| | | | | |

Senior Living Partner renews spaces, supports community through Bridging

Featured Partner: Presbyterian Homes & Services

The motto of Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS), a close-knit organization based on faith, is “Creating smiles in the eyes of people we serve.” For nearly 70 years, PHS has committed itself to serving the needs of older adults by offering a broad array of housing, care and services for older adults in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Behind the scenes, the PHS Renovation Department plays a key role in ensuring that all living spaces in the organization’s 61 unique communities are inviting, comfortable and functional for residents and guests. The goal of each renovation project is to renew, refresh and update the space. Each year, the department plans three to five renovation projects.

Director of Renovations Dustin Sayre manages all renovation projects for PHS:

“We ask, ‘How do we revitalize our existing communities, so they are relevant and a blessing to their residents and the greater communities where they are located?’” Dustin observes. “PHS is also committed to approaching a necessary renovation in a sustainable manner. If our furniture no longer fits our design and function, it can have a second life. This is when we partner with organizations like Bridging.”

Last year, when PHS renovated its Stonecrest community in Woodbury, and later Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, Bridging was the recipient of the common space furnishings that were being replaced.

Carla Gatto, a PHS project manager and past Bridging volunteer, initiated the PHS and Bridging partnership alongside Bridging’s Director of Strategic Partnerships Diana Dalsin.

“Bridging’s mission is so important,” says Carla. “We give the furnishings to Bridging for free, and Bridging gives furnishings to people in need. Someone can shop there for no or low cost (often covered by agency partners) and outfit their entire home.”

PHS donated 108 items during the Stonecrest renovation and 280 items during the Boutwells Landing renovation. In previous years, PHS also donated furnishings from its Timber Hills and McKenna Crossing communities.

Diana expresses gratitude for PHS’s partnership and their stellar commitment as a Bridging partner from the senior housing sector.

“PHS is wonderful about talking through the options of what they have to give and how they can help get furnishings to our warehouses,” says Diana. “They are providing us with quality donations — art, side tables, couches, soft-seated chairs, and dining tables — so they are immediately available for community members to select for their homes. We are truly grateful for their partnership.”

Carla encourages other senior living communities to explore a partnership with Bridging.

“Go volunteer at Bridging,” she encourages. “Then you’ll understand the need and the importance of your organization participating in this partnership. Ask questions about the process and the community need. If you volunteer and have a conversation with the Bridging team, you’ll understand why your organization should do it!”

Learn More:

More Posts