Empira

04/07/2026

Minnesota is often called the *gold standard* in aging services—and that didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of intentional investment, innovation, and a deep commitment to doing better for older adults and the people who care for them.

A big part of that success is the **Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP)**.

At Empira, we work closely with nursing homes across the state, and we’ve seen firsthand what PIPP makes possible. This program has helped communities strengthen their workforce, reduce turnover, improve the quality of life for residents, and deliver more consistent, person-centered care.

These aren’t small wins—they are meaningful, measurable improvements that impact real people every single day.

And the impact goes far beyond Minnesota.

Because of PIPP, Empira is regularly asked to share our work across the country and internationally. What’s been built here is helping raise the bar for aging services everywhere. Minnesota isn’t just participating in innovation—we’re leading it.

That’s why the proposed cuts to PIPP in Governor Walz’s budget are so concerning.

We recognize the complexity of budget decisions, but this is a moment where the stakes are incredibly high. Reducing support for a proven, outcomes-driven program like PIPP risks undoing years of progress and weakening the very system that has made Minnesota a national leader.

PIPP is not optional—it is foundational.

If we value quality care, workforce stability, and continued leadership in aging services, we must protect and sustain this investment.

Now is the time to double down on what works—not scale it back.

👉 **Take action:** Contact your state legislators and the Governor’s office today. Share why PIPP matters to you, your community, and the future of aging services in Minnesota. Your voice matters—and it can make a difference.



Governor Tim Walz, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota House DFL, Minnesota House Republican Caucus

04/03/2026

Wishing you a wonderful Easter.
May the miracle of Easter bring you perfect peace and renewed faith this season. 🌸🌼🌷

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️🌈

"May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load, and may the mist of Irish magic shorten every road!" ✨
Today, we’re celebrating the "luck" of being a part of such incredible organizations. We hope your day is filled with bright smiles, extra helpings of green treats, and all the good vibes you can handle!
From our team to yours—wishing you a day that’s as golden as a pot at the end of the rainbow! 🌈

03/10/2026

This week, we recognize the leaders of long-term care! 🩵
Happy National Long-Term Care Administrator’s Week to those who lead with empathy, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Your leadership is the foundation of quality care.
Thank you for all that you do to support our residents and staff!
!

03/06/2026

🩵National Employee Appreciation Day!
Did you know National Employee Appreciation Day has been a tradition for over 30 years? 🗓️

Created in 1995 by Dr. Bob Nelson and Workman Publishing, this day was founded on a simple but powerful idea: that strong relationships between employers and employees are the foundation of every successful business.

Why it matters today:
It's about recognition: Research shows that feeling valued is one of the top drivers of employee happiness and motivation.

It builds culture: A simple "thank you" can boost morale, increase productivity, and strengthen the bond within a team.

It fuels the future: When employees feel seen, they are more engaged and inspired to grow alongside the company.

While we strive to show gratitude every day, today is our official moment to pause and celebrate the incredible humans who bring our mission to life. 🚀

Kelly, Thank you for your dedication, your talent, and for being the heart of what we do! ✨

02/27/2026

What a wonderful OARS Program Consortium Meeting!
There’s something powerful about bringing passionate people together with a shared goal. As we begin building our program toolkit, the collaboration, creativity, and openness in the room were truly energizing.

This is how strong programs are built- Together! Grateful for the thoughtful discussion, ideas, and collective dedication to strengthen workforce efforts!
!

02/20/2026

Today is National Caregivers Day, where we honor the incredible individuals who give their time, strength, and compassion to care for others. 🩵 Your dedication often goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated. Thank you for all you do, each and every single day!

02/04/2026

Lots of good conversations 💡, lots of data 📊, and lots of helpful feedback 😊. Empira is grateful to work alongside our amazing partners as we dig into our Quality Metrics, look for patterns 🔍 and trends and plan for the future.

02/03/2026

Celebrating Black History Month

https://www.weareteachers.com/famous-black-americans/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPvDaJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMTjkwdm51TEpFUEt5RVNyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgo_bB2xVClpKG6bCjCWkGhatE0X9NlvvuR00hy_Czxt9CpEMHs7iOB0UepQ_aem_QwYpxO6Ex6TMVMjd7l1rHw

From Ice Cube to George Washington Carver, these Black Americans are an integral part of history.

01/09/2026

🌟 We’re headed to the 2026 LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo! 🌟

On Wednesday, February 11, Empira’s Executive Director, Heather Mattson Johnson , RN, BSN, PHN, and Resource Nurse Kelly Jean will be presenting Session 408: Strengthening Retention Through Gratitude and Connection.

This year’s conference theme is Change Makers—and this session is all about real change happening right now. Learn how the OARS PIPP program is making a difference in 15 long-term care communities across Cassia, Volunteers of America National Services, Presbyterian Homes & Services, and Saint Therese

✨ Discover how gratitude and connection can:

Build a stronger workplace culture

Increase staff engagement

Improve retention

You’ll walk away with practical OARS strategies that you can use immediately to support staff and strengthen relationships in your organization.

📅 Wednesday, February 11
📍 2026 LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo
🗂 Session 408

We’d love to see you there! 💙

12/31/2025

What Really Matters to You in 2026?

As a new year approaches, there’s a familiar pressure to do more, be better, set bigger goals. But before we rush into resolutions, productivity systems, and five-year plans, there’s a quieter—and far more important—question worth asking:

What actually matters to me right now?
Not what should matter.
Not what matters to everyone else.
Not what used to matter.

Clarity doesn’t usually come from answers—it comes from asking the right questions and sitting with them long enough for something honest to surface. The questions below aren’t meant to be rushed. You don’t need to answer all of them at once. Think of them as invitations rather than assignments.

Grab a notebook, open a blank document, or take a long walk and let these questions work on you.

Before you can decide what’s important next, it helps to understand what’s shaped you so far.

• What moments from the past year stand out most strongly—and why?
• When did I feel most like myself?
• When did I feel drained, disconnected, or misaligned?
• What did I say “yes” to that I secretly wish I’d said “no” to?
• What did I avoid that I know mattered?

Values Beneath the Surface
Goals change. Titles change. Circumstances change. Values tend to linger.
• What values do I want my life to reflect, even if no one is watching?
• What makes me feel proud of myself—not impressed, but proud?
• When I feel conflicted, what value is usually being challenged?
• If I had to choose only three values to guide my decisions in 2026, what would they be?

Time, Energy, and Attention
Your calendar is often more honest than your intentions.
• Where does most of my time actually go?
• What consistently gives me energy—and what consistently takes it away?
• If my energy were a budget, what am I overspending on?
• What deserves more of my attention than it’s currently getting?

Relationships That Matter
Few things shape our lives more than the people in them.
• Who do I feel safest being fully myself around?
• Which relationships feel nourishing, and which feel obligatory?
• Who do I want to be more present with in 2026?
• Are there relationships I need to redefine, repair, or gently release?

Work, Purpose, and Contribution
This isn’t just about careers—it’s about meaning.
• What kind of work makes me feel useful or alive?
• What problems do I genuinely care about solving?
• If external validation disappeared, what would I still want to work on?
• How do I want my work to feel in 2026—not just look?

Growth, Not Just Goals
Growth isn’t always visible—but it’s always felt.
• What kind of person am I becoming?
• What patterns or habits am I ready to outgrow?
• What skill, mindset, or quality would make my life noticeably better?
• Where do I need to be more honest with myself?

Letting Go to Make Space
Sometimes knowing what matters means knowing what no longer does.
• What am I holding onto out of fear, guilt, or habit?
• What expectations am I carrying that aren’t actually mine?
• What would my life feel like if I released the need to please, prove, or perform?
• What would I stop doing if I trusted myself more?

Imagining 2026 (Without the Pressure)
Forget perfection. Think alignment.
• If 2026 felt deeply satisfying, what would be different?
• What would an “ordinary good day” look like?
• What would I regret not prioritizing if I looked back at the end of the year?
• What one word do I want to define how 2026 feels?

A Final Thought

You don’t need to turn these answers into a rigid plan. You don’t even need clarity on everything. Often, knowing what matters is less about certainty and more about direction.

Let your answers be messy. Let them evolve. Let them surprise you.
Because when you’re clear on what’s important, your decisions get lighter, your boundaries get stronger, and your life starts to feel more like it belongs to you.

Here’s to a 2026 that’s not just productive—but meaningful. 🥂🕛🥳🎩

12/24/2025

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! 🎁