Monday, March 3, 2014

Finding the lessons in adversity


Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.

– the Rev. Billy Graham
 
By Marisa Geitner, president & C.E.O. of Heritage Christian Services

I recently attended a meeting with some of our agency’s leaders in the Buffalo area and I found myself inspired when we took an opportunity to offer prayer requests. As you might expect sharing those moments left us with heavy hearts, yet we also saw sincere and gentle smiles begin to emerge with the stories. 

Whether supporting someone through medical challenges, loss or day-to-day moments of frustration, there was one common experience: On those most challenging days we all seem to walk away with grateful hearts. 

Adversity has a way of stripping away all but the most essential. The phones go unanswered, the paperwork is set aside, and appointments and emails are ignored – all are irrelevant in the moment. Our full attention is directed to being there for those we love. It is food for our soul.  It nurtures and strengthens us, sharpening us for the next challenge and opportunity.  It reminds us of the importance of why we’re here.

 I am thankful each day to witness the pureness of our care for one another.  It is inspiring. Thank you.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Focusing on faith and family


By Marisa Geitner, president & C.E.O. of Heritage Christian Services

At Heritage Christian Services, we describe ourselves as family. We celebrate when our co-workers have weddings and babies – and we walk with them when there is loss, or things that are difficult to bear.

We have a tradition of focusing on faith and family every Sunday in our residential and respite programs, and we’re proud of the relationships that have come out of that. In fact, I’ve invited a few people to tell how setting aside time for relationships and spiritual growth has influenced their lives. You’ll find their stories below.


We are mindful of our staff members who work holidays and weekends, and we are always working on how we might be better able to honor their family and faith traditions, too.


Edie Fantaske started working at Heritage Christian the same day Lisa Peters moved into her apartment at South Forest, and they have been close ever since. Edie knows that faith and family are important to Lisa. “I think that singing in the choir brings Lisa total joy to be able to use the gifts that God has given her.”

“I love Sundays because I get to relax and get refreshed before the week coming up,” said Lisa Peters, who attends Holy Infant of Prague Roman Catholic Church in Cheektowaga and sings in the choir. “My mom and dad meet me at church every other week to pick me up afterward. They come to my church on Christmas and Easter to see me sing.”
When Lisa returns home on Sundays, she enjoys catching up with friends. “Sunday is a day I can dedicate myself to my church, my family and my friends at South Forest.”

Focusing on faith gives Lisa Jackson inspiration for the week.
“It gives me a sense of strength to push me forward and know there is a greater purpose in life.”

The men who live at the home on Fairport Road in Pittsford have been enjoying church for years – but it didn’t really become a natural part of Sunday until they made friendships there.
“We participate in several of the activities the church holds including bowling parties, pancake breakfasts and game nights,” said Lisa Jackson, who often attends Perinton Presbyterian Church. “And all of the men we support participate in the adult work camp that is held in the spring.”

Lisa has become involved with the church, too. “I was recently asked by a member of the church to also join the missions team and have attended several meetings. I took on the holiday food baskets and organized 11 families receiving a Christmas dinner.”

Now, Sunday is a day they all look forward to.

“Being so involved with the church I feel does change our overall perception on life and that we are here not to serve ourselves but to serve God and each other.”

 

Monday, January 6, 2014

A vision for 2014


By Marisa Geitner, president & C.E.O. of Heritage Christian Services


This month I have the pleasure of introducing you to our new chairman of the board, Richard Vander Horst. Rich, who is a vice president with Wegmans Food Markets, has served on our board since January 2007 and we are so thankful for his time and expertise. His involvement with the organization dates back many years, an introduction made by his grandfather - a very faithful, dedicated supporter of Heritage Christian up until his passing. I’ve invited Rich to share a few words on his vision for 2014. Rich…



Richard Vander Horst
I’ve always enjoyed my time serving on the Heritage Christian board because of the great work that this agency does, and I think we have a lot to look forward to in 2014.
Certainly, there are challenges ahead for this industry but I believe Heritage Christian is focused on the right things – supporting relationships that are really meaningful for people with developmental disabilities and offering the kinds of experiences that matter to a person’s life.
People and their well being have always been at the center of the agency’s mission statement, and we can’t go wrong by keeping our focus there.