Senior Connections Senior Connections Jan 2019 | Page 13

Staff and community members are encouraged to share their expertise, too, whether it’s teaching a class, bringing in a friendly animal, sharing a collection or talent, performing music, or delivering Meals on Wheels. “We encourage our staff to bring their pets to work with them – and their children,” Salonek said. “We had a lot of children come this summer when they were off school. It was amazing. We had sidewalk chalk and games outside, and our residents’ faces lit up watching them play.” The Eden Alternative Good Samaritan uses the Eden Alternative as its philosophy of care. The Eden Alternative is a person- directed approach to care based on the belief that no matter a person’s age or challenges, life is about continuing to grow. The website explains that “it affi rms that care is not a one-way street, but rather a collaborative partnership.” In practice, this means that the people who live at Good Samaritan are respected as valuable human beings who have meaning and purpose. As part of this, residents have many opportunities to be of service to others, such as delivering mail, giving tours, being part of the welcome committee, and helping to hire new staff. Although Good Samaritan’s employees are focused on serving residents, they also take time to reach out to the community as a whole. This year, a “helping hands” volunteer group, led by staff members Diana Bennett and Kim Babatz, was formed. “If any organization is looking for some help or extra hands, absolutely reach out to us,” Salonek said. Another new way Good Samaritan is giving back to the community is through fun and informative quarterly events led by experts. Topics are designed to appeal to a wide audience, and range from a self defense class to social media safety, and even an animal event for kids. If anyone has ideas for topics they’d like to see covered, they are encouraged to give their input. “We are a community organization that is here to support all ages – we hope you come check us out!” Salonek said. Good Samaritan Society in Howard Lake is located at 413 13th Ave. and can be reached at 320-543- 3800. (This content is sponsored by Good Samaritan Society.) Students from St. James Lutheran School in Howard Lake played a fun game with residents of Good Samaritan Society. Employees of Good Samaritan Society in Howard Lake love celebrating holidays, including Halloween. SUBMISSIONS Senior Connections welcomes submitted items of any kind that may be appropriate for our readership. Contact us at [email protected] Senior Connections HJ.COM Senior Connections January 2019 13