Ecumen

01/20/2026

Peter Gallatin, our Director of Spiritual Care, shares this Spiritual Thought for the Week.

“The problem of poverty is not that we do not have enough; it is that we do not share enough.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.

"In the Christian tradition, there is a story of feeding 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. What appeared to be very little became abundance when it was shared.

Across many faiths, the lesson is the same: community creates abundance.

At Ecumen, we see this abundance every day. We empower individuals and families to navigate aging not by doing everything alone, but by sharing responsibility, compassion, and support. When we show up for one another, aging becomes a purposeful journey filled with dignity, care, and hope.

Blessings on your journey."

01/13/2026

Peter Gallatin, our Director of Spiritual Care, shares this Spiritual Thought for the Week.

"Did you watch any of the NFL Wild Card games this weekend? Without the Vikings to cheer for, I found myself simply enjoying the games without worrying too much about the outcome. What stood out was that none of the games were decided early—many teams were still very much in it late into the 4th quarter.

It’s a good reminder as we begin the week. Are you already feeling behind, overwhelmed, or tired? Like those games, a single moment can change everything—and with it can come a burst of energy.

In spiritual “talk,” I call this hope.

What matters most isn’t always a “win.” What matters is continuing to show up. Faith—however you define it—isn’t about dominating every day. It’s about staying present and trusting that something meaningful will unfold.

You’re still in the game.

Blessings on your journey."

01/12/2026

Talking to a loved one about senior living isn’t easy. You’re balancing their safety with their independence.

Many families wait until a fall or emergency forces the decision but starting the conversation early preserves what matters most: choice, dignity, and peace of mind.

Take the first step today. Read our blog post for guidance on how to respectfully start the senior living conversation, then schedule a tour to see how we support independence while providing the care families trust. Tour today.

Wondering how to respectfully bring up senior living with loved ones? Discover tips for starting this emotional conversation with confidence and compassion. [Read the full story here]

01/05/2026

Throughout the fall, Ecumen received a substantial number of applications from a broad and diverse array of accomplished professionals for its President and CEO position. Initial interviews have begun and will continue into January.

Ecumen’s goal endures – to be the most trusted aging services provider and the best place
to work for those serving older adults. The next President and CEO will be both passionate
and proficient in leading an organization resolutely focused on providing exceptional living environments and healthcare services fostering independence, choice, and fulfillment for a growing population of older adults.

This position will remain open until filled. Additional information about Ecumen’s President
and CEO position and on how to apply may be found on our search webpage:
https://ecumen.org/find-a-career/career-spotlight-president-ceo/

https://ecumen.org/blog/ecumens-search-for-its-next-president-and-ceo-advances/

Throughout the fall, Ecumen received a substantial number of applications from a broad and diverse array of accomplished professionals for its President and CEO position. [Read more here]

12/24/2025

At Ecumen, this truly is the reason for the season. As a nonprofit organization, donations like these are incredibly important, and the smiles say it all!

We extend our most sincere gratitude to the Maplewood Public Safety Department for their thoughtful and generous gifts to our residents at Ecumen Lakeview Commons. Through their Angel Tree giving program, residents received personalized bundles of holiday cheer that made this Christmas extra special.

Thank you for spreading kindness and joy where it matters most. Happy Holidays!

12/19/2025

Coming home for the holidays can bring joyful moments, and sometimes the realization that a loved one may need a little extra support.

Ecumen Home Care offers personalized non-medical and medical services delivered at home, providing peace of mind, comfort, and more time to focus on what matters most this season. Visit our website to learn more! https://ecumen.org/supportive-services/in-home-care/

12/19/2025

Winter can be a season of comfort, connection, and care, especially for older adults.

With a few simple habits, it’s possible to stay warm, healthy, active, and socially connected through the colder months. Our latest blog shares practical winter wellness tips to help older adults enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season.

Cold weather brings unique challenges for everyone, especially older adults. Discover simple winter wellness tips to stay safe, healthy, and socially connected. [read the full article here]

12/18/2025

Meet Deb, the incredible housekeeper at Ecumen Brooks & CountrySide who, for 14 years, has brought holiday magic and joy to residents with her festive traditions. Discover how she spreads cheer beyond the holidays at the link below!

https://ecumen.org/blog/deb-at-ecumen-brooks-and-countryside-spreads-holiday-cheer-and-everyday-kindness/

12/17/2025

The holidays are quickly approaching, and this time of year is especially meaningful for those we serve and the team members who care for them every day.

In the video, Elaine—who calls Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud home—shares her heartfelt gratitude for the team there who support her. Her words remind us how powerful connection, kindness, and compassion are, especially during the holiday season.

For those we serve, the holidays bring reflection, memories, and a deep appreciation for the people who make them feel at home. For our team members, it’s a time to continue showing up with care, dedication, and heart. We’re grateful for stories like Elaine’s that capture the true spirit of the season.

12/16/2025

CHECK THIS OUT!

Ecumen Home Care is an incredibly important part of our Ecumen ecosystem, and we’re excited to share some great news — Ecumen Home Care now has its own page!

This page will be a great place to stay connected, learn more about the impact our Home Care team makes every day, and keep up with news and updates. Give the page a follow and help us spread the word!

We’re excited to introduce the Ecumen Home Care page!

What is Home Care?
Home care brings personalized support to you, including help with daily activities (like housekeeping and personal care) and clinical services such as medication management and coordinated therapy—so you can stay where you’re most comfortable.

Why choose Ecumen?
-Part of a trusted continuum of care for seamless support as needs change
-Local, consistent teams who build relationships and show up with professionalism and heart
-A holistic, advocacy-first approach. We coordinate closely with providers and families to support the whole person

Where we serve (MN):
-Duluth (Carlton, Lake and St. Louis counties)
-Litchfield (Benton, Carver, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties)
-Mankato (Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Waseca, and Watonwan counties)

Contact us:
Call: 877‑311‑4997
Email: homecareintake@ecumen.org
Visit: https://ecumen.org/supportive-services/in-home-care/

Follow this page for tips, resources, and real stories from our teams and families. If you or a loved one could use a little extra support at home, we’re here to help.

12/12/2025

Ecumen Detroit Lakes is putting the green in Christmas this holiday season! 💚

12/08/2025

The holiday spirit is everywhere at Ecumen!

Our teams are truly embracing the season this year! From festive lunch outings and creative Christmas art projects to tree decorating, holiday cookies, and even donations of warm clothing for local communities.

We’re doing it all, and we’re so grateful to celebrate the joy of the holidays together!