Contact: Michelle Milde, Sales & Marketing Director, The Homestead at Rochester, 952-220-5971, mmilde@voa.org
OCTOBER 8, 2024 – The Homestead at Rochester, a Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) senior living community, recently donated hundreds of outdoor winter clothing items to the local Rochester Salvation Army. More than 200 items were specifically gathered for distribution to individuals within the Rochester community who are currently without a place to live.
“The inspiration for giving back and supporting the unsheltered was brought to me by two of our residents Bob Keith and Sue Johnson,” said Director of Life Enrichment, Alexandra Schepp. “What we thought would be a small coat drive, quickly grew into hundreds of donated items by our residents and staff.”
The winter clothing drive is just one of the many ways that the senior living community plans to support the Salvation Army this year. In December, red kettles will be displayed throughout the multi-building campus in an effort to collect donations from staff, residents and visiting family members.
“VOANS’s mission is deeply rooted in serving others,” said Executive Director, Mike Anderson. “We continually seek ways to engage and encourage our residents and team members to participate in giving back to the community and providing support to those in need, such as the unsheltered population.”
Volunteering has been shown to offer significant health benefits, particularly for older adults. Studies indicate that volunteering can boost mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress, fostering social connections, and creating a sense of purpose.
“Engaging in these kinds of activities not only helps those in need, but also enhances the overall health of our residents,” Schepp said. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
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About Volunteers of America National Services
Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS), a subsidiary of Volunteers of America, provides affordable housing and healthcare services in over 40 states and in Puerto Rico. The organization employs over 2,000 dedicated staff who provide high quality services and care to our clients. As one of the largest non-profit affordable housing owners/operators in the nation, the VOANS portfolio includes over 240 properties and 15,000 affordable housing units. VOANS also operates senior healthcare programs, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, home health care, adult day care and Programs for all Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
About The Homestead at Rochester
The Homestead at Rochester is a nonprofit, faith-based senior living community managed by Volunteers of America National Services. Located in Rochester, Minn., the campus provides a full continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, home health and comprehensive home care. Learn more at www.homesteadatrochester.org.
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