BHHM Articles

A Fresh View from 30,000′

A Fresh View from 30,000’

While the phrase “A view from 30,000’” has long been a part of the western dialect, it has been adopted metaphorically, particularly in business and ministry, to describe a big-picture overview that is free from minor, distracting details. This is often contrasted with a more granular view, sometimes called being “down in the weeds.”

As we prepare for the final quarter of 2025, Baptist Homes is emerging from a season of austerity and entering a season of ministry impact. This new season is punctuated by faithful stewardship and reinvestment into the ministry. The Baptist Homes of 2025 provides more assisted living and skilled nursing care than at any time in our history. These levels of care will continue to expand with the opening of the new Ashland facility, turning what has been an independent-living-only community to a continuum of care campus offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. This age-in-place model of care is now available at our Arcadia Valley, Ashland, and Ozark campuses.

Quality care requires quality people, and the view from 30,000’ includes some significant recognitions. In 2025, seven team members were honored by LeadingAge Missouri for making Ripples of Impact for their service to the aging. The ministry also received the National Heritage Award from the National Deer Association for the outdoor initiative that connects residents with volunteers from local churches by mentoring relationships outdoors in God’s creation.

The view from 30,000’ reveals some changes as well. The former Chillicothe and Independence campuses continue serving the needs of seniors, but under new ownership. The additions of Adrian, Shelbina, and Vandalia have made the quality of care Baptist Homes is known for accessible to folks in Kansas City and northeast Missouri.

As we expand our campuses, we also continue to expand access to Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid services. Licensed memory care services are provided at Shelbina and Vandalia. Several locations currently offer outpatient therapy and short-term rehabilitation service, and renovations are underway to expand these offerings.

From 30,000’, we are exploring several possibilities for the future. These include stroke rehabilitation certification and utilization of non-invasive monitoring that weaves AI-powered technologies with human expertise to deliver quality care and peace of mind to residents and their families.

At the heart of all we do are the administrators at each campus. These men and women are committed to the mission of providing Christlike care for the aging. Each is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. These leaders guide their teams with knowledge and understanding that supports the Baptist Homes purpose of pleasing God and helping others do the same.

This new season is an exciting time for Baptist Homes, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing exceptional care and support to our communities. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

 

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison

Neighbor Spotlight: Ramona Harpending

Faithful Hands, Loving Heart

This month, we are delighted to feature Ramona Harpending, a beloved resident at Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley.

Ramona was born on March 29, 1936, at her family home in Kentucky. In 1940, when she was just four years old, her family moved to Missouri, where she has lived ever since. Ramona never married but lovingly devoted her life to caring for her mother until her passing. Afterward, she lived independently for 16 years before joining Baptist Homes in 2018.

Though she had no children of her own, Ramona helped raise two children for a single parent and loved them as if they were her own. She also placed a high value on education, attending Harris Stowe Teachers College in 1975. She studied art, psychology, drama, and general studies—graduating with honors on May 23, 1980. The school has since become Harris Stowe State University.

Faith has been a guiding part of Ramona’s life. In September 1945, she accepted Jesus into her heart at Tower Grove Baptist Church. Her love for serving others led her to sign for deaf members of the church and even teach a sign language class.

Today, Ramona enjoys reading, writing letters to friends, attending chapel services, and playing games with fellow residents, thanks to our Activity Director.

We are so thankful for Ramona’s gentle spirit, love of learning, and faithful service. She is a true blessing to our Baptist Homes family.

Preparing for Year-End Giving

Part One

 Michael Altshuler is a successful motivational speaker and entrepreneur. A recent quote of his got me thinking about year-end giving. He said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” This is a good reminder that even though it’s October, it’s worth our time, attention, and prayer to strategize for year-end giving. 

For most nonprofit organizations, year-end gifts are crucial for operational expenses, programs, and achieving annual financial goals. It’s also about building future momentum. For Baptist Homes, we seek to build a culture of generosity that sustains our mission – “to joyfully serve in a Christlike manner by educating, advocating, and caring for the aging for the glory of God.” For over 112 years, Baptist Homes’ mission has been to care for the aged. It is still the calling from God that drives what we do today and tomorrow. 

Here are things to consider for your year-end giving. 

Choosing Your Donation Method 

There are various ways to donate to Baptist Homes, including cash, securities, stock, in-kind donations, NAP state tax credit donations, and IRA qualified charitable distributions. 

Cash donations can be made by check, credit card, or electronic funds transfer. 

Donating securities, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, involves transferring these assets directly to BHHM instead of selling them and donating the cash. This “win-win” strategy allows the donor to avoid paying capital gains tax on appreciated stock and potentially receive a larger income tax deduction. Once received, BHHM sells the securities to support our mission. 

In-kind donations are gifts of goods or services that help BHHM fulfill its mission and reduce operating costs. Examples include goods, services (e.g. legal advice, accounting, IT support, graphic design, or web development), intangible items: Donated advertising time or access to a resource or gift cards (though they have a dollar amount, they’re treated as in-kind donations because they aren’t direct cash). 

NAP state tax credit donation -NAP tax credits offset an eligible donor’s state income tax liability, claimed when filing their Missouri tax return. The credit applies to taxes owed for the year of the donation plus five additional tax periods. These credits are issued at a 70% rate of the donation. For example, a $5000 donation will reduce a Missouri State Tax obligation of $5000 to $1500.    

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions – IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow individuals age 70½ or older to transfer funds from a traditional IRA directly to BHHM, up to a limit (e.g., $108,000 for 2025). This donation provides a tax benefit by excluding the distribution from taxable income and satisfies a donor’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). QCDs benefit donors who take the standard deduction, as they offer a tax advantage without itemizing. 

For questions about the above information, contact BHHM’s Community Engagement office at 573-546-2709. 

Next month we’ll explore ways to maximize your year-end giving impact! 

Nick Davis, Director of Advancement

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” and Its Impact on Senior Care

Reactions to the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) vary widely. For senior care providers, some provisions appear helpful, others introduce additional administrative burdens, and still others carry consequences that remain uncertain.

What is clear, however, is that this new law will both directly and indirectly affect the operations and strategies of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries. In many ways, how Missouri lawmakers respond to the federal Budget Reconciliation law over the next two years will shape our mission even more than the federal provisions themselves.

What We Know

The BBB reduces federal Medicaid spending by more than $1 trillion over the next decade. According to the Congressional Budget Office, as many as 16 million Americans may lose Medicaid benefits—including approximately 170,000 Missourians. Most of those affected are under 65 and are individuals with limited or no disabilities, according to published reports.

Key changes in the current reading of the law include increasing the Medicaid requalification periods from annual to biannual redeterminations and reducing retroactive payments for new Medicaid eligibility from months to two months. These changes will increase administrative loads by requiring biannual verification of Medicaid qualifications and will reduce reimbursement for most new Medicaid residents by one month, which places an additional burden on families and facilities.

The majority of those at risk of Medicaid cuts live in the “Medicaid expansion states.” In 41 states, including Missouri, voters approved expanded eligibility beyond federal guidelines. As a result, Missouri is projected to receive $21.1 billion less in federal funding over the next ten years.

It is important to note that residents of assisted living homes and skilled care facilities who are 65 and older are not the target of these reductions and are generally exempt from these cuts.

What This Means for Baptist Homes

Despite headlines warning that “1,600 Nursing Homes Will Close Without Financial Support from Congress,” widespread closures are unlikely. Even so, Baptist Homes will face increased administrative costs and new layers of complexity in managing care, compliance, and financial planning. The new budget also shields skilled care providers such as Baptist Homes from a proposed increase in RN coverage, which is helpful given the nursing shortage across Missouri.

A Steadfast Hope

Psalm 112:6–7 reminds us: “The righteous will never be shaken; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” As we navigate these changes, we do so with confidence that the Lord will continue to provide for His people and sustain the mission of Baptist Homes.

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison

The Big Beautiful Campus Tour

Earlier this year, our executive team and corporate staff began meeting virtually with our campus leadership staff as a part of the first fifteen minutes of their stand-up meetings.  The reason for these meetings is to create better familiarity between our staff no matter where they work.

A few weeks ago, the question was asked of our administrators during one such meeting, “If you could be CEO for a day, what would you do?” The consensus was that all the administrators would tour each campus together to better see what the daily life of each of our campuses is like.

Well, it only took Dr. Harrison a millisecond to decide that we (he and I) were going to take our administrators on a tour of our campuses together. A title was dreamed up – “The Big Beautiful Campus Tour”—t-shirts were created, and the seven of us piled into two company vehicles and set out on the journey. While driving, we all listened to a book by Chad Hodges, “Pray First”, with the intention of reminding us that praying first and foremost is not just a novel idea, but an essential priority for our ministry.

We began at our Ashland campus for a tour, dinner together, and time to get to know one another better, with the men bunking at the ranch house on the Ashland campus and the ladies staying with Susan and Andy Braams at their home nearby.  The next morning, the odyssey began. We set out early driving to the Shelbina campus for breakfast, a tour, and a time of prayer for the campus. Next was the commute to the Vandalia campus, where the same process occurred. That evening was completed with a longer drive to the Arcadia Valley campus, with dinner hosted by the campus, a tour, and a worship service that evening led by Rev. John Canterberry, pastor of First Baptist Church, Iron Mountain, and Baptist Homes trustee. That night, we lodged at the Arcadia Valley campus, staying in rooms that have been used for over a century.

The next day, we finished the tour with the same itinerary at the Ozark and Adrian campuses, ending the day with dinner at the Harrisons’ home and a tour of the Smithville campus. We finished the tour with breakfast and a return trip to the Ashland campus.

You might be asking, what was the point of this three day, 15 hours in a car, 900-mile craziness? Well, in some ways that was the point—time together listening to a book on prayer and actually praying together for extended periods of time, visiting each other’s campuses and witnessing the blessings and the challenges unique to each campus and local culture, and creating a bond between our campus leaders. I had the privilege to listen to them laugh, joke, commiserate, and pray together. And I can honestly conclude, these leaders are serving Baptist Homes from a deep sense of calling. They are passionate in their leadership, committed to their tasks, and love their residents and staff deeply.

Sometimes you just need to do something off the cuff and a bit crazy to learn something new and understand the world around you better.

By Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement

Neighbor Spotlight: Betty Jackson

A life Crafted with Love & Joy

This month, we are delighted to introduce you to Betty Jackson, a cherished neighbor at our Tri-County campus in Vandalia.

Betty was born in Hartshorn, Missouri, in 1955. In February of 1974, she married her beloved husband, Jerry. That same year, in April of 1974, Betty accepted Jesus into her heart—a decision that continues to guide her life today. She and Jerry shared 43 wonderful years together until his passing.

Education has always been important to Betty. She attended Webster University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business accounting. Alongside her academic achievements, she has many hobbies that bring her joy, including sewing, diamond painting, and most of all, spending time with her family.

One Big Beautiful Bill Impact

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, has key tax provisions.

New Deduction

Effective 2025-2028, individuals aged 65 and older may claim an additional deduction of $6,000. This new deduction is in addition to the current standard deduction. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). To qualify, a taxpayer must turn 65 by the last day of the taxable year. The deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.[1]

Charitable Giving

Starting in 2026, the new legislation will impact charitable giving:

• New deduction for nonitemizers. Nonitemizers can deduct up to $1,000 for gifts to qualified public charities, excluding donor-advised funds.
• New cap on deductions for top earners. Itemizers in the 37% tax bracket will have deductions capped at 35%. Consider giving now instead of waiting.
• New minimum giving threshold. Itemized gifts must exceed 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) before you can claim a deduction. Some advisors suggest bunching charitable gifts for multiple years into 2025 to avoid this giving floor.
• Extended deduction limit for gifts of cash. The 60%-of-Adjusted Gross Income limit for cash gifts to public charities is now permanent.[2]

[1] https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-tax-deductions-for-working-americans-and-seniors

[2] Endowment Development Services, “Seven Strategies for Year-End Giving”

Employee Spotlight: Shanna Swatosh

Making Waves in Resident’s Hearts

This month, we’re excited to feature Shanna Swatosh, who serves in our Environmental Services Department at our Adrian campus.

Shanna has been a part of the BHHM family for one year. When asked what she enjoys most about her work, she shared without hesitation: “The residents.”

Outside of work, Shanna’s world is filled with family—she is the proud mom of six children and grandmother to four grandchildren. She enjoys spending time in or around water, whether it’s swimming, canoeing, or any water-related activity.

She also loves reading and watching her kids and grandkids in their activities.

We are grateful for Shanna’s hard work and the joy she brings to both residents and coworkers alike!

Remember This

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

I am often asked by colleagues in the philanthropy field, “What has been your largest gift?” or “What are the characteristics of your most significant donors?”  My reply is always the same: the gift was never the focus, and the chief characteristic was that of being a good steward.

To my knowledge, none of our most significant gifts have come after the capacity to make a large gift was accomplished. In fact, the vast majority made a commitment to be good stewards when they had very little and often questioned whether their gift would make much of a difference.

It was at this crucial beginning point that God’s blessing of their commitment began to occur. Sometimes it’s wise investing in financial products, other times it’s a remarkable increase in the value of property or some other tangible asset. There is a correlation between the growth of that asset and the faithfulness of their stewardship.

Our donors remind me so much of the advice given by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:26, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.”  Very few of our donors are among the wealthy and powerful. They are, in fact, simple, quiet, humble people of modest means—but people through whom God has made a tremendous difference for this ministry.

So, as you consider your own path of stewardship, please don’t focus on how you can make a large impact. Simply follow God’s path of stewardship clearly laid out in scripture. The blessings of the fruit of your stewardship will produce a harvest unimaginable at this point in your life!

 

By Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement

Neighbor Spotlight: Juanita Hatch

A Life of Faith, Service, & Joy

Born in her family’s home in Kirkwood, Missouri on March 11, 1926, Juanita Hatch was the fifth of nine children. From a young age, she was taught the value of faith, family, and hard work, principles that would shape her remarkable life.

In 1952, Juanita married BT Hatch, a devoted railroad worker. Together, they built a life rooted in love, raising two sons. That legacy has since grown to include five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, each one a source of pride and joy.

Juanita’s path of service began early. She spent a year working at the Baptist Home for Children in Royal Oak, Michigan, before embarking on a long and fulfilling career as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher. She retired at age 55, but her love for learning and teaching never left her. She began teaching Sunday school around the age of 20 and only recently stepped down, at 99 years old! The pastor at her church in Ozark jokingly calls her the oldest Sunday school teacher in the state. Juanita humbly laughs and says, “There’s no way he can know that for sure.”

Education was important to Juanita. She studied at William Jewell College and went on to earn her master’s degree from Baylor University. But her greatest education, she says, came through her faith. She gave her life to Jesus during a revival at just nine years old, sitting beside her mother. Since then, she has lived a life of unwavering devotion.

Now a cherished resident at Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries, Juanita says she’s known since the age of 3 that “The Baptist Home was the place to go.” What stood out to her then, and still today, is how everyone is treated equally. Her favorite part of living here is getting to know others and learning how she can pray for them.

In her free time, Juanita enjoys a full schedule of activities, though she’s quick to admit that Bingo isn’t her thing. She especially loved canning throughout her life, and with BT growing the produce, she canned just about anything imaginable.

Juanita Hatch is a woman of quiet strength, deep humility, and unshakable faith. We’re honored to have her as part of the Baptist Homes family.

Long-Term Planning = Reduced Stress Living

Long-term care planning is a crucial yet often neglected part of preparing for aging. Taking simple steps now can ensure security, dignity, and peace of mind later in life. Proverbs 16:3 instructs God’s people to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Long-term care encompasses a range of services for those who can no longer perform everyday activities independently, either due to aging, illness, or disability. Services help maintain independence and safety and include both medical and non-medical assistance, such as help with bathing, dressing, eating, medication management, and transportation.

• In-home care helps with chores, personal care, nursing, or therapy.
• Community services are often overlooked, and can include meal programs, transportation, and respite care for caregivers.

However, staying at home is not always safe or possible.

Assisted living and residential care facilities are staffed communities offering support with daily activities while encouraging independence.

Nursing homes offer 24/7 medical care and supervision for individuals with more significant health needs, while encouraging as much activity as possible.

Memory care provides specialized services to promote quality of life for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions.

Long-term care planning is about more than medical needs; it’s about protecting quality of life, independence, and stewardship. Relying solely on government programs like Medicare is risky, as these do not cover most long-term care costs. Medicaid requires approved spend downs of all assets prior to qualifying. Without proper planning, prayer and counsel, individuals and their families may experience significant emotional, physical, and financial stress.

Baptist Homes has team members who will help you initiate and navigate the planning process, regardless of whether you or a loved one ever use our services.  Why? Because our purpose is to please God and help others do the same. To schedule a conversation, email us at desk@bhhm.org.

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison

Employee Spotlight: Rick Spencer

A Steady Hand, & A Servant’s Heart

This month, we are pleased to shine our Employee Spotlight on Rick Spencer, Life Safety Assistant at our Arcadia Valley campus. Rick has been part of the Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries family for nearly four years, bringing dedication, kindness, and a servant’s heart to his role.

As a member of the maintenance team, Rick plays a vital role in keeping the campus running smoothly and safely. When asked about his favorite part of the job, he shared, “Being able to help others and seeing the smiles on the neighbors’ faces.” That spirit of joy and service is something Rick brings to every task, whether big or small.

Outside of work, Rick enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, especially fishing, kayaking with friends, and working out. He also appreciates slower-paced moments, like relaxing movie days with his loyal German shepherd, Anakin.

We’re grateful to have Rick as part of our team. His steady presence and willingness to go the extra mile make a meaningful impact every day at Arcadia Valley.