September 2022
The Spirit of LutherCare is an annual award presented to a team member who has made exceptional contribution to the quality of life of residents and team members. We are pleased to recognize that this year’s recipient is Bernie Richard.
Bernie is the Tenant Services Coordinator for Luther Heights and has been with LutherCare Communities (LCC) since 2012. Her career with LCC is no accident, as Bernie’s sister-in-law is the Tenant Services Coordinator at Luther Riverside Terrace. She knew that she always wanted to work with seniors and when an opportunity at LCC arose, Bernie knew it would be a great fit.
“I started with LCC working in Home Help. I really enjoyed it and met such wonderful people. I knew I wanted to continue working with seniors and in 2014, I began my career as Tenant Services Coordinator. The past 10 years have been wonderful, and I truly love what I do” says Bernie. She continues, “the best part of my job is the people I work with and the residents. This award means so much to me. We have the most wonderful team members and to be recognized is amazing.”
During her 10 years, Bernie has made a big impact on the residents and team members of Luther Heights. “The residents call her an angel. I am constantly thanked by residents and their families for her dedication,” says Lynn Szuba, Housing Manager for Luther Heights.
She continues. “We had a resident here whose wife lived in long-term care. They were about to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, but his family lived out of town, and were not able him to take him to see his wife. Bernie not only offered to take him, but stopped on the way to buy flowers for him to give his wife on their special day. It meant the world to him, and he would remind us often of what she did for him. Bernie is so deserving of this award and exemplifies what LutherCare stands for.”
Bernie’s commitment to the residents of Luther Heights, their families, and her fellow team members, truly embodies the spirit of LutherCare. Thank you for your many contributions to LutherCare Communities and for going above and beyond your duties to ensure a safe and caring environment for the residents of Luther Heights.