Many recognize February as Black History Month--celebrating achievements by black Americans and the central role of African Americans in US history--and American Heart Month--generating awareness of risks for heart disease and stroke and how to stay heart healthy. But, did you know that February 17 is

Random Acts of Kindness Day ?

Most of us try to be considerate as we go about our daily lives, but a random act of kindness results from that little extra effort to do something nice for another when it is least expected. It may be nothing more than letting someone else take the last piece of the best-ever chocolate cake or complimenting the elderly lady standing next to you in the grocery line on how her beautiful blue eyes sparkle.

So . . . on this February 17, remember to celebrate

Random Acts of Kindness Day. Make a difference by doing something kind and unexpected for someone else. You'll bring joy to their day AND give yourself a gift of the heart as well.

Blessing and Open House for New Visions

On Thursday, January 22, the new home of New Visions Homeless Day Shelter was dedicated with a blessing and brief program. New Visions Executive Director Kevin Moran and his team welcomed guests and provided tours to a large gathering of volunteers, supporters, and patrons of New Visions along with community leaders and representatives of LSMNJ.

Read more.

Vice President & Executive Director Appointed

Sherry Outten brings more than 25 years experience in long-term care and senior services to her new role as vice president and executive director for Lutheran Crossings Enhanced Living (LCEL) at Moorestown.

Prior to joining LSMNJ, she was the associate executive director for The Quadrangle--a Sunrise Senior Living Community in Haverford, PA. A resident of Wenonah, NJ, Sherry is looking forward to working for a faith-based organization with a strong mission and leading a program like Lutheran Crossings with its rich history and heritage within the local community. Read more.

More Than Just Doing A Job

At LSMNJ we're committed to providing quality services delivered with compassionate care. Daily, our staff strives to meet high standards not only in what they do but in how they do it--offering patience and encouragement as well as professional skill to help patients achieve desired results.

Recently, following a stay at Crane's Mill, a West Orange resident took time to acknowledge Michael Maykish and his rehab staff as well as other caregivers who were beneficial to his recovery. He notes in a "thank you" letter that, in the beginning, he was apprehensive about his rehabilitation progress but talking with considerate and helpful staff changed all that. Read more.

Birchwood Senior Residence Sees the Light!

Outdated and inefficient T-12 florescent lighting, at LSMNJ's Birchwood at Old Bridge Senior Residence, has been replaced by LED smart lighting. This change allows for overall cost savings. Perhaps more important is the ability to program common area lighting to automatically adjust to appropriate levels for occupied and unoccupied spaces. Residents are enjoying a warmer visual environment in Birchwood's hallways and public areas, and upgraded lighting in individual apartments will also save LSMNJ senior resident's money on their own electric bill.

The Result: esthetically pleasing, well-lit, and safer common areas with a bonus of lower energy costs for LSMNJ and our residents.

Volunteers Help Two More Families Recover from Sandy

It was typically cold January weather, but on the 17th a group of Hand in Hand Day volunteers were warmed by the knowledge that, at the end of the day, two families were one step closer to life as it was "before Sandy".

Sponsored by LSMNJ Disaster Recovery, volunteers helped one family gain access to their home by building a deck at their back door. At the second site, volunteers furnished the family's home after unloading-and sometimes

putting together--a truckload of new donated furniture and household items.

Read more

To keep current on the work of LSMNJ Disaster Recovery and its volunteers follow them on Facebook

LIFE Recognizes Employee of the Quarter

Graciella Chugnas is the first recipient of Lutheran Senior LIFE's new Employee of the Quarter Award.

The purpose of the award is to recognize an employee who goes above and beyond in their job while focusing on the organization's mission and values. Graciella is a certified nursing assistant who works in center support and spends much of her time in the Day Room helping LIFE participants. Asked what the award means to her, Graciella responded, "I put love into my job and my participants. I don't think of it as a job...it's from my heart, it's what I do."

MISSION:

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in response to God's love as revealed in the Gospel, the mission of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey is to serve those in New Jersey who hurt, who are in need, or who have limited choices.