President’s Report 2010

2010 Annual Report

I love a good story. You know, the kind that keeps you up into the early morning hours because you

just can’t put the book down—or makes you hold your sides to keep them from aching with laughter?

Good stories have the power to enrich our lives with warmth and meaning. Some people even think

of their favorite books as old friends.

If you enjoy a good narrative, too, you’re going to love reading this annual report. Our past reports have

celebrated our rich and successful history—nearly 80 years of providing premier retirement living to older

adults in northeast Indiana—and afforded a glimpse into our future as we’ve shared

our hopes and dreams for continued growth and success.

But at its core, Lutheran Life Villages is much more than a glance behind us

or a quick look into the future. It’s about the here and now, and the people who

make Lutheran Life Villages such a great place to live, work, and visit. That’s what Bruce BlalockPresident & CEO

Forwarda letter from Bruce Blalock

president & ceo

we’re celebrating today: real-life stories of people who have discovered a better way of living at Lutheran

Life Villages.

Take Andy Goeglein, an honorary board member, for example. Before walking through our doors,

he shared some common misconceptions about retirement communities. Today, he knows that here

at Lutheran Life Villages, we’re focused on life—and a blessed one, at that. Or Marjorie Epperson, a

qualified medication aide (QMA), who discovered much more than a place of employment; to Marjorie,

Lutheran Life Villages is a place of ministry and caring.

In these pages, you’ll hear from staff, residents, and family members—and while each person’s story is

unique, I think you’ll find some common themes: excellence, faith, and belonging. They’re the trademarks

of our community and what set us apart from other retirement-living providers across northeast Indiana.

So go grab a cup of hot coffee or tea, curl up in your favorite chair, and lose yourself in the stories

of Andy, Marjorie, Tricia, and Ann—of Evelyn, Diane, Mary, and Jean. For in these brief snapshots of

their real-life experiences, you’ll see the true results of your hard work and dedication. Ultimately, their

stories belong to all of us. They’re what make us truly great.

Bruce BlalockPresident & CEO

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FORT WAYNE CAMPUS• New Rehabilitation Suites dedicated.

• Assisted Living receives a makeover with new carpet, paint, and artwork.

• Individualized wellness plans to fit each resident create a new level of life-enriching opportunities.

• A new bus—thanks to the fundraising efforts of volunteers and the auxiliary. The bus is used every day.

• Children’s Chapel—students from Children’s Village join residents and Chaplain Griebel for a chapel service each week.

• Intergenerational interaction: Children’s Village students routinely join residents for meals, and the children sometimes deliver mail to residents.

KENDALLVILLE CAMPUS• New Rehabilitation Suites dedicated.

• “Stuff the Bus” benefits the Noble County Council on Aging.

• “Feed the Need” helps the Community Table.

• Intergenerational Choir—Children’s Village students, residents, and employees sing together.

• Children’s Village recognized as a Level 2 facility within the Paths to Quality initiative.

FOUNDATION• Crabfest 2010—a whale of a success.

• Employees give back: 63 employees donate $32,000 through payroll deductions.

• Vivian Purvis wins the Maxine Rippe Award for outstanding volunteerism. Vivian is a resident and foundation board member.

• We’re notified that we’ll receive the largest gift ever recorded by Lutheran Life Villages from longtime residents and supporters who passed away in 2010.

• Kendallville’s “Joining Hands Across Generations”— which features a 5K run, 2K walk, Fun Senior Stroll, and Tot Trot—draws more than 100 participants.

ORGANIZATION-WIDE• Improved scores in 99 percent of the categories in the Employee Satisfaction Survey.

• Employee-retention rate increases for the third consecutive year, and is well above the industry average.

• Resident Satisfaction Survey indicates an overall satisfaction rate of 92 to 97 percent.

Highlights from the past year

I’m definitely motivated to get up and come to work each morning,” says Tricia Neary, wellness

director at Lutheran Life Villages. “Why wouldn’t I be, when I know that Elmer”—a frequent wellness

program participant—“will be stopping by every day to make sure I made it to work okay? There’s no

doubt in my mind that I would be missed if I didn’t come in—and I would miss everyone, too,” she says.

Developing these close relationships with seniors is what prompted Tricia to pursue a career in

exercise science, specializing in physical activity for older adults. “I love it that I can impact their lives on

a daily basis,” she says. The results are impressive: lower blood pressure, improved balance and mobility,

decreased medication. “I suppose I was a bit naïve when I started this job,” she admits. “The phrase ‘They

can’t do this’ just wasn’t in my vocabulary.”

That’s what sets the wellness program at Lutheran Life Villages apart from those at other retirement

communities. “Lots of retirement communities offer a wide range of activities,” she says. “The difference

at Lutheran Life Villages is that we can show measurable results.” To Tricia, these outcomes are more than

a list of accomplishments. “Our wellness program gives seniors a chance to live the life they want,” she

continues. “Feeling a sense of joy, purpose, and accomplishment is attainable at any age.”

“

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Chapter OneInspiring

Tricia Nearywellness director

In her role as wellness director, Tricia Neary continues to bring a fresh perspective to retirement living at Lutheran Life Villages.

Andy Goeglein, a longtime board member, has played an instrumental role in Lutheran Life Villages’ growth—from a single nursing home into the premier retirement-living provider the organization is today.

Before Andy Goeglein became a board member at Lutheran Life Villages in the early 1980s, he shared

many popular misconceptions about retirement communities. “I was hesitant to even enter a nursing

home,” he admits. What he found at Lutheran Life Villages was a sense of excitement that surprised him.

“My father-in-law, Paul Nieter, and I provided legal counsel during the building programs at Concord Village

and the new facility in Kendallville. It was an exciting time of growth and development,” he says. Even more

exciting, however, were the changes he observed in residents’ lives. “Some people have the goal to stay in their own

homes as long as possible,” he says, “but that’s not always the best option.”

“I remember one lady who was living in her own apartment. Her health continued to decline until she was

moved into assisted living at Lutheran Life Villages,” he says. “After experiencing warmth, care, and socialization

every day, she turned the corner. Her eyes grew bright, and she blossomed and excelled to the point where she

could move into independent living.”

Andy sees that same focus on life in the organization today. “My father-in-law and mother-in-law now live

in the independent-living community at Lutheran Life Villages,” he says, “and it’s such a blessing to see them

surrounded by friends and loving life. Lutheran Life Villages is truly an amazing place to be.”

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Chapter TwoBlessingAndy Goeglein

honorary board member

Working at Lutheran Life Villages is like being part of a big family,” says Amy Saalfrank,

admissions coordinator at our Kendallville campus. “The staff has worked together for so

long that we all have a genuine interest in everyone’s well-being,” she says. Staff, residents,

family members—everyone who walks through the doors is welcomed and cared for.

“I knew this would be a great place to work when I received my certified nursing assistant (CNA)

training here,” says Amy. In the past 11 years, she’s served in various roles—CNA, social-service assistant,

admissions coordinator—often with the same staff members. Through the years, that feeling of belonging

has never changed. It’s something she desires to give to each resident, as well.

“We’re really resident-focused here,” Amy says. “We concentrate on the fact that this is their home,

and we strive to honor their preferences in every way.” No detail—from what time residents get up in the

morning to how they part their hair —is overlooked.

“I think people are surprised at the level of care they receive,” Amy says, “particularly at our

transitional-care unit. They dread what they think will be a typical ‘nursing home’ experience. They leave

with their minds completely changed, surprised at the pleasant experience their recovery became.”

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Chapter ThreeBelonging

Amy Saalfrank admissions coordinator

“

Amy Saalfrank and the staff at Kendallville are constantly looking for new ways to improve the quality of life and care for residents.

At age 89, Evelyn Kratzat still enjoys exercising three times a week—including a milelong jaunt around the Heritage Trail.

I feel so happy here,” says Evelyn Kratzat, a longtime independent-living resident at Lutheran Life

Villages. Before moving into her apartment 11 years ago, Evelyn was looking for a retreat, a place

where she could feel safe and secure. “After my husband died,” she explains, “the house was too

empty, and I didn’t want to take care of it by myself anymore. I was tired of closing the garage doors and

looking over my shoulder every time I came home.”

While security is a definite benefit of Evelyn’s life at Lutheran Life Villages, “retreat” is hardly the

word to describe this 89-year-old’s lifestyle. Handbells, choir, book club, and exercise classes are just

the beginning. “I think our wellness program is just great,” she says. “It stimulates your body—and your

mind. We seniors get a little more stagnant all the time,” she laughs. Her solution? Creative writing. “I

was just writing my ‘bucket list,’” she jokes. But at the end of each item, she’s written, “Do tomorrow.”

“You have to get out there and get involved,” says Evelyn. “I did, and I found friends and activities

galore.” Her advice to other seniors considering independent living at Lutheran Life Villages? “Take the

risk and try it out. I can’t think of a better place to be.”

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Chapter FourFlourishing

Evelyn KratzatIndependent living resident

“

More laughter, more friends, more smiles.” That’s what Marjorie Epperson discovered when

she started working as a qualified medication aide (QMA) at Lutheran Life Villages. Marjorie

had left her job at another retirement community in town and was working at a factory when

she learned of a QMA position at Lutheran Life Villages. “I wanted to work someplace where I could use

my QMA training, but I also wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives,” she explains.

That’s just what she’s done at Lutheran Life Villages. “The environment here is totally different from

that of other retirement centers,” Marjorie says. “There’s a warm, caring atmosphere here. The staff is

friendlier, and the residents are happier. They actually make my job easier—and so much better than I

could have imagined.”

For the past five years, Marjorie has administered more than medication; she has contributed to that

warmth and caring herself by investing in residents on a daily basis. “Making my residents smile is the

best part of my job,” she says. “When I’m gone, I really miss those smiling faces, and I know they miss me

as much as I miss them.” That’s why her job is such a blessing to her. “There’s no doubt in my mind that

I’m in the right place,” she says.

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Chapter FiveCaring

Marjorie Epperson qualified medication aide

“

“Just a spoonful of sugar”—Marjorie Epperson, a qualified medication aide, helps residents take their medicine with a heaping, healthy dose of joy.

Sisters Mary Quandt (left) and Diane Dale (right) know better than to pop in on their mother, Jean Quandt (center), unannounced. “She’s so busy, we’d never find her.” they laugh.

Mom has a better social life than I do,” jokes Diane Dale. Her mother, Jean Quandt, has lived

in assisted living at Lutheran Life Villages for eight years, and has turned into a one-woman

welcoming committee. “She’s so busy, you have to call ahead if you want to visit,” laughs

Diane’s sister, Mary Quandt. Their mom even carries her activities calendar around with her so she can

round everyone up for volleyball games, movies, or bingo.

Jean’s decision to move into assisted living at Lutheran Life Villages is nothing less than providential.

Six months after her husband’s death, Jean heard a voice in a dream telling her to move into Lutheran

Life Villages. Later that day, two separate visitors—her son and her pastor—independently asked her if

she had considered assisted living at Lutheran Life Villages.

That was all the confirmation Jean needed. Soon after, she moved in. “I guess she decided it was time

to get out there and have a life,” says Mary. Her daughters couldn’t be more pleased with her decision.

“Mom is so joyful,” says Diane. “It’s the only way to describe her. It’s just ridiculous how happy she is.”

For Mary, the sign on Jean’s door says it all: “Life doesn’t get any better than this.”

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Chapter Six Fulfilling

Diane Dale and Mary Quandtdaughters of Jean Quandt

assisted living resident“

2009 ‑2010 Comparative Financial ResultsFor years ended 8/31/10 and 8/31/09

Interest Expense: 1%Depreciation andAmortization: 7%

OperatingExpense: 33% Wages and

Benefits: 59%

Net Assets: 61%

Accounts Receivable: 5%Cash and Short-term

Investments: 8%

ContributionsReceivable: 9%

Investments: 19%

Other Liabilities: 8%

Current Liabilities: 11%

Debt: 20%

Net Resident ServicesRevenue: 83%

Investment& Others: 4%

Contributions: 11%

Grants: 2%

Property, Plant, andEquipment, Net: 58%

Other Assets: 1%



Benefits: 59%

Net Assets: 61%


Investments: 8%


Investments: 19%



Debt: 20%



Contributions: 11%

Grants: 2%


Other Assets: 1%



Benefits: 59%

Net Assets: 61%


Investments: 8%


Investments: 19%



Debt: 20%



Contributions: 11%

Grants: 2%


Other Assets: 1%



Benefits: 59%

Net Assets: 61%


Investments: 8%


Investments: 19%



Debt: 20%



Contributions: 11%

Grants: 2%


Other Assets: 1%

2010

2010 2009

Cash and Short-term Investments $1,958,607 $1,802,704Accounts Receivable 1,226,384 1,570,461Contributions Receivable 2,151,582 110,557Investments 4,515,880 4,255,935Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net 14,178,130 15,282,666Other Assets 347,919 405,516

TOTAL ASSETS $24,378,502 $23,427,840

Assets

2010 2009

Wages and Benefits $12,775,491 $14,477,411Operating Expense 7,168,661 7,081,905Other Expense 0 652,199Depreciation and Amortization 1,487,799 1,578,436Interest Expense 243,891 287,938

TOTAL EXPENSE $21,675,842 $24,077,889

CHANGE IN NET ASSET $1,777,942 $-3,608,984

Expenses

2010 2009

Debt $4,968,941 $5,253,558Other Current Liabilities 2,551,885 2,825,731Other Liabilities 1,876,186 2,145,004Net Assets 14,981,490 13,203,548

TOTAL ASSETS $24,378,503 $23,427,840

Liabilities and Net Assets

2010 2009

Cash and Equivalents at the Beginning of the Year $1,637,482 $2,201,884

Cash Flow from Operating Activities 1,302,705 -295,507Cash Flow from Investing Activities -498,805 -1,214,196Cash Flow from Financing Activities -482,773 945,301

Cash and Equivalents at the End of the Year $1,958,609 $1,637,482

Statement of cash Flow

Sources of Revenue 2010 2009

Private Resident Service Revenue $8,981,994 $9,881,192Government Resident Service Revenue 13,007,809 12,149,950Benevolence Care -2,446,338 -2,616,000Net Resident Services Revenue 19,543,465 19,415,142Grants 400,537 337,255Contributions 2,556,939 763,055Investment Returns 220,404 -821,327Other 732,439 774,780

TOTAL REVENUE $23,453,784 $20,468,905

Other Expense: 3%Depreciation andAmortization: 7%


Benefits: 60%

Net Assets: 56%

Interest Expense: 1%

Accounts Receivable: 7%

Cash and Short-termInvestments: 7%

Investments: 18%



Debt: 23%


Contributions: 4%

Grants: 2%Investments & Other: 0%



Other Assets: 2%



Benefits: 60%

Net Assets: 56%




Investments: 18%



Debt: 23%


Contributions: 4%




Other Assets: 2%



Benefits: 60%

Net Assets: 56%




Investments: 18%



Debt: 23%


Contributions: 4%




Other Assets: 2%



Benefits: 60%

Net Assets: 56%




Investments: 18%



Debt: 23%


Contributions: 4%




Other Assets: 2%

2009

6701 South Anthony BoulevardFort Wayne, Indiana 46816

(260) 447-1591www.lutheranlifevillages.org

Documents

President’s Report 2010