Scott Riddle | Mar 9, 2015
As CEO of Walker Methodist, I am proud of how our employees make Walker Methodist the best place to live and work. They make our organization stronger. One of the many ways they do this is by supporting the Walker Methodist Foundation.
Fostering Growth at Walker Methodist
This year we are pleased to report that the Foundation continues to grow. We are raising more money and these donations are making a difference in the lives of our residents. For example, some of the projects funded in the past year include: the music and memory program, art therapy to residents at the Health Center, a new community room at Care Suites, furniture for the lobby at Westwood Ridge, and exercise equipment at Plaza - among others.
We are excited to be kicking-off our first employee campaign to support the Foundation, to help our teammates who are in need, and to further strengthen Walker Methodist.
How did the Pay it Forward Program Start?
New in 2015 - our 70th year - is the establishment of our Pay it Forward Program. Recognizing that our employees are critical to achieving the goal of making Walker Methodist the best place to live and work, we have established a fund to support employees through crisis situations.
Our Foundation Board of Directors has set aside $2,500 to seed this fund and will match dollar for dollar donations from employees up to an additional $7,500. A special thanks to my colleagues Peggy Beck and Anneliese Peterson for helping to establish this resource for our employees.
Occasionally an emergency situation arises that requires an unexpected outlay of financial resources that an employee doesn’t always have. The Pay it Forward fund exists to support Walker Methodist employees who are experiencing an unexpected hardship or crisis. The Pay it Forward program stands ready to assist qualifying employees with help in the spirit of our mission and values.
Why Pay it Forward?
In an 1841 essay, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “In the order of nature, we cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them. But the benefits we receive must be rendered again, to somebody.”
Our employees give so much time and energy to caring for our residents; this is one small way to show support. Our mission is Life. And all the living that goes with it, enhancing the lives of older adults through a culture of caring, service, and respect. Life is often unpredictable and this program is here to assist those employees who are in need. Lily Hardy Hammond one said, “You don’t pay love back; you pay it forward.”
Future donors may give to the fund to honor staff members. Our goals are to make sure each employee knows of its availability and to grow its capacity. This program will be a valuable resource for employees far into the future.
Looking Forward
Our mission and values guide the creativity, innovation, and success of Walker Methodist as we continually seek opportunities to build and develop our programs, service offerings, and senior living residences in the future. Not only do we want to make Walker Methodist a great place for seniors to reside and live their life to the fullest, but we also strive to make Walker Methodist an engaging, rewarding place to work for our staff.
Together, I know we can make a huge difference in each other’s lives. Together, we can support Life. And all the living that goes with it. Together, we can pay it forward.
