On October 13, Lincoln South Rotary heard from Heath Stuckenholtz speaking about Tabitha and the complexities of what Tabitha does.
From the Tabitha website: Focused on enhancing the dignity, independence and well-being of older adults, the Tabitha Elder Care Continuum supports every stage of the aging journey with proactive solutions and compassionate caregiving in southeast Nebraska.
There are over 1,000 employees at Tabitha living and working in 83 counties in Nebraska. The Tabitha services are offered in 28 counties from Nebraska City to Grand Island.
Heath referred to the Rotary 4-Way test when he talked about Tabitha and how they make decisions. He explained that they believe that Tabitha is more than a non-profit organization, that are not for profit but, more importantly, they are for purpose. Decisions are made based on community need, where there are gaps - not as a business opportunity.
One of the services that Tabitha offers is Meals on Wheels - they deliver approximately 500 meals daily. Some recipients are not able to pay, or not fully pay, for delivery so supplemental funds are needed. They need to raise $500,000 annually to support the program. For a variety of reasons, the need for meals has increased over the past 7 years, doubling the funds they need to raise. They are challenged with an upcoming reduction of 12% of their funding.
Tabitha Meals on Wheels began in 1967 as the first service of its kind in Lincoln, Nebraska. Unlike many other Meals on Wheels programs around the country, Tabitha continues to say yes to all those in need, regardless of their circumstances or resources. Access to proper nutrition is often one of the last factors allowing Elders to remain safely at home. Tabitha’s service provides an invaluable face-to-face safety check, as well, for many medically vulnerable individuals who may not see another person all day.
Heath commented about the industrial mixer that was purchased using funds from Lincoln South Rotary Club and a District Grant. The staff was asked how we might help and they overwhelmingly voiced a need for repairs to, or replacement of, their industrial mixer to help make those 550 meals daily.
There has been a great deal of emphasis on the Tabitha residences. They had some residences that were formerly called green houses, but they are all now residences ranging in services as needed by the clients. Though they are nursing homes for long term care, they are not like the nursing homes of the past. They are designed to be more like homes. The concept is to allow individuals to continue to live "at home" when living at their own home is no longer an option. The residences generally hold 12 individuals in private rooms. There is a shared kitchen and living area and spa.
There is a great deal of growth in the area of aging services. Most are for profit. At the end of the day, Tabitha merely wants to end at zero. They do have diversified services - some that provide income, supporting areas where there is need. Many individuals out-live their funds and Tabitha wants to provide dignity in life regardless of the client's needs and ability to pay.
Lincoln South Rotary Club provided $2500 to Tabitha to purchase a replacement industrial mixer. The club provided $1250 and the District matched that with $1250 from the District Grant funds. Click here to read the thank you note from Tabitha.
