Childrens Chapel Program adds a new dimension to intergenerational programming

Lutheran Life Villages and Children’s Village in Fort Wayne have taken intergenerational programming to a higher power with the new Children’s Chapel Program, which began Thursday, March 4.

At 10:45 a.m. every Thursday, Children’s Village preschool students ages 3, 4, and 5 will join Lutheran Life Villages residents in Memorial Chapel for worship services led by Chaplain David Griebel. The program begins with a message children can relate to. The children’s portion of the service lasts only 15 to 20 minutes, a developmentally appropriate time frame for children that age.

“I’m very excited about the way this service will bring together all the people whom we serve,” Griebel says. “It’s wonderful to see the joy that the children bring to the residents when they come to Memorial Chapel.

“Staff members, both at Children’s Village and throughout Lutheran Life Villages, have done a great job in preparing the children for these weekly services,” Griebel adds. “We all will look forward to these opportunities to share God’s love.”

The Children’s Chapel Program is a new facet in an already-strong collaboration. Many Lutheran Life Villages residents participate in intergenerational programming at Children’s Village. Intergeneration programming joins students and residents for a variety of activities that strengthen the connection between generations, foster education and understanding, and enhance the lives of both groups.

Located on the Lutheran Life Villages Fort Wayne campus and administrated by Lutheran Social Services of Indiana, Children’s Village is a state-of-the-art early-learning center serving children 6 weeks to 5 years old.

“With this new Children’s Chapel Program, we want to nurture in our students a different wellness beyond educational,” says Kathy Lehman, director of Children’s Village. “We want to nurture their spiritual and emotional well-being as well.”

Participation in the program is optional, and permission slips were sent to students’ families. “This program may be an introduction to chapel services for some of our students,” Lehman says. “Or it may be something they’re accustomed to doing every Sunday.”

Yvette Luster-West joins staff

Yvette Luster-West joined Lutheran Life Villages as community liaison in January.

In this role, Yvette is responsible for external marketing, sharing information about all the good things Lutheran Life Villages has to offer. She’s already busy visiting hospitals, churches, and other organizations, making a connection with medical professionals, the business community, church leaders, and potential residents. Yvette will also coordinate special events aimed at putting Lutheran Life Villages in the spotlight.

“My goal is to spread the word in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area about what a great senior community we have at Lutheran Life Villages,” Yvette says. “Although it’s been several months since the name change, some professionals and community members are still not aware of our new identity as Lutheran Life Villages. I invite both professional and community members to visit us. When they come, they’ll experience the family atmosphere. I love to share all of the wonderful things happening here. The name change is a perfect match for what’s offered.”

A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Harrisburg Community College, Yvette brings a wide range of experience to her new position. In addition to being a licensed practical nurse, she’s also held leadership positions in independent and assisted living and long-term health care.

“I’ve done a little of just about everything,” Yvette says. “But I have a real passion for working with the older community. I believe we have an obligation to give back for all they’ve sacrificed for us.”

Yvette and her husband, James, have a daughter, Amber. In addition to her duties with Lutheran Life Villages, Yvette volunteers for efforts that foster the empowerment of women and children.

Captain Phil passes away

Lutheran Life Villages joins fans of The Deadliest Catch in mourning the loss of Captain Phil Harris, who died last night, February 9, due to complications from his recent stroke.

Our residents, staff, and friends who had the pleasure of meeting Captain Phil when he came to Fort Wayne in 2009 will remember a man who loved life and loved his job. We remember his comment, “Five years ago, I was just a crab fisherman, and five years from now, I will still be a crab fisherman.”

We express our deepest sympathy to his sons Josh and Jake and to the rest of the Cornelia Marie crew.

—Bruce Blalock, President and CEO of Lutheran Life Villages

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