Nurturing the Heart

Spirituality: The way we seek and express meaning and purpose and the way we experience our connectedness to: the moment; self; others; nature; and, the significant or sacred.

There are many definitions of spirituality, but this one is a favorite among the chaplains at United Church Homes who promote mental health and well-being for both residents and staff.

Spiritual health is an important part of abundant living. It’s a state of well-being where individuals experience a sense of purpose and meaning. It’s a feeling of connection to something greater than oneself. It’s inner peace, resilience and emotional balance. And it’s an alignment of one’s values, beliefs and action. Spiritual health encompasses a broad sense of existential fulfillment and harmony.

Dean of Chaplains Rev. Becky King

Spiritual care runs deep in UCH’s culture, with a team of 11 chaplains serving a diverse group of residents and staff in owned and managed communities.

“Chaplains are deeply embedded in all of the life plan communities,” Dean of Chaplains Rev. Becky King said.  “We visit with every new resident to conduct a spiritual assessment to identify those who may not have a strong support system or are dealing with a difficult life event. We make rounds throughout the buildings, connecting with residents and checking in with nurses and other staff to see who may be in special need of support.”

“It’s all about building relationships of trust,” she continued. “We truly come with a sense of welcome and hospitality and are an important part of interdisciplinary teams. Each chaplain has his or her own style, but there is continuity around mission, vision and core values.”

The role of a chaplain provides spiritual support to people of all religions and are perhaps best known for working in hospital and military settings. They do not promote a particular religion but rather offer connection and support to all.

Chaplain group bible study

“We’re active listeners,” Rev. King said. “We ask a lot of open-ended questions … What gives you meaning and purpose? What brings you joy? I once had a new resident tell me she wasn’t religious, but she loved to read. So, we agreed to talk about books! For those who commune with nature, let’s move our visit outdoors. As chaplains, we adapt to those we serve.”

Another critically important role UCH chaplains play focuses on mental health. Chaplains are often called to talk with residents with mental health problems. The United Church of Christ, with which UCH has close faith-inspired ties, adapted its WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged) mental health program for use in UCH communities.

The foundation of UCH’s mission is community, wholeness and peace – all of which have a connection to spirituality. While all UCH staff embrace the three pillars, chaplains play a particularly important role in providing spiritual care to those they serve.

Chaplains:

• Rev. Mary Catherine Cole, ACPE Certified Educator — The Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton
• William DeOliveira — Wexner Heritage Village
• Rev. Tracy Glaser-Bacon –The Chapel Hill Community
• Rev. Becky King, Dean of Chaplains – The Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton
• Rabbi Deb Lefton — Wexner Heritage Village
• Rev. Andrea Mericle – The Parkvue Community
• Rev. Darla Metz — Chaplain of Community Engagement
• Bill Oehler — SEM Haven
• Rev. Deanna Straw – The Four Winds Community
• Rev. Jessica Tinkham — Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton
• Rev. Patricia Vargas – The Harmar Place and Glenwood Communities