Good Samaritan Society

Congratulations to our skilled nursing centers in Le Mars, Iowa and Jackson, Minnesota on this prestigious honor! We are grateful for the above and beyond quality care you provide to residents each and every day.

"A lot of these people they need light, they need laughter, they need joy, they need a hug, they need a prayer... and so, God called me to do that and that's my heart, to be that for them." After years in sales in Coca-Cola along with facilities jobs in churches, Jerry Kelch, 63, is right where he belongs at Good Samaritan Society – Water Valley Senior Living Resort in Windsor, CO, as a senior maintenance mechanic. Jerry brings joy and a can-do attitude to the senior living resort, often accompanied by his famous "dad jokes." Whether it's replacing a light bulb, fixing a TV or helping a resident with their cell phone, Jerry does it all with a smile on his face because of his love for serving the residents. He even took it upon himself to set up movie and pizza nights for the guys in an effort to get the male resident population out of their rooms and into activities. These are just a few of the reasons why Jerry is being honored as this year's National Ever Forward Employee Champion. Setting up his own surprise without knowing it so the team could keep it a secret, Jerry was celebrated by residents and staff for his achievement. While he's only a year into his role at the Society, many people consider his presence a gift from above: "If there was an angel on this earth, it’s going to be disguised as Jerry. He is just one of the most caring, dedicated men that I’ve ever been around. He has made such a huge difference in so many of our residents’ lives," said Good Samaritan Society VP of operations for Colorado, Kansas and Hawaii, Randy Fitzgerald. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3zsPCvf

Two Good Samaritan Society skilled nursing locations have been recognized as a 2024 Silver – Achievement in Quality award recipient by the AHCA/NCAL. -Good Samaritan Society – Jackson (Jackson, Minnesota) -Good Samaritan Society – Le Mars (Le Mars, Iowa) The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to further improve the lives of residents and staff in long-term care. Good Samaritan Society president and CEO Nate Schema said, "This award is a reflection of our staff’s unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring our residents have the best quality of care and quality of life. Working with seniors is truly a calling and I am beyond proud of our staff who have answered that calling and who make an impact in our residents’ lives every single day in a meaningful way." Read more: https://bit.ly/3XMW3TV

For Good Samaritan Society and Sanford Health employees facing extraordinary and unexpected financial hardships, such as the recent flooding in the Midwest, the Employee Crisis Assistance Program serves as a lifeline for hope and healing. This fund is supported by hundreds of employees, many who give because it has helped them in a time of need. The Employee Crisis Assistance Program has distributed over $2.1 million in assistance over the past four years to more than 2,200 employees. Learn more about how you can help: https://bit.ly/4co4AAG

Not many 12-year-olds get home from school and then go to the nursing home to volunteer. But spending time with the residents of Good Samaritan Society – Lakota is something that brings a smile to Peyton Marquart's face, and to the residents' faces, too. You can find Peyton playing Yahtzee, doing cartwheels and even brining her pet goats to visit the residents. Peyton comes from a long line of caregivers. In addition to her mom and grandma spending time at the Lakota community, her two great aunts and cousin also work there. Getting volunteers to the long-term care center can be a challenge. Society administrator Anna Halvorson is grateful for Peyton and hopes she inspires others to give of their time, saying, "Volunteering is really at the heart of our mission. It's how we started and it's really who we are from our very beginning. They say there's nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer." Dedication to that mission is what earned Peyton honors as this year's National Ever Forward Volunteer Champion. Peyton learned the news when leaders surprised her with a baby goat named Pickles, who was wearing a special note. She says, "When I think about the Good Samaritan Society, I think of people who are helping and being really kind." Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3RCUeoQ

Sade Chester dreamed of becoming a nurse. Now, she’s making it happen. And with financial assistance from the Good Samaritan Society, she’s attending college to get an LPN degree. Learn more about this young go-getter: https://bit.ly/3xsPb3d

A father figure is someone who guides you on the path of life, teaching you valuable lessons along the way. They’re always there for you when you need them – even if you just need a good laugh! Happy Father’s Day!

Our CNAs are strong, dedicated and compassionate individuals who go above and beyond to help our residents. Join us in thanking them this week for their never-ending support!

We applaud the incredible, hard work that our certified nursing assistants do every day. Their dedication and care give comfort and peace to residents and families. Thank you for all that you do! Happy CNA week!

New data shows that only 6% of nursing homes currently meet all four requirements outlined in the recently finalized federal staffing mandate. The federal staffing mandate could have long-term implications in blocking access to care close to home for many of the nation's seniors, especially in rural areas. Leaders from the Good Samaritan Society spent part of last week voicing concerns with lawmakers at the 2024 AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill. The event saw record attendance with more than 700 providers across the country. As it stands today, the Society would need to hire an additional 207 registered nurses and nearly 400 nurse aides to comply with the federal rule. "It's an impossible task because the people simply aren't there... yet we're committed to providing quality care and believe we do that day in and day out," said Society president and CEO Nate Schema. Read more about the event: https://bit.ly/3Vk51oJ