Senior Living | July 11, 2019
“When my parents moved to Someren Glen, we didn’t realize that chaplains were part of the community. Now, I can’t imagine my mom, or really anyone, living out their final days without a chaplain,” shares family member Bud Cook.
Through the generous support of friends, residents and family members, Christian Living Communities is enhancing its chaplain services with the addition of paid pastoral interns. Interns this spring from Denver Seminary served Someren Glen and Holly Creek where they were able to develop more relationships and greater connections with residents and team members.
The pastoral care interns have also found the experience rewarding.
Cheryl Stinson and her service dog, Madrid, enjoyed volunteering with Christian Living Communities for over three years. As time passed, Cheryl wanted to do and learn more. So, she enrolled as a student at Denver Seminary and decided to do her ministry internship at Someren Glen. Cheryl’s enthusiasm was contagious. She and Madrid became regular and beloved fixtures in the community.
“During my internship at Someren Glen, I came to understand and embrace my identity and role as a chaplain. The experiences I had stretched and challenged me to grow in my ability to more effectively serve and minister to senior adults,” says Cheryl.
The residents loved having Cheryl and her dog around. Shared one resident: “Oh my, Cheryl is such an amazing person! She is patient, kind, caring, and is such a wonderful listener. She and Madrid always cheer my spirits and calm my spirit. She serves with such humility. What a blessing she has been to me.”
Since 1972, CLC’s mission has been to enrich the quality and dignity of life for older adults. This mission is fulfilled every day in our communities through compassionate services and care that focus on the whole person, including opportunities for personal growth and faith support.
As Bud further shared about his mom’s experience: “Even though her mind was slipping, her spirit was alive. Without a chaplain to allow her spirit to come alive, I think her experience would have been greatly diminished.”
Thank you for helping to make pastoral care possible. If you are interested in learning more about how you can support chaplain services by making a gift to the Chaplain Fund, please contact Olivia Mayer or Lucy Floyd in Donor Relations by calling 720.974.3675.
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