This month, Tel Hai marks an impressive milestone… 60 years of Christ-like service to seniors. An impressive feat? Absolutely! I joined the Tel Hai team in 1975, and since beginning my own employment journey on the beautiful campus of Tel Hai, much has changed. We have grown, expanded and streamlined our operations and services. Below are my ‘top ten’ reflections of our history, heritage and growth:
10. We worked in a regulated environment – there are challenges by government regulations – including government reimbursements, care requirements and building requirements. This has been consistent during my tenure when looking at the prior history and it’s impact on today’s care. At times, these regulations cause stress for both team members and residents.
9. Accommodations can always be improved. When I started at Tel Hai, health care had “ward rooms” now we’re looking for ways to increase the number of private rooms. The rooms were painted block or panel. I laugh when I think how proud we were of improvements over the years – as the years go by buildings that were state of the art become outdated and needing refreshed.
8. The only thing consistent in my tenure – has been change. Some things go full circle. We had a personal care building that became an assisted living building that is now once again personal care. There continue to be campus growth and care improvements – some minor adjustments – some major changes. We have experienced the growth of multiple levels of care and living accommodations, the expansion to the community through and The Children’s Learning Garden (our child day care center.)
7. When team members and residents work together… we can do great things. Most easily identified are snow or weather incidents, but there have been others as well. Volunteers have always been an important part of the team from the 1-W young men serving their alternative service to the Vietnam War (prior to my work experience) to more than 400 volunteers serving today. Tel Hai could not be what it is without this portion of the team.
6. Beaver Dam and Birdell Roads flood! If you see a sign – don’t go around! I’ve seen lots of flooded cars of people who live or work at Tel Hai… including me!
5. Growth is hard work! Developing the first ‘Campus Master Plan’ took LeRoy Petersheim significant meetings. The second plan took Joe Swartz, our current CEO, significant time as well. The obstacles are/were different – however, long-range planning takes creating a dream and then convincing others of the dream. There are external force – I started during the first energy crises, worked through the bank collapse plus many ebbs and flows.
4. Our mission, vision and core values are central to our success. They have always been a constant.
3. Faith based organizations stay focused by dedicated boards. Tel Hai has been blessed with great board members and leaders over my time. They have been forward thinkers and encouragers to leadership.
2. The team members at Tel Hai are unbelievable – talented, giving, hard working and fun. I am honored to work with three great CEO’s who have mentored me and those around them.
1. The best part of Tel Hai is the people who live here. I have been fortunate to have heard the life stories – from World War II, the Holocaust, investors, and entertainers – to those who live productive lives of which God calls them to live. Residents have mentored me, laughed with me, cried with me and let me be a small part of their lives.
For that, I am eternally grateful.
M. Sue Verdegem, NHA
Sr. Executive Vice President, Finance & Administration
Tel Hai Retirement Community
Sue, thank you for sharing your memories and growth experiences. I love our history boards here at Tel Hai, your above recollections bring the history boards to life. I am chuckling inside about number six! I recall hearing that story which I am certain was not funny at the time. Tel Hai certainly has grown over the years, we are so blessed to have such a lovely campus filled with residents willing to share their life stories along with talented team members.
Thank you Tina. Yes – #6 was not one of my best days.
Sue – thanks for taking the time to step back and provide the long view on four decades of Tel Hai history.
Thanks Tim – there is so much to learn from history – always good to spend a few minutes reflecting.
Thank you Sue for the significant contribution you have made to making Tel Hai the great community that it has been through the years. You expressed gratitude to those that came into your life through Tel Hai and have blessed you. You have done the same for many others as well, me included.
Sue, thank you for sharing your top ten reflections. With all your years of service your voice is a credible, valued and appreciated!
Joe Swartz