A Milestone Anniversary: Bethesda’s Year in Review Reflects on 125th Year of Serving the Community

2022 marked a significant milestone for Bethesda – our 125th anniversary! Founded in 1897, Bethesda has a rich history of providing care and support to those in need. We hosted a series of events and activities throughout the year to celebrate this momentous occasion, culminating in our Legacy Day Celebration on September 25th.

The Legacy Day Celebration began with a worship service, followed by a special presentation from our CEO, Michelle Haefner. We then enjoyed a delicious luncheon, a live pie auction, and a game of Bingo. It was a special day that brought together team members, residents, and the community to honor this important milestone. We are grateful for the support of the community and member churches, which has been integral to Bethesda’s success. Without this support, Bethesda would not be where it is today.

As we look back on our 125 years in Bethesda, it’s clear that our community has always played a vital role in our success. This year Michelle Haefner, CEO, and Caroline Chan, CDO, met with Milo, one of the children that were served at the orphanage near Eagle Lake in the 1920s.  Milo remembered how “the community always made sure the children were not forgotten.” And today, that same spirit of community support continues to be a cornerstone of Bethesda, ensuring that those who call it home are never forgotten.

As we look ahead to 2023, Bethesda is excited to announce three new initiatives: Bethesda Hospice, Independent Living Expansions in Willmar and New London, and Employment Services for those living with disabilities.

• First, Bethesda Hospice will provide exceptional nursing, spiritual care, and home health services to those in our community who are on their end-of-life journey, along with support for their families and friends. This program builds on Bethesda’s long history of caring for those in need at our skilled nursing facility.
• Second, in response to the current demand for senior housing, Bethesda will be investing millions of dollars in the development of garden home communities in Willmar and North Pointe in New London. These communities will provide support, friendship, and a variety of amenities for older adults.
• Finally, our Personalized Employment Services program will offer job coaching services to help those living with disabilities pave the way for rewarding careers in the healthcare field. These individuals have gifts and talents to share, and Bethesda is committed to helping them realize their potential.

These programs and services would not be possible without the support of our community and member churches. Thank you for your continued support, which allows Bethesda to serve future generations.

In addition to our three new initiatives, Bethesda is also pleased to announce the return of monthly support groups for those living with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. These support groups will provide a space for individuals to come together, share their experiences, and offer support and understanding to one another. Monthly meetings will be held in New London, Willmar, and Olivia, and a Spanish-speaking support group will be held quarterly in Willmar.

We hope these support groups will provide a sense of community and help those affected by these conditions and their caregivers to feel less alone. We look forward to offering this resource to our community in 2023.