Jan 19, 2016 | Good Moods, Grace Ridge Blog Posts, Lifestyle, Mind, Mood, News, Residents, Tips & Info
🔊 Listen to This Blog. When it comes to successfully mentoring others, you should always give a listening ear, not a speaking mouth. As a lifelong mentor and longtime pastor, Grace Ridge resident Dr. Pat Looper shares these Good Moods words of wisdom during National Mentoring Month. “I’ve mentored the youth and family members who have had loved ones pass away. I’ve also mentored clergy who are taking steps to becoming ordained and am involved with the families of Grace Ridge residents,” she said. Just recently, the daughter of one of her friends called her for some “venting time and counseling.” Dr. Looper is quick to note that when advising others, confidentiality is key. “I’m sure people would not confide in me if I didn’t keep my mouth shut,” she said. Dr. Looper said she’s learned from each and every mentoring experience and encourages others to share their wisdom with others. “I’ve had so many people mentor me throughout my life. Being a mentor is part of who you are and who you’ve learned from. We should all be passing on what we’ve learned to others.” In the case of another Grace Ridge resident, mentoring took on a tax advisor role. For 18 years, Rev. Don Robb volunteered with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, preparing nearly 50 tax returns each year for low-income people. “It was a nice challenge to learn a new skill and use it to serve others,” he said, adding that he’s also assisted several Grace Ridge residents with their tax preparation. For Morganton native Bill Allman, mentoring youth and coaching Little League baseball for 15...
Nov 12, 2015 | Activities, Body, Events, Good Moods, Grace Ridge Blog Posts, Holidays, Lifestyle, Mind, Mood, News, Residents
🔊 Listen to This Blog. Whether it’s coloring a card for a hometown soldier, stuffing a backpack with food for hungry children or loading a stocking full of games and puzzles for hospice patients, the opportunities to perform Good Deeds are plentiful at Grace Ridge this holiday season. With the fourth quarter Well4Life rewards program focusing on volunteerism and community relations, it’s a chance for residents and staff to share kindness with people in the community who are less fortunate. “This is a time of year when there are so many needs in our community,” said Evelyn Beaver, director of life enrichment. “We wanted to offer different projects that would be meaningful for our residents and allow them to lend a hand in areas they are passionate about.” Not all activities require a financial commitment, allowing residents and staff of all income levels to participate. Some plan to roll up their sleeves and help prepare food for the homeless at The Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry at Burke United Christian Ministries, while others will fill backpacks with beans, rice and peanut butter for hungry children through the Backpack Ministry at Grace Episcopal Church. For The Meeting Place Mission, volunteers will make travel kits – zip-close bags filled with hotel-sized shampoo, soap and lotion. Meanwhile, other residents and staff are donating basic medical supplies, like aspirin and anti-itch cream, for Dr. William Johanson’s upcoming Health Teams International mission trip to Haiti. A group of Grace Ridge “elves” is stuffing stockings with puzzles, candy, games, tissues, lotion, snacks and fuzzy gripper socks that will be delivered to area Medicaid facilities through...
