Lutheran Home Celebrates Over 10,000 Volunteer Hours, Invites Community to Summer Sale
Arlington Heights, Il – the Lutheran Home In arlington Heights is celebrating an extraordinary achievement: over 10,310 hours of volunteer service contributed between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025. This remarkable dedication highlights the strong community support for the senior living community and its residents.
To honor these volunteers and support essential programs, Lutheran Home is hosting its annual Summer Auxiliary Sale on Friday, June 20. The event is open to the public.
A Year Of Service: Volunteers Make A Difference
Volunteers play a crucial role at Lutheran Home,performing a variety of tasks that enhance the well-being of residents. Their contributions range from providing spiritual care and emotional support to assisting with daily tasks and offering vocational mentoring.
Many volunteers build one-on-one relationships with residents, offering companionship and emotional connection, particularly valuable for those who may not have family nearby.
Some volunteers serve as Ministers Of Care, delivering catholic communion to residents twice a week.Others provide clerical support, welcoming new residents and assisting with worship services.
Volunteer transport teams ensure residents can attend Wednesday and Sunday services, fostering a strong sense of spiritual community.Even some residents contribute as readers during Sunday services.
Building Skills And Purpose: Partnering With District 214
A unique and inspiring component of the volunteer program involves transitional students from High school District 214. These young adults, with special needs, gain valuable workplace skills through a vocational readiness initiative.
At Lutheran Home, they assist with tasks such as laundry, mail sorting, table bussing, wheelchair washing, and assembling admission packets.
“This is more than just a service-it’s a meaningful training experience that sets these students up for future success,” said Jennifer Darnell,Vp Of Sales & Marketing At Lutheran Life Communities.
Summer Auxiliary Sale: A Festivity Of Giving
The Summer auxiliary Sale on June 20 is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of kindness, dedication, and community.Shoppers can find seasonal treasures, with all proceeds benefiting Lutheran Home’s Benevolent Care Program.
The Benevolent Care Program supports residents who have tired their financial resources, ensuring they continue to receive the care they need.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the individuals who walk through our doors every week, donating their time out of love and a deep sense of purpose,” said Barbara Morton, Phd, President Of The Lutheran Home Auxiliary. “The Summer Auxiliary Sale is our way of honoring their unbelievable spirit and welcoming the community to be part of something truly special.”
Lutheran Home: A Pillar Of Support
Lutheran home is part of Lutheran Life Communities,a faith-based non-profit organization that has served Arlington Heights for over 130 years. Recognized on Newsweek‘s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025 list, Lutheran Home offers a comprehensive range of services, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and more.
lutheran Home provides a continuum of care that addresses early dementia and mild cognitive impairment through specialized supportive services. Their memory support programming extends through end-of-life care, delivered by a team trained in dementia care.
Did You Know? According to a 2024 report by Giving Usa, Americans gave $499.33 billion to charity in 2022, demonstrating the nation’s strong philanthropic spirit.
Volunteer Opportunities: Making A Difference In Senior Lives
Volunteering at a senior living community like Lutheran Home offers numerous benefits, both for the residents and the volunteers themselves.Studies have shown that volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, and provide a sense of purpose.
Furthermore, intergenerational connections fostered through volunteer programs can bridge gaps and promote understanding between different age groups.
Here’s a swift comparison of volunteer activities and their impact:
| Volunteer Activity | Impact On Residents | Skills Developed By Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| One-On-one Companionship | Reduces loneliness, provides emotional support | Dialog, empathy, active listening |
| Spiritual Care (e.g., minister of Care) | Fulfills spiritual needs, fosters community | Religious knowledge, compassion, service |
| Activity Support | Enhances engagement, promotes physical and mental stimulation | Organization, leadership, creativity |
| Vocational Mentoring (District 214 Students) | Prepares for future employment, builds confidence | Patience, teaching, workplace skills |
Pro Tip: Many companies offer volunteer time off (Vto) as an employee benefit. Check with your employer to see if you can volunteer during work hours!
Consider these questions:
- How can you make a difference in your community?
- What skills or interests could you share with senior residents?
The growing Need For Senior Care
the aging population in the United States is increasing,creating a greater need for senior care services. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of adults aged 65 and older is projected to reach 83.7 million by 2050.
This demographic shift highlights the importance of organizations like Lutheran Home, which provide comprehensive care and support to seniors in need. volunteer efforts play a vital role in supplementing professional care and ensuring residents receive the attention and companionship they deserve.
senior living communities offer various levels of care based on individual needs, ranging from independent living to skilled nursing. These communities strive to create a supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
The challenges facing senior care include funding, staffing shortages, and the increasing prevalence of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving government, healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, and the community at large.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lutheran Home And Volunteering
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What is The Lutheran Home In Arlington Heights?
Lutheran Home Is A Senior Living Community Offering A Range Of Services, Including Assisted Living, Memory Care, And Skilled Nursing, As Part Of Lutheran Life Communities.
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how Many Volunteer Hours Were Logged At Lutheran Home This Year?
Volunteers Contributed Over 10,310 Hours Of Service Between april 1, 2024, And April 1, 2025.
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What types Of Volunteer Opportunities Are Available At Lutheran Home?
volunteer Roles Include Providing Companionship, Spiritual Care, Activity Support, Transportation Assistance, And Vocational Mentoring.
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What Is The Summer Auxiliary Sale, And How does It Support Lutheran Home?
The Summer Auxiliary Sale Is A Fundraiser That Supports Lutheran home’s Benevolent Care Program, Which Assists Residents Who Have Exhausted Their Financial Resources.
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How Does Lutheran Home Support Residents With Memory Impairment?
Lutheran Home Offers A Continuum Of care That Addresses Early Dementia And Mild Cognitive Impairment Through Specialized programs And Trained Staff.
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How Can I Volunteer At Lutheran Home?
Contact Lutheran Home Directly To Inquire About Volunteer Opportunities And The Application Process.
Share your thoughts or experiences with volunteering in senior communities in the comments below!