Chaplain organization tends to spiritual needs, holds church services at local facilities
By Eric Thomas
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are a vital component in the care of the aging population. May 10-17 is National Skilled Nursing Care Week and one local group has been making an impact with this treasured group of people.
Jacksonville Area Senior Chaplaincy Care, Inc. (JASCCI) was formed when the National Benevolent Association associated with Barton Stone Christian Home sought to provide for the transitional period to meet the spiritual needs of the residents during Barton Stone’s changeover during bankruptcy to becoming The Grove Health and Rehab Center. “They did this by funding much of the costs of chaplaincy,” comments Frank Hungerford, JASCCI board member. “At the end of the transitional period, our organization obtained its own 501(c)(3) designation and became solely responsible for scheduling services and raising operational funds.”
Since 2008, this parachurch organization has been providing ministry in senior facilities in Jacksonville. The Rev. Dr. Gladys Herzog is the founder and chaplain emeritus. Services are currently being provided at Arcadia Care Jacksonville, Cedarhurst of Jacksonville, The Grove, Jacksonville Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, The Pointe at Jacksonville and StoneBridge Memory Care. The chaplains are Bill Baughman, Leonard Pinnet, John Nelson and Mary Jean Sheets. “Churches and other volunteers are a vital part in the ministry,” Baughman says. “If your church is interested in participating, please contact me at 217-204-3104.”
Currently, they can provide services once a week at each of the facilities, but they are able to provide two services at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing. Over the past year, JASCCI has been interviewing potential additional chaplains. “The board has identified a preference for candidates who have pastoral endorsement and experience,” Hungerford adds. “In addition, they should have some form of clinical pastoral education and/or certification.”
Residents regularly thank worship leaders for coming and note that it provides a meaningful activity that they can use individually and can share with family. Chaplains often provide quality listening time to people adjusting to their new residency or with changes in a medical condition.
The JASCCI Board of Directors includes Deb Rust (president), Eddie Carpenter (treasurer), Diane Hollendonner (secretary), Jared Reno, Polly Pulley and Frank Hungerford. They meet monthly and prayerfully consider the needs that come before it, including the need for additional volunteers, chaplains and funding.
“We would encourage family members who know their loved ones have benefited from the chaplaincy program while in residency, to include JASCCI among memorial options,” concludes Hungerford. “Also, we would encourage congregations unable to regularly bring worship services, to consider supporting our undertaking.”
Donations can be sent to: Jacksonville Area Senior Chaplaincy Care, Inc., c/o Eddie Carpenter, 305 W. State St., Jacksonville, IL 62650.
