The year 2020 has been one of transformation, for the world and Bridge to Better Living. The challenges of COVID and a pandemic required us to adjust ways we saw and spent time with Seniors and loved ones. Positive approaches however have evolved in 2020. Travel back in time with Bridge to Better Living as we recall our responses to a year of change. See how Bridge to Better Living reacted to a changed world and remained successful.
A Strong Beginning
In January, Bridge to Better Living presented a Moving Seminar with over 100 attendees. We made final touches to a new office space at 4230 Pioneer Woods Drive. The new office included more square footage and the latest technology to better serve the Senior community.
In February, Bridge to Better Living celebrated its 10th-anniversary assisting Seniors as they transitioned to Retirement Living. This special anniversary and the new office were celebrated with an open house. Bridge to Better Living enjoyed visiting with over 250 clients, professionals, and families important to the “heart” of Bridge to Better Living.
New Changes and Opportunities
As Bridge to Better Living welcomed Spring, the team expanded with Bridger, a “little” Bernie Doodle puppy, the first office dog.
A new fleet of Bridge to Better Living vehicles received up to date wraps. Parking lot bingo was experienced for a few days outside the office while consultants struggled to recognize which car fit their keys.
On March 11th COVID arrived and prompted a change in procedures, guidelines, and most of all, a new approach to life. Immediately Bridge to Better Living incorporated virtual consultations and tours with new technology, constantly considering the health of Seniors and staff. The office never closed and remains open, diligently abiding Department of Health guidelines to best serve each family and client.
The welfare of Seniors tops all lists of priorities. In April, Bridge to Better Living staff volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels to Seniors in the local area, bringing personal socialization and nutritional meals to those who lacked resources. One consultant made and distributed over 100 masks to essential workers. Blood was donated.
Opportunities to Help
May and June created further occasions to support the community while continuing to connect with Seniors and clients. A mask contest was hosted on the Bridge to Better Living Facebook page with a winner receiving a gift card. The rehab and Long-term Care staffs received large bags full of snacks. DIY garden baskets were delivered to Memory Care Communities for their residents. All were dropped off at the front door of each Retirement Community as social isolation became more and more a reality.
June brought an old-fashioned BBQ at BBL with 6-foot distances chalked onto the parking lot surface. Friends working in the Senior Health fields enjoyed brats and seeing each other, even with masks. An enormous pink elephant was stationed outside the office to raise Alzheimer’s awareness. A storm emerged the first night and prompted a quick elephant rescue by Kristine and Mary Ann who wrestled it into the safety of the office.
In July, Kristine Dykeman-Schoenning, Development Director, was appointed President of the Seniors Foundation in Lincoln, serving both Seniors and Veterans, an honor we are immensely proud of. Franchise Dictionary Magazine featured Bridge to Better Living in their August edition as an all-woman Power Team in a two-page spread.
Honors Bestowed and Continued Growth for BBL
In September president and owner, Mary Ann Stallings, was selected as one of 50 WOW (Women of Wonder) by FranServe Consulting. Selectees were chosen for exhibiting the courage and inspiration to begin a business/franchise. Ironically, September found the Power Team with health issues … one wore a “boot,” another used crutches, one had acute back pain, and an additional member had 15 stitches in her chin. Nothing stops Bridge to Better Living from serving clients!
As 2020 entered the final quarter in October, pizzas were delivered to the stretched and exhausted community health care staff. Fall newsletters officially reached over 1000 readers. As Bridge to Better Living continued to evolve “the Bridge,” our exclusive business management system, and “BridgIT,” our proprietary software package formalized to better assist in business endeavors.
A 2020 Conclusion
Change is inevitable and Bridge to Better Living is no exception. A difficult goodbye was said to Robbie Nathan, Director of Training. After forty years of assisting Seniors, the last six with Bridge to Better Living, she chose to retire. We appreciate her contributions to Bridge to Better Living and the thousands of Seniors whose lives she impacted. This year it is important to reflect on the importance of family and caring for others. Bridge to Better Living wishes you the best of holidays and a Happy, Healthy New Year.