Think people are living longer these days? The statistics tell us that is the case. In 1900, the average life expectancy for men in the United States was 46 years. For women, the average life expectancy was 48 years. Today, the average life expectancy for men in the United States is 75 years, and for women it is 80 years. But, there is more to the story.

In 1900 many, many children died during childhood. Today fewer children die at an early age. The reason is we have better basic health measures such as sanitation, and multiple infectious disease immunizations that protect children from measles, polio and chicken pox for example. When Lincoln Lutheran was founded in 1954, we began in the old county isolation hospital which was no longer needed due to medical advances protecting children and young adults. In fact, if you made it to young adulthood in 1920 you stood a good chance of living into your 60s or 70s. A main reason our average life expectancy has increased overall is because children generally now live into adulthood.

However, what was true in 1900 is still true today. As we age our bodies change and we need help with our daily activities. And, at some point we all die. How we live as we age is the important thing. This is something Lincoln Lutheran has been committed to for over 50 years. We take care of aging people every day in a wide variety of ways. We provide food, affordable housing, nursing care, life enrichment, adult day services, in-home assistance, retirement living, assisted living and more every day to aging seniors throughout Racine County.

So as more people live longer, our mission is to help them live long and prosper. We honor God in service to others. If you or someone you know needs help during the aging journey, just call us and we'll be happy to serve. 

Sincerely,

Dan Risch, CEO

Volunteer Spotlight

Dressing the Part 

Becker Shoop Volunteer, John Johansen

 

Some may often see this man with a big smile on his face and dressed to the gills in costume, but not know his name. John Johansen has been a dedicated volunteer at Becker Shoop for the past three years. His spirit and lightheartedness has definitely brought a fun atmosphere to the community.

 

After his mother moved into the Becker Shoop community, John thought about becoming a volunteer. He thought it would be a great way to visit his mother and spend time with others.

 

"Volunteering at Becker Shoop makes me feel good knowing others have company," says John.

 

John doesn't just volunteer, he plays a role in the activity department. He supports with any need involved with activities and feels like a member of the team.

 

"I enjoy Becker Shoop because every team member is friendly and caring," says John.

 

John helps transport residents to and from chapel for worship services. He supervises the Rosary prayer groups to assure residents are safe and secure. He helps with setting up and cleaning up at our summer picnic and dresses up in costume for various holiday events. John's favorite activity is assisting residents during bingo by pointing out correct numbers on their cards and helping them choose a prize.

 

After living in Racine all his life, John now resides at Lincoln Manor. He is now retired from Starbuck Middle School where he worked as a janitor. John is always ready, willing and able to assist with any activity on short notice. John Johansen is not only an outstanding volunteer; he is truly part of the Becker Shoop team.

 

For more information about volunteering at Becker Shoop, please contact Marcie Molbeck at (262) 898-2772.
 

Community Highlights

Lincoln Village, a community of Lincoln Lutheran that specializes in short-term rehabilitative care for older adults, honored residents during a special Valentine's Day dinner celebration on Wednesday, February 15.

The "Enchanted Evening" invited 24 guests and their family members or significant others to share in an evening of fine dining. The evening was created so residents could experience a night of dressing up and enjoying the company of their sweetheart.

Sweet Adelines performing at Lincoln Village.

Guests enjoyed a musical performance
by Sweet Adelines, a female quartet, and were amazed by the transformation of the dining room into a magical Cinderella Ballroom.

Guests were limited
due to dining room space, so team members plan to have four similar events throughout the year so each resident has the chance to attend an evening where they can dress up.

Lincoln Village residents and their guests enjoy an enchanting evening.

Programs and Services 

Marching for Meals

It's time to March for Meals! To show support of this national campaign, our Meals on Wheels team is actively raising awareness of senior hunger and encouraging action and participation at every level. 

 

A special component to the campaign is Mayors for Meals Day, a day for County Mayors to show support for their local Senior Nutrition Program. We are excited to have Racine Mayor, John Dickert, and City of Burlington Mayor, Robert Miller, join us to hand deliver meals on Wednesday, March 21.

 

County Executive, Jim Ladwig, and Manual Vasquez, Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson joined us on March 12 to help distribute meals along with smiles. We are honored to see such great support from inside our community and beyond.

 

Racine County Meals on Wheels serves 330 seniors daily who rely on a healthy, hot meal delivered to their homes Monday through Friday. In 2011, the program delivered 85,965 meals throughout Racine County to seniors who are 60 years and older, homebound and have difficulty preparing meals for themselves. Meals are delivered county-wide, including Burlington, Waterford, Union Grove and Racine.

 

The program, administered through Lincoln Lutheran of Racine, relies heavily on the time and commitment of approximately 175 volunteers who donated 7,560 volunteer hours in 2011. The volunteers who deliver the meals provide a warm, nurturing connection to all of the recipients.

If you are looking for a rewarding volunteer experience and wish to join our volunteer family, please contact Becky Marston, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 262-898-2562.
  

Lincoln Lutheran holds the Senior Nutrition Program contract with the Racine County Human Services Department.