September 2024 Employee Spotlight Russ Spaulding

Russell Spaulding (“Russ”) was recently named the Baptist Homes of Ozark’s August Employee of the Month. Russ works several tasks for our campus in the maintenance department, however, he also helps transport residents to and from their doctor’s appointments. Additionally, he transports our Outbacker residents to their group lunch outing once a month.

Russ has been a part of the Baptist Homes for just short of three years. He enjoys working for the company because it offers him a chance to serve Christ by serving the residents.

Russ lives in Ozark, and even though he has lived elsewhere, he considers himself an Ozarkian. He has been married for 33 years and has two sons. Russ is an avid bicyclist and loves to spend his evenings bicycling. He has even been known to ride his bike to work. On Sundays, he attends James River Church in Ozark.

We thank Russ for his hard work and dedication to the Ozark campus and Baptist Homes.

2024 Neighbor Spotlight Ron Townsend

Ron Townsend

Commitment to Faith & Community

August 2024 Employee Spotlight

Wisdom In These Days

Many of you are aware that Baptist Homes entered into a season of austerity earlier this year. The reason involved the delay in the licensure of several of our homes for Medicare and Medicaid funding. Our plans for growth and service are predicated upon this funding stream.

With the delay in this funding, Baptist Homes entered a period of time in which we reduced personnel expenses. This has involved the elimination of several corporate positions, reduction of corporate salaries, elimination of BHHM contributions to retirement accounts, and temporarily ending holiday pay.

In light of these cutbacks and restrictions, it seems wise to place a hold on our Welcome Home capital campaign. I will be recommending this pause to our full board at our trustee meeting being held on August 2^nd, 2024. If you are still funding your pledge to the campaign, we will continue to gratefully receive those payments and commit them to the campaign.

In addition, we have had significant delays in our skilled memory cottage project at our Ozark campus. Initially, the Department of Health & Senior Services unanimously approved our application for a Certificate of Need. In this approval, they were fully aware that we were planning five individual cottages that would house 12 residents each, and that each cottage would be a standalone building. After spending several months in the design phase of the project between our architectural firm and the architectural department of the DHHS, we moved forward for the final approval. It was at this meeting it was announced that DHSS is no longer approving the small cottage model. There has been little to no explanation of why, only the stipulation that each of the proposed cottages must be connected to the main building on the campus.

Obviously, this drastically alters the scope and cost of our project. We had planned to build the first two cottages with funds already raised and build the remaining three cottages as additional funds were raised. The requirement to build a singular structure has changed the entire project, including site study, architectural plans, and construction cost estimates, and has ballooned the budget from approximately $6 million to nearly $20 million.

As a result, we have been in conversations with the Mabee Foundation concerning the $600,000 challenge grant they approved in July of 2023. We have asked that they rescind that grant and allow us to apply later, once we have determined how to move forward with the Ozark project. The Mabee Foundation has agreed with our request.

The combination of multi-level regulatory challenges and delays have led us to this moment in time. We humbly ask that you join us in prayer for God’s guidance and deliverance during these moments in our history.

 

Dr. Ron Mackey

Vice President of Community Engagement

Estate Planning & Digital Assets

Nick Davis | ndavis@bhhm.org | (573) 822-4319

Thank You Lord, for Our Board

As a stage IV cancer survivor, I have experienced the necessity of taking painful steps in order to live. As a sanctity of life organization, the mission of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries is to provide Christlike care for the aging. The trustees of this ministry are tasked first and foremost with the preservation of this mission, even when it means taking painful but necessary steps to ensure that preservation. This past month, the board took the necessary steps to preserve Baptist Homes.

Over a period of years—if not decades—Baptist Homes slowly slid into an organizational lifecycle stage called the “Death Rattle.” This is the seventh and final stage of organizational existence before going out of business for good. While this phase and the preceding phase, “The Big Rut,” can last for years or even decades, few organizations have the vision or resolve to make the changes needed to maintain relevancy.  Iconic brands such as F.W. Woolworth, Montgomery Wards and TWA all failed to make the necessary changes to survive. For Baptist Homes, entering 2020 without access to Medicare or Medicaid funds, which are the payer source for 84% of long-term care, was a formidable obstacle. Additionally, a kind but unsustainable promise to provide nursing care once one’s funds were exhausted was a growing liability that reached over $3,000,000 per year in unreimbursed care.  Observers on the sidelines would not be expected to grasp the significant challenges this ministry faced. However, our trustees, being faithful to their task, approved initiatives to support a sustainable future. These initiatives included renovations and improvements at Arcadia Valley that allowed the campus to secure Medicaid certification and the acquisition of Medicare and Medicaid certified campuses such as Adrian, Independence and Vandalia.

While I would be remiss not to acknowledge missteps along the way, the board actions these past five years were taken only after an abundance of prayer and planning. The recent decision to discontinue assisted living care at Chillicothe and to sale this campus is an example of a hard decision that needed to be made. Sadly, this campus lost over a million dollars each year. Efforts to update the campus through major renovations in 2023 failed to stem the tide of loss. The heartbreak of hard decisions is not the failure of a dream, rather, it is the impact upon the people.  At the time of the decision to close the campus, Chillicothe had four residents in assisted living and 19 staff members. Some of these team members had faithfully served for over 20 years.  Another decision, the discontinuation of benevolent care, means residents receiving nursing benevolence will be offered the opportunity to move to one of our Medicaid approved campuses at no cost. This change, along with the delay of the opening of the Smithville campus for veterans, and the transition of pastoral care to churches and volunteers, is painful, but necessary.

On July 28, 2017, I underwent my first chemo treatment. As the IV concoction entered my body, it felt like lava flowing into my heart and through my veins. The pain, though masked by sedatives and analgesics, was nearly unbearable.  Before each treatment, my wife and adult children provided encouragement and support that reminded me the pain was just for a season.  A year later, the cancer was in remission and the effects of the treatments were only a memory. In 2022, I was declared “cancer free.” Today, I enjoy vitality and health that are true gifts from God. In His wisdom, the Lord provided a medical team that made right decisions needed for me to survive. In the same way, God has given the Baptist Homes a board of trustees who made the necessary decisions for us to survive.

I hope you will take a moment to pray for our trustees, leadership team, and the beloved seniors we serve as we go through this season of transition on the path to restored organizational health. The Psalmist rightly declared in Psalm 30:5 that, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” I praise God for the dawn of a new day for Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement through this season of change.

 

Together in His service,

Dr. Rodney Harrison, President/CEO

July 2024 Neighbor Spotlight Sonya Hollingsworth

Sonya Hollingsworth

Finding Contentment & Community

Sonya Hollingsworth was born in Kirksville, MO on October 21, 1939. Between 1960 and 1974, she moved eight times before finally settling in Jefferson City in 1974. Growing up in faith was a given for Sonya, with church every Sunday being a central part of her upbringing. However, at age 18, she began to question if there was more to worship and loving God, leading her to be baptized in 1958 at First Baptist Church in Kirksville.

Sonya’s life has been marked by her dedication to service and community. She volunteered at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City for 12 years, sharing her love for nature and the outdoors. An avid quilter, she is an active member of the Piecemakers quilting group. Sonya also participates in service missions at First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, but she is happiest when she is digging in the dirt, gardening, and connecting with the earth.

Sonya was married to the love of her life, George. Together, they raised two daughters, Jerilyn and Julie, and were blessed with three grandsons, Carter, Jacob, and Kaleb. Sonya has been acquainted with Baptist Homes for many years, particularly the Ozark campus. She frequently visited with the senior choir from First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, and two of her friends had made it their home.

When Sonya heard about the new Baptist Homes campus being built in mid-Missouri, she was beyond excited. Four years ago, she made the move to Baptist Homes of Ashland. There, she has found a new community and made lasting friendships with the other neighbors. Together, they worship and serve a loving God while caring for one another.

Reflecting on her life and her contentment at Baptist Homes of Ashland, Sonya shares, “Someone once said, ‘Be content where you are planted.’ I am content.” Sonya’s story is a testament to her faith, resilience, and the joy she finds in serving others and living in community.

June 2024 Neighbor Spotlight Dorothy Cranford

Dorothy Cranford: Texas Charm at Baptist Homes

Dorothy Cranford is a vibrant soul who brings a Texas-sized dose of charm and warmth to Baptist Homes of Chillicothe. While she humbly describes herself as a “happy old lady, grateful to be here,” Dorothy’s story and spirit extend far beyond mere words.

Raised on the sprawling landscapes of a Texas farm west of Ft. Worth, Dorothy’s life has been filled with hard work, laughter, and boundless creativity. For over six decades, she and her husband nurtured the land—cultivating cotton, wheat, corn, and hay, as well as a variety of animals including cattle, sheep, hogs, and even ostriches – a flock that once numbered over 200. Dorothy recalls those years with fondness, having helped design their dream farmhouse and embraced the rustic beauty of farm life.

In 2020, Dorothy and her husband moved to Missouri to be closer to family. Yet, fate dealt a harsh blow when her beloved husband passed away in her arms just weeks after their move. Despite the heartache, Dorothy found solace in her faith and community, leaning on her cherished memories and the unwavering support of loved ones.

Dorothy was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Cameron, Missouri, and was very involved in their senior adult ministry. Her infectious humor and quick wit captivate all who cross her path. Ever the life of the party, Dorothy loves teasing the staff at Baptist Homes of Chillicothe and enjoys the company of her fellow neighbors.

Dorothy is a multi-faceted gem with a flair for creativity. Not only is she a skilled pianist, but she is also an award-winning poet, and the author of O is for Ostriches, a beloved children’s book which is now included in the Library of Congress. As if that wasn’t enough, she is also a culinary genius. Her pecan divinity has been sold nationwide!

Family remains at the heart of Dorothy’s world. She cherishes her two daughters and their husbands, her four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. They fill her heart with so much joy.

Dorothy says she is glad to be living at Baptist Homes of Chillicothe where she finds comfort in knowing all her needs are met with compassionate care.

June 2024 Employee Spotlight: Ken Martin

Ken Martin

Building Community Through Faithful Leadership

Ken has been faithfully serving as the campus pastor at Baptist Homes of Ashland for nearly three years. He leads the campus in weekly Bible study and prayer meetings and coordinates monthly worship services that are followed by potluck dinners. Ken strives to create a vibrant atmosphere of spiritual fellowship. He actively involves local pastors and the families of our neighbors, fostering a sense of community and connection.

What Ken treasures most about his role is the time spent interacting with the neighbors. Delving into their life stories and histories, he finds deep fulfillment in learning about their church involvement and family dynamics.

High school sweethearts from Salem, MO, Ken and his wife, Carla, share a beautiful journey of 54 years of marriage. Carla’s remarkable service of 30 years with the Missouri Baptist Convention before retiring two years ago stands as a testament to their shared commitment to service. God has blessed them with a loving family of two children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all of whom faithfully follow the Lord.

When he’s not spending time with his children and grandchildren, Ken finds joy in helping his wife tend to their garden, landscaping at home, and spending their days together fishing and kayaking.

Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries is truly blessed to have Ken serving as the campus pastor at our Ashland campus—enriching the lives of the neighbors who live there with his dedication and compassion.

Is It Important to Have an Estate Plan?

Is It Important to Have an Estate Plan?

If you were to die, who would receive your estate? Does everyone need an estate plan? What happens if you die or become incapacitated without an estate plan?

What is an estate plan?

Everyone has an estate. It consists of the assets that you own: your car, home, real estate, checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, personal possessions, and collectibles. If you were to die, who would get all of that? If you become incapacitated (i.e. go into a coma, or become unable to care for yourself physically), who will care for you and your finances?

An estate plan is advanced legal planning that states who will receive the things that you own in the event of your death. It can be people, organizations, charities, or ministries that you want to receive your assets when you die.

Dying without a will in Missouri

In Missouri, someone who dies without a will is said to have died “intestate.” Their property will be passed along based on intestate succession. This is the state’s way of making decisions for an individual who passes away without an estate plan. This means the state of Missouri will distribute a person’s possessions. This distribution may differ significantly from a person’s actual wishes. There are no exceptions based on special needs or circumstances, or if an individual had special charitable intent.

The people who are to receive the property of the deceased include the deceased person’s spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, aunts, and uncles. If there are no living relatives to distribute possessions to, the assets will go to the state.

A will, trust, and power of attorney are important estate planning tools that make it easy to distribute one’s assets in an orderly way. An attorney or estate planning professional can assist someone in thinking through the proper steps and procedures to distribute their assets, protect their property, and care for their loved ones.

Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries has expertise in estate planning and connections with estate planning attorneys. If you would benefit from a confidential conversation about estate planning, For more information email ndavis@bhhm.org.

Nick Davis, Director of Advancement

 

Tax Credit Donation

Tax Credit Donation

Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries (BHHM) has been approved by the Missouri Department of Economic Development to issue $350,000 worth of Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits. Tax credit donations will assist in the funding of renovations at Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley in Ironton, MO. These credits are issued at a 70% rate due to the economic conditions of Iron County, and consequently have a net value to Baptist Homes of $500,000. Renovations at Arcadia Valley will feature 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 provide a $3,500 tax credit that would 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 those who are shareholders in an S-corporation, partners in a Partnership or members of a Limited Liability Corporation.

This is a new opportunity for Baptist Homes to strengthen our partnership with BHHM supporters to bless the work of our ministry. Donors will also have the opportunity to strengthen the BHHM ministry. Email “Tax Credit Info” along with your name and the best way to be contacted to, ndavis@bhhm.org or Rdmackey@bhhm.org. Expect a follow-up contact by either Ron Mackey, Vice President of Community Engagement, or Nick Davis, Director of Advancement.

Neighbor Spotlight: John Birkhead

John Birkhead

A Beacon of Light and Hope

 

John Birkhead’s life is a story of faith, family, and a passion for service. He grew up tending to his parent’s farm in rural Winfield, Missouri. In the 1940s, John’s family supplied food to the Baptist Home in Arcadia Valley, which instilled in him the values of generosity and compassion from a young age. At the age of 9, John accepted Jesus into his heart, setting the course for a life devoted to faith and service.
John pursued his passion for ministry at Hannibal-LaGrange in Marshall, Texas, where he immersed himself in Bible studies, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of serving the Lord and others. In 1987, John married Shirley Ann, and together they raised two sons until Shirley’s passing in 1987. Later that year, John found love again with his now-wife, Linda, who brought with her three sons, blending their families and eventually expanding it to include 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
For an impressive 64 years, John has been ministering to everyone he encounters, and his life is a testament to the power of faith, love and community. In our community, John is not just a neighbor, he is a beacon of light and hope, inspiring us all to live our lives with purpose, laughter, and love.