Providence Life Services provides high-quality Christian care for thousands of people — they are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and great-grandparents. All of us will reach a point in our lives when we simply cannot care for ourselves. The Golden Rule compels us to ask ourselves, "How will I want to be cared for during that time?" and then provide that kind of care for those we serve.

The cost of such care is not small — and it's growing every year. Most of our residents can afford the cost, but sadly, many cannot. The government, through Medicaid, provides some assistance, but the amount that Medicaid reimburses does not completely cover the cost of care. That's why Providence goes above and beyond what the government will reimburse — providing the kind of care we would like to receive ourselves, even when people can't afford it.

That's why we need your help. The gap between Medicaid and Providence's services continues to grow with the rising cost of healthcare.

Without the financial support of people like you, we would have to deny service to hundreds of Providence residents. Refusing to serve these special people goes against the core of what we believe, but our choices are limited. Only your gifts can help us close the gap.

Please prayerfully consider making a gift to the Providence Annual Fund, so we can continue to offer Christian care to people who need it. As you pray, consider how you want to be cared for — how you hope to be treated — when you can no longer care for yourself. After all, living by the Golden Rule is the way to the best kind of life...for all of us.

Once a month, Catherine Solle visits Providence of Palos Heights with a hymnbook under her arm — to play for the Sunday worship service. She's been doing this for years, and she has a deep appreciation for each resident — their challenges and their joys.

Catherine plays the organ, and the residents sing along with their favorite hymns. The music that’s audible isn't the important piece of the story; the real story is what happens within a resident when a song like "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" floods the room with hope and comfort. Catherine loves the residents, and she loves being a part of the care that Providence provides.

The reason Catherine feels this way is simple: her parents, John and Cora Holwerda, were Providence residents. She has seen firsthand, in her parents, the struggles that can come with growing older. She knows that seemingly small things can make an enormous difference in the lives of residents. That's how she started playing at Providence of Palos Heights. She was the organist at First Christian Reformed Church of Evergreen Park (now known as Grace Community Christian Reformed). And she began sharing her music as one part of how Providence cares for residents. She also faithfully supports Providence financially and through prayer.

We thank God for Catherine and for all of you who are a part of providing places of care, warmth, and hope for Providence residents. May God bless you for being willing to give and serve!

In this volatile economy, everyone is looking for the best place to invest — in something that's safe and will provide the kind of long-term return they're looking for. With the securities markets fluctuating significantly and banks looking vulnerable to failure, ideas can be hard to find.

Many people settle for CDs that provide a safe (but low) return over time. But there are alternatives to CDs, alternatives that provide a safe investment for you while at the same time helping Providence provide long-term care and services to the elderly.

GIFT ANNUITIES
If you are age 65 or older, a gift annuity is an excellent way to provide guaranteed income to you for life. And it provides a legacy gift to Providence Life Services at your death. You have the joy and benefit of knowing that a gift will enable this ministry long-term, and you experience that yourself while still living. You also receive a significant tax deduction, and part of the payments comes to you tax free. This is a very good time to consider annuities, with CD rates so low.

If you agree that a gift annuity is a sound investment in your future and ours, we will help complete the paperwork to make the process as easy for you as possible.

Contact Bill Buikema in Providence Planned Giving at email: billb@provlife.com or 708-342-8114 for more information.

The adult human brain is estimated to contain well over 100 trillion synapses. These synapses are the junction points between specialized cells that conduct the electrical impulses that allow you to think. They also facilitate the connection and control of all other systems in your body.

To combat memory-based diseases like Alzheimer's, Providence employs BrainFitness, a new program of brain games developed for seniors by Dakim BrainFitness. These games challenge participants to remember facts or words, exercising the connections in their brains and helping to keep their synapses firing and their memories strong.

Alzheimer's is one of the most devastating diseases because it robs the mind of memory, which is at the core of what makes us individuals. You can help Providence fight against this horrible disease — and keep those synaptic sparks flying — by donating to the Alzheimer's Fund. Your generous gift will help to fund more BrainFitness programs in Providence communities, leading to increased memory and better life for our residents.

The final stages of life can be very difficult for everyone involved. Providence Hospice has the distinct privilege of service in the sacred transition from this life into eternity. We minister to the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of each individual, each family, with tenderness and grace to provide dignity throughout the final journey.

As you can imagine, there are many details to attend to during the farewell process. Providence Hospice is looking for people like you who could offer a few hours of volunteer time to help in the office, run errands, or perform other tasks so family members can focus on each other during this difficult time. And, if you're interested, you can even visit hospice patients to share a few moments with these precious people on the threshold of heaven. Don't worry — training is provided to make sure you feel comfortable and equipped to serve.

Volunteering with Providence Hospice blesses you with rewards you'll cherish always: a quiet moment, a tender smile, a whispered "thank you," the knowledge that you've made a difference.

Contact us today to learn more about volunteering. You can send an email to hospice@provlife.com or call: (708) 331-0400.

Thank you for considering giving this gift — your time — to Providence and to the people we serve.