in which residents who do not have enough personal assets, and whose financial assistance from state and federal sources is less than the cost of their care, can apply for assistance to cover the remaining cost of their care.

The John Burney Grant will be led by the John Burney Grant Task Force—comprised of campus employees, the vice president of community engagement, and a trustee. The task force will administer this grant program using funds donated by you, our supporters. Each year, Baptist Homes will set aside a percentage of our proposed income budget to fund the John Burney Grant.

Campus executive directors, working with their campus business office director and social services director, will make application on behalf of a resident to receive the John Burney Grant. The John Burney Grant Task Force will then make the final recommendation to approve the application based upon the following criteria: available funds, the level of financial need of the applicant, and giving priority to those who have served in vocational ministry areas.

The name, John Burney Grant, is in honor of the third executive leader of The Baptist Home, John Burney. John Burney began his service to The Home as the ‘office man’ for Dr. D.J. Scott and then went on to serve as executive director of The Home from 1953 – 1974. In retirement, he served as a volunteer at The Home in Ironton, transporting residents to doctor’s visits and hospital stays until his advanced age led him to retire yet again. Later in life, John became a resident of the Arcadia Valley campus, where he lived the rest of his days.

During John’s tenure, The Home grew numerically, filling the Arcadia Valley campus, and securing financial stability for The Home after decades of crisis. His spirit, tenacity and quiet personality led The Home with a gentle touch which guided The Home into the modern nursing home era. His legacy now continues as the Baptist Homes seeks to remain true to our past of caring for the least of these and reaches creatively into the future while continuing that care.

Final Word… This has been a lengthy journey, but one I hope has shed light on who we are as The Baptist Home, and who we are striving to be as Baptist Homes and Healthcare Ministries.

March Neighbor Spotlight

Alice Hinch: From Caregiver to Neighbor

Born in Pittsfield, IL, Alice Hinch’s journey has taken her through many seasons of life—each marked by faith, resilience, and a heart for helping others. After her father passed away in 1964, she and her mother moved to St. Louis, where her mother began working to support their family.

Alice married Richard Varney in 1973, and they shared many years together until his passing in 1991. The following year, she married Cecil Hinch. Their time together was brief, however, and he too passed away in October 1992. Despite life’s hardships, Alice’s faith has remained steadfast—she accepted Jesus into her life at just 16 years old and continues to live out that faith each day.

In 1991, she worked as a CNA here and fell in love with the community. Years later, she chose to make it her home, finding comfort in the same place where she once cared for others.

Alice has a heart for people and a smile that brightens every room. She loves butterflies, cherishes the friendships she has made, and enjoys being part of the Baptist Homes family.

We are grateful for the joy she brings to our community!

President’s Reflections

The Impact of Our Neighbors

Lorena Mayhugh was born six years before the first Model A Ford rolled off the assembly line. A native of Missouri, she lived an extraordinary 103 years—dedicating her life to faith, family, and service. A devoted wife and mother, Lorena pursued higher education, earning a college degree before becoming an English teacher in California. However, her calling extended beyond the classroom—she answered God’s call to the mission field, serving faithfully in American Samoa and Bangkok, Thailand. Recognized as the “Oldest Living Missionary,” Lorena continued her mission work until the remarkable age of 96.

She once shared that she had planned since her youth for Baptist Homes to be her final “earthly address” before going home to the Lord. Her unwavering obedience to God touched countless lives, including those of my parents, who served alongside her at Jenness Park, a Baptist camp in California. Welcome home, Lorena.

 

Ed Goodwin, who faithfully served as executive director of Baptist Homes for over two decades, walked a path strikingly similar to that of our founder, Milford Riggs. Both men were first called to pastor First Baptist Church in Ironton before being led to serve at The Baptist Home. Throughout his life, Ed embodied humility and servant leadership, shaping the ministry with a heart devoted to Christ.

In his final years, Ed experienced the very ministry he helped build, residing in assisted living at Arcadia Valley before transitioning to the Goodwin wing, which provides nursing care. It is a fitting tribute that many of those he hired continue to serve Baptist Homes today, carrying forward the mission he helped cultivate. Thank you for your faithful service, Ed.

 

Lorena Mayhugh and Ed Goodwin touched countless lives through their faith and service. Baptist Homes was honored to care for them in their final days on earth. Today, we rejoice in knowing they are celebrating in the presence of the Lord. A personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior transforms the passing of loved ones like Ed and Lorena into a cause for hope and celebration. It is my commitment that every resident and staff member at Baptist Homes will have the opportunity to hear and witness the gospel of Jesus Christ during their time with us.

March Employee Spotlight

Vivian Hilsberry: A Helping Hand & a Caring Heart

At Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley, we are blessed to have dedicated team members who serve with passion and purpose. Among them is Director of Environmental Services Vivian Hilsberry, who has been a valued part of the BHHM family for 3 ½ years.

For Vivian, her work is more than just a job—it’s a calling. When asked about her favorite part of the role, she responded, “All of it. Being able to keep the neighbors’ rooms and areas pleasingly clean. I enjoy helping the neighbors and others in any way I can. It’s a pleasure to bring joy to their lives. I love BHHM—it’s a Christlike environment.” Her dedication to creating a warm and welcoming home for our residents is evident in everything she does.

Outside of work, Vivian enjoys spending time with her husband of 26 years and their family and friends. Whether she’s camping, fishing, kayaking, or reading, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life and embraces the beauty of the great outdoors.

We are grateful for Vivian’s kind heart, strong work ethic, and commitment to our residents and team. Thank you, Vivian, for all you do to make BHHM a place of comfort, care, and joy!

From Food Jars to Future Care: Giving to Baptist Homes (Part One)

Since its inception, Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries (BHHM) has been supported by donors who believe in caring for the aged. In 1913, Dr. Milford Riggs appealed for donations of “food jars” to feed the residents. History reveals that on many occasions if it had not been for the arrival of food deliveries on the Missouri-Pacific rail line, the Home would have had to close. Donor support has been a blessing throughout Baptist Homes’ history.

BHHM is still receiving financial gifts from donors that sustain the ongoing mission of Christlike care for our residents. Let’s explore the donation methods.

One-Time Donations

One-time donations can be made by:

• Cash or check

This has the most immediate impact on Baptist Homes’ mission. It’s a simple process that qualifies as a full tax deduction in the current year.

• Online giving

This is a convenient and quick giving option via the BHHM website (https://give.bhhm.org/checkout/25763 ) BHHM provides secure electronic transaction processing that gives an immediate gift receipt for personal giving records.

• Special event contributions

Baptist Homes creates events for fellowship and engagement with the Baptist Homes community. In 2025, save the date for the Baptist Homes of Ashland Golf Tournament on June 23 at Tanglewood Golf Course, Fulton, MO. (Insert link to the promotion and registration page.) The Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley Fall Festival offers crafts, music, and fun during autumn colors of Iron County in September. More info to come.

Recurring Giving

Recurring giving is made via monthly or quarterly donations for the donor’s ease and predictability. A plan can be arranged to donate via mail or electronically through the Baptist Homes website. Donors can arrange donations through automatic bank transfers.

Next month, we’ll review donation methods to BHHM through planned giving. If you have questions, call 573-822-4319, or email me at ndavis@bhhm.org.

Gifts That Give Back!

Charitable Gift Annuity

A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a lifelong contract where a donation is made to Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries (BHHM) in exchange for fixed income payments. The CGA can be funded with cash donations, but possibly also securities and gifts of personal property. BHHM pays the donor a fixed income for life, based on age at the time of the gift, life expectancy, and whether there are one or two beneficiaries. Donors may also be eligible to take a tax deduction at the time of the original gift. A portion of the payments the donor receives may also be tax-free for a period of time. At the end of the donor’s life — or the second donor’s life if the CGA is arranged for two people — BHHM is entitled to the remainder of the gift.

NAP Tax Credit

Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries has been approved by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (MODED) to issue $350,000 worth of Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits to assist in the funding of renovations at our Arcadia Valley campus in Ironton, MO.

These credits are issued at a 70% rate due to the economic conditions of Iron County and thus have a net value to Baptist Homes of $500,000. Renovations will include creating a series of efficiency suites on the second and third floors of the historic Riggs Scott Building.

NAP tax credits are used to offset an eligible donor’s state income tax liability and are claimed when the donor files their Missouri tax return. The credit may be used against taxes owed for the year of the donation plus five additional tax periods. As a simple illustration, a $5000 donation will reduce a Missouri State Tax obligation of $5000 to $1500.

The Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Act makes this credit available to any person, firm, or corporation with business income in the state of Missouri. Any qualified person, firm, or corporation in business in Missouri is eligible to receive credits, including individuals who operate a sole proprietorship, operate a farm, have rental property, or have royalty income, as well as a shareholder in an S-corporation, a partner in a Partnership or a member of a Limited Liability Corporation.

For more information about these giving opportunities, please contact Director of Advancement Nick Davis at ndavis@bhhm.org.

Baptist Homes Benevolence History – A Complicated Story Part 6

If you have stayed with us through the past six installments of the My Home digital newsletters’ lengthy explorations of the “Baptist Homes Benevolence History – A Complicated Story”, congratulations, you deserve some kind of reward!  In this, our final installment, we will explore a hopeful path forward for Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries.

Using Medicare and Medicaid funding to cover the vast majority of the cost of care for our residents has moved Baptist Homes from the precipice of irrelevance to the pathway of greater ministry opportunities.

With over 84% of seniors funding the cost of their care through the tax payor funded programs of Medicare and Medicaid, is there any further role for the individuals, churches and denomination who have supported Baptist Homes for over a century? The unequivocal answer is a resounding yes! In fact, we now have the opportunity to be hyper-focused on how your support can bless this ministry, and we have a new funding initiative to meet those future needs.

There are three major areas of financial need for the Baptist Homes that are unique to our ministry as we seek to be a ministry which sets the standard for Christlike care for the aging. Those areas are: meeting the spiritual needs of all of our residents, financially assisting those pastors who lack resources, and providing assistance for those who lack enough funds for assisted living.

Yes, it is difficult to ask for your support to minister to the spiritual needs of our residents in a climate in which we have had to temporarily release our campus pastors. However, through a renewed effort to involve local churches as leaders in the “Soul Care” on our campuses, we are seeing a greater involvement and interest in those worship, Bible study, and prayer opportunities on our campuses. So, we ask for your continued support, both financially and through your direct involvement on our campuses, leading in the various spiritual initiatives to evangelize and disciple our residents.

The second area where we need your financial assistance is supporting pastors around our state who opted out of Social Security at some point in their ministry. What many of them did not realize was this process eliminated access to Medicare insurance as well as Social Security income. Today, they are living on very limited resources. We are addressing this need at our Arcadia Valley campus through the ongoing remodeling of a portion of the Riggs Scott building to provide studio apartment living at a very modest cost. Even with this modest cost, there are pastors who will need our assistance.

A final area of needed support is covering the financial gap for assisted living residents. Until recently, there was no payment source from tax payor funded resources for assisted living. This meant that a significant portion of our potential residents did not have enough income to cover the cost of assisted living. Recently, we have begun participating in the Medicaid-funded Home & Community Based Services, which provides a significant portion of the assisted living costs. However, there is still a shortfall in that coverage that needs to be fulfilled.

Also recently, our board approved a recommendation from our Benevolent Task Force to create the John Burney Assistance Grant. Named for the longest-tenured leader of The Baptist Home, this grant process will provide up to $500 per month to cover the shortfall in the cost of care for pastors who choose to live at our Shepherd’s Home location at our Arcadia Valley campus, and to supplement the cost of assisted living residents on all of our campuses.

Moving from a strictly private pay model which focused on ministry to those who could not afford the total cost of their care to the tax payor funded processes of Medicare and Medicaid has been a journey that has taken the combined efforts of executive staff, campus leaders, and trustees. We believe that the combined utilization of tax payor funded mechanisms and the John Burney Assistance Grant will help stabilize the financial future of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries and open the door to great opportunities of ministry.

Seasonal Changes

The change of seasons is marked differently by different people. I know folks who take down Christmas decorations the day after Christmas. Julie and I tend to wait until the end of Christmastide on January 6. I have neighbors whose trees and lights will be up and lit until the first days of spring. While the changing of seasons may be observed differently by people based on tradition, culture, context, and weather, God is always in control. We are reminded of this truth when the prophet Daniel tells King Nebuchadnezzar, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21).

Julie and I planted ten apple trees in the fall of 2017. For fruit trees to express their full potential, they must be pruned. Seasonal pruning allows the tree to focus its growth, thus enabling the branches to receive sunlight that allows them to grow and bear fruit.  Ministries also go through seasons of pruning and growth. In 2024, Baptist Homes celebrated the opening of Baptist Homes of Adrian and Baptist Homes of Tri-County (Vandalia). The past year also saw ownership and operations of the Chillicothe campus transfer to Legacy Living.  What will 2025 bring?  We recently announced the upcoming transfer of ownership and operations of the Independence campus to Prime Healthcare, whose corporate offices are in Independence. We have already seen the assumption of operations and ownership of Baptist Homes of Shelbina. In the coming months, Baptist Homes will celebrate the completion of the Ashland campus and the opening of Smithville.

Unlike fruit trees that are pruned regularly, the changes at Baptist Homes are likely a once in a generation adjustment, with parallel outcomes of bearing fruit. Our mission to joyfully provide Christlike care, education, and advocacy for the aging is unwavering. Our purpose to please God and help others do the same is clear. God, in His grace, has provided this ministry with a board and leadership team that tirelessly seeks to make Christlike ministry the standard of care for the aging.

In February 2019, I stood below the branches of our apple trees. In 18 months, they had tripled in size. While they looked healthy from a distance, most of the growth was inward. While an abundance of second guessing had delayed my getting started, two hours later the apple trees were pruned. Two years later, I ate the first fruits of these efforts. Much like the pruning of trees in the correct season, seasonal changes can be daunting. I am thankful God is in control. Please join me in welcoming our new campuses, and pray for those that are, or will be, under new ownership during this season of change.

 

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison

February Neighbor Spotlight: David Smith

This month’s Neighbor Spotlight is David Smith, a valued member of our Baptist Homes of Ozark community.

David was born on January 28, 1932, in Texarkana, Arkansas. After serving four years in the Navy, he attended the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1959 with a degree in business. He began his career at Georgia Pacific working with plywood, before advancing to accounting and eventually becoming vice president of the company’s railroad subsidiary.

On June 6, 1966, David married Verla, now a fellow resident at Baptist Homes. He became a devoted stepfather to her two young sons, and together they later welcomed a daughter. Their family grew to include six grandchildren.

In 2009, David and Verla moved to Ozark to be closer to their daughter. They first lived in the Outback at Baptist Homes before transitioning to the main facility over the past three years.

Faith has always been central to David’s life. He was raised in the church and attended every Sunday. Over the years, he has enjoyed stamp collecting, squirrel hunting, and scouting. These days, he finds joy in puzzles, Bingo, and sharing fellowship with friends.

We are grateful to have David in our community and celebrate his journey of faith, family, and service.

February 2025 Employee Spotlight – Debbie Darling

This month, we are excited to shine the spotlight on Debbie Darling, the dedicated Head of Laundry at Baptist Homes of Shelbina. Debbie has been a key member of the team for nearly 11 years at the facility formerly known as Salt River Community Care Center, which officially became part of the Baptist Homes family just last month.

Debbie’s favorite part of her job is delivering clothes to the residents and having the chance to visit with them individually. “It’s these personal connections that make my role so rewarding, ensuring that each resident feels seen and cared for, even in the smallest of ways,” she explains. Her passion for making these connections is evident, and it’s clear that the residents look forward to her visits just as much as she enjoys making them.

When Debbie isn’t caring for the laundry needs of the facility, she enjoys spending time with her family and indulging in one of her favorite hobbies: horseback riding. Married for 23 years, she is a proud mother of four biological children and two stepchildren.

Looking to the future, Debbie remains committed to her role at Baptist Homes of Shelbina. When asked where she sees herself in three years, she confidently says, “I plan to still be working here in the laundry department.” Her dedication to the facility and its residents is unwavering, and it’s clear she’ll continue to make a difference in the lives of those she serves.

We are grateful to have Debbie as part of our team as we begin this new chapter at Baptist Homes of Shelbina. Her dedication, care, and commitment to both her family and our residents embody the values we hold dear.

Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries Announces Addition of Eight Campus

BAPTIST HOMES & HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF EIGHTH CAMPUS

Jefferson City, MO, January 3, 2025: Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries is pleased to announce the inclusion of the former Salt River Care Center, Shelbina, MO, as the eighth campus of the Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries family. The campus, located in Shelbina on Hwy 36 west of Hannibal, MO and east of Macon, MO, has served the NEMO area for over 50 years. The Shelbina facility provides skilled nursing and memory care on a very nice campus on the northern edge of Shelbina, visible from Hwy 36. Salt River Care Center Board President Jerry Myers says of the transition, “In the summer of 2022, it became apparent to the board of Salt River Nursing Home that a change of operation was needed if SRCC was to remain open. BHHM was contacted not only because they were seeking to expand, but also because their guiding principles closely matched those of SRCC. During this transition, BHHM has been a strong supporter of SRCC through finances, consulting services, and prayers. The other SRCC board members and I have met many times with representatives of BHHM and are convinced that BHHM will continue to provide the highest quality of care that SRCC has been known for during the past 51 years of its existence.”

Alex Edris, executive director of the former Salt River Care Center and now leader of Baptist Homes of Shelbina, says, “This home will continue to serve the unique needs of our elderly population and enhance their quality of life. By fostering stronger connections between families, healthcare providers, and our community, we can create environments where older adults are treated with respect, empowered to live meaningfully, and given the opportunity to age with grace and comfort.” Dr. Rodney Harrison, CEO of BHHM commented, “The quality of care that Salt River Care Center and other not-for-profit nursing homes provide is well recognized by the industry. However, the ability to survive as a stand-alone nursing home in a rural setting is no longer feasible. By uniting with Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries, the campus joins a ministry that has served the needs of seniors in Missouri for 112 years.”

To learn more about Baptist Homes of Shelbina, please contact the campus at 573-588-4175, or aedris@bhhm.org.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement, at 636-375-1331, or rdmackey@bhhm.org

Baptist Homes Benevolence History – A Complicated Story part 5

Baptist Homes Benevolence History – A Complicated Story Part 5

To this point, we have explored the necessary creation of the Benevolent Fund as the major source of funding for Baptist Homes, enabling The Home to care for those who lacked the resources to cover the cost of that care. As modern nursing care was established for the care of aging seniors in the last half of the 20^th century, a quandary arose for The Baptist Home. In a world where more and more aging seniors were utilizing the federal government as the payor source for their long-term care needs, how long could The Baptist Home survive depending upon donations to cover the ever-increasing cost of care for seniors?

In our last installment, we explored the development of the Benevolent Task Force and the entrance into the world of Medicare and Medicaid services. This entrance was facilitated by the purchase of existing Medicare/Medicaid homes and the discovery that participating in Medicare/Medicaid was possible at our legacy campuses.

At this point, I would like to explore the philosophical issues participating in government funding sources brought to Baptist Homes. When Medicare and Medicaid services were first introduced in 1965, The Baptist Home chose not to participate in this plan as we already had 50+ years of experience in funding care for our residents. There was also a concern that receiving government funds would bring unwanted intrusion and regulations.

Today, nearly 60 years after the creation of Medicare/Medicaid services and the modern, highly regulated world of long-term care, we now are challenged to find a way forward in a world where 84% of seniors use Medicare/Medicaid services to pay for their long-term care costs. In the mid-1990s, the benevolent cost per resident at The Baptist Home was $15,000 annually. By 2022, that cost had ballooned to nearly $60,000 annually. This increased cost brought us to a moment of crisis. Do we stay the course and run the risk of becoming increasingly irrelevant or do we move into the world of government funding where 98% of other long-term care providers served?

Before entering the world of Medicare/Medicaid services, Baptist Homes faced the same regulatory processes as any long-term care provider. Even though we did not receive government funding, we faced the same regulatory processes.

Having entered the world of Medicare/Medicaid services at our Adrian, Vandalia, Arcadia Valley, and soon-to-be Ashland and Shelbina campuses, we have learned several things. First, the engagement process is complicated and time-consuming. Second, the process has brought Baptist Homes into the world of most long-term care providers—before this, we were on the outside looking in. Third, we are now able to offer services to more seniors than we could in the past. Too often, we were saying no due to a lack of private funding for those needing financial support.

Recently, we have learned of a program offered through Medicaid Services which is making it possible to offer care to those needing assisted living who are unable to cover the cost of assisted living care. Medicaid’s Home & Community Based Services provides resources to supplement the cost of care for seniors in their homes or at assisted living campuses such as ours at Arcadia Valley, Adrian, Ashland, Vandalia, and eventually at our Ozark Campus.

This opportunity led our board to transition our Benevolence Task Force to meet these new opportunities. In our next installment, we will explore this new opportunity as a bridge for our donors between the past needs of our ministry and future opportunities.

Next time… explore a new opportunity to remain a blessing to those who need our support.

 

By Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement