Blogs

Buckner Retirement Services Names Brian Robbins as President

By Julianna Ems posted 11-26-2024
Robbins returns to the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider where he served as vice president and COO from 2017 to 2022. Buckner Retirement Services appointed Brian Robbins as president, effective Dec. 16. This will be Robbins second tenure with the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider, where he served as vice president and chief operating officer from 2017 to 2022. Robbins will report to Jeff Gentry, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Buckner International, which operates BRS. “I am thrilled when former team members return to Buckner, as they bring valuable insights and experiences that enrich our mission,” said ...

Juliette Fowler Communities Certified as a Great Place to Work® By Great Place to Work Institute and Activated Insights

By Julianna Ems posted 10-03-2024
Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights have honored Juliette Fowler Communities with certification as a Great Place to Work. The certification process involved surveying 100% of employees from Juliette Fowler Communities and evaluating more than 60 elements of team members' experience on the job. These included employee pride in the organization's community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees' experiences, no matter who they are or what they do. According to Fowler President and CEO Nicole Gann, "Achieving Fortune's Great Place ...

Buckner Retirement Services Appoints Ken Robbins as Interim President

By Julianna Ems posted 08-15-2024
Robbins brought in to provide leadership for the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider following resignation of longtime president, Charlie Wilson. Buckner Retirement Services engaged Ken Robbins to serve as interim president, effective immediately. Robbins will help a transition in leadership as the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider seeks a replacement for Charlie Wilson following his resignation as president. Wilson’s resignation is effective August 31, 2024, after serving with Buckner for 24 years. “I am deeply grateful for Charlie Wilson’s service to Buckner for more than two decades,” said Jeff Gentry, executive vice president ...

Edgemere Welcomes New Culinary Director and Sales Counselor

By Julianna Ems posted 08-01-2024
Edgemere , a premier senior living community in North Dallas, is pleased to announce that Ryan Bixler and Leslie Doran Sparciano have joined the team. Bixler will serve as the new culinary director, and Sparciano will be a sales counselor at the community. Bixler has more than 15 years of experience in the healthcare and senior living industries. In addition, he brings more than 30 years of catering, restaurant and hotel management experience. Bixler found his passion in creating meaningful meals that leave a lasting impact on people’s lives. “I am elated to take on the position of culinary director,” said Bixler. “Edgemere has welcomed me with open arms, ...

Buckner Retirement Services Hires Alyssa Adam as Senior Director of Sales

By Julianna Ems posted 07-23-2024
Adam is providing sales leadership and support for the nonprofit senior living provider’s seven Texas communities. Buckner Retirement Services named Alyssa Adam to the position of senior director of sales. In her new role, Adam is leading community sales teams, implementing sales processes and initiatives, and driving revenue growth for the organization. “I am impressed with how aligned Alyssa’s goals and passions are with our mission and values,” said Charlie Wilson, president of Buckner Retirement Services. “She is an outstanding leader who will bring valuable knowledge and skills to this role.” Adam comes to Buckner with 14 years of experience in ...

Juliette Fowler Communities Partners With Bezos Academy to Open a Tuition-Free, Full-Day Preschool in East Dallas

By Julianna Ems posted 06-04-2024
With space for 60 children, Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood marks the sixth Bezos Academy preschool announced in the Dallas area Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), one of the oldest organizations in Dallas serving youth and elders, has partnered with Bezos Academy to open a tuition-free, Montessori-inspired year-round preschool on its campus. Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood will feature three classrooms, a dedicated workspace for educators, and an outdoor play area. The program will have space for 60 children, ages 3–5. “The mission of Bezos Academy aligns perfectly with Juliette Fowler Communities' mission of building trusting relationships with community ...

11th Hour Program Brings the Power of Connection to Those at the End of Life

By Julianna Ems posted 06-03-2024
This year’s Older Americans Month theme, “Powered by Connection,” aptly describes this LeadingAge member’s initiative to bring dignity and grace to residents and their families in the final days of life. For the James L. West Center for Dementia Care , Fort Worth, TX, the “power of connection” is an integral part of its mission to care for people living with every stage of dementia. “Maximizing what remains” for residents and clients, many of whom live with the most difficult diagnoses, is the focus of the West Center’s evidence-based care, not “what is lost through the disease.” One West Center initiative brings the power of connection to those nearing ...

Record-Breaking Outcome for Foodie Philanthropy Check Presented on April 10th to Benefit James L. West Center for Dementia Care

By Julianna Ems posted 05-02-2024
Foodie Philanthropy, the annual culinary extravaganza dedicated to raising funds for charitable causes, is thrilled to announce a record-breaking outcome for its 2024 event. On April 10, 2024, representatives from Foodie Philanthropy and emcee Marc Istook anchor of WFAA’s Daybreak presented a check to the James L. West Center for Dementia Care in support of its mission to serve individuals impacted by dementia. With a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia, Foodie Philanthropy has exceeded all expectations this year as a result of the 46 participating restaurants and raffle sales that raised a record breaking $105,000, ...

Ventana by Buckner Names John Falldine Senior Executive Director

By Julianna Ems posted 04-04-2024
The Dallas nonprofit senior living community will benefit from Falldine’s experience within the senior living industry. Buckner Retirement Services announced the hiring of senior living industry veteran John Falldine as the new senior executive director for Ventana by Buckner , effective April 15, 2024. As senior executive director of the senior living community, Falldine will oversee community operations, regulatory compliance, and resident and associate relations. “John Falldine is passionate about serving seniors, and I know he will ensure we continue to provide service excellence to Ventana members in everything we do,” said Michael Olmstead, ...

Buckingham Resident Celebrates National Craft Month with Textiles

By Julianna Ems posted 03-14-2024
March is National Craft Month, a month dedicated to celebrating creativity and craftsmanship. During this month, individuals are encouraged to embark on new artistic endeavors or explore a new skill. Lee Hunnell, a resident at The Buckingham , a premier senior living community in Houston, has been pouring her creativity into a remarkable textile art piece for the St. Martin’s Church for the past four years. In 2020, she launched this textile art project for installation at St. Martin’s Church. The purpose of the piece is to drape it over the cushion on the church kneeler. Collaborating closely with the Saintly Stitchers, a needlepoint group at St. Martin’s, ...

The Buckingham Resident Celebrates National Grandmother Achievement Day

By Julianna Ems posted 02-12-2024
February 11 was National Grandmother Achievement Day, a day to celebrate the remarkable grandmothers who enrich our lives with their wisdom, love, and accomplishments. Mamie McCullough, an 84-year-old resident at The Buckingham , a premier senior living community in Houston, exemplifies the spirit of this day. As a motivational speaker and the author of six books, she inspires others with her powerful message: “I Can. You Can Too!” Mamie’s words have guided countless individuals through adversity, empowering them to achieve their dreams. McCullough’s journey has been one of resilience. Growing up in poverty in South Georgia, she toiled in cotton fields, harvested ...

Edgemere resident celebrates National Hobby Month with Gold Leaf Artwork

By Julianna Ems posted 01-31-2024
January is National Hobby Month, a time when people of all ages celebrate their favorite hobbies and embark on new ones. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new interests or rediscover old ones you haven’t thought about in a while. Barbara Baldwin, an 80-year-old resident at Edgemere , a premier senior living community in Dallas, has been doing gold-leaf art for 20 years and has created some beautiful pieces. Her gold-leaf art can be found at The Dallas Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas. During her young adult years, she was a papermaker who experimented with different bulbs. However, she eventually decided to try something new. ...

The Legacy Willow Bend’s Knit and Crochet Club Warms the Hearts and Lives of Greater Dallas and Plano Residents with Thousands of Handmade Donations

By Julianna Ems posted 12-14-2023
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and compassion, The Legacy Willow Bend's Knit and Crochet Club donated 4,519 handmade items to 15 organizations in the Greater Dallas and Plano area. The donation event on Monday, December 4, was a special occasion. Attended by Plano Mayor John B. Muns and other community dignitaries, the event showcased an array of handcrafted items including scarves, dolls, blankets, hats, and washcloths. Each piece was lovingly created and presented, highlighting the community's dedication and skill. Mayor Muns also presented a "Certificate of Commendation" from the city, acknowledging this remarkable effort. Event Highlights: ...

The Buckingham Names Cory Thompson as Healthcare Administrator

By Julianna Ems posted 11-03-2023
The Buckingham , a premier senior living community in Houston, is pleased to announce Cory Thompson, MBA, LNFA, CALM, as its new healthcare administrator. Thompson brings over a decade of leadership to the position with expertise in budget and census management, regulatory compliance, and teambuilding. Cory Thompson began his career as a Healthcare Administrator in 2011 leading a small skilled nursing facility in Belville, TX. Since then, he has led multiple skilled nursing facilities for both for profit and nonprofit organizations such HMG Healthcare and Buckner Retirement Services. Cory was nominated for the LeadingAge-Texas Excellence in Leadership Award ...

Parkway Place Named Amy Shields as Executive Director

By Julianna Ems posted 11-02-2023
The Houston faith-based community will benefit from Shields’ experience within the senior living industry. Buckner Retirement Services announced Amy Shields as the new executive director for Parkway Place , effective Oct. 30, 2023. As executive director of the faith-based senior living community, Shields will oversee day-to-day operations as well as the comfort and care of residents at Parkway Place. Shields has spent the entirety of her 25-year career in senior living serving in the Houston area. She understands the city and its people. Most recently, Shields held the position of CEO at St. Dominic Village where she was responsible for the overall ...

88-Year-Old Edgemere Resident Reflects on Epic Mount Everest Ascent

By Julianna Ems posted 11-02-2023
A Testament to the Power of Dreams and Determination Edgemere Senior Living resident Richard Fiske, now 88, reflects on a journey that commenced as a dream in 1999—an adventure that tested both his physical and mental strength as he and a group of friends set their sights on conquering Mount Everest. Fiske's remarkable ascent at the age of 64 stands as an enduring testament to the power of determination and is often the backdrop of motivational talks and presentations he shares with fellow Edgemere residents. Fiske embarked on this courageous expedition with 13 college friends who shared a thirst for adventure and a desire to scale the world's tallest ...

Older Texans and Their Families Deserve Quality Nursing Home Care They Can Count On: Let’s Get It Right!

By Julianna Ems posted 10-20-2023
by Rodney Rueter, President & CEO of Lutheran Sunset Ministries, and past Chair of LeadingAge Texas Over the past 69 years, older Texans and their families have relied on Lutheran Sunset Ministries for a range of critical services, including nursing home care. Our roots in Clifton are deep: begun by Lutheran congregations in 1954, generations of families have called our ministry home. Our ability to continue serving our rural community is threatened by a proposed staffing requirement issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on September 1, 2023 , as part of the Biden Administration’s focus on ensuring quality care in nursing ...

Parkway Place Celebrates 25 Years Serving Seniors with Ceremony, Awards, and Mural Unveiling

By Julianna Ems posted 08-02-2023
Parkway Place residents and staff came together today to celebrate the senior living community’s 25th anniversary. The event included key speakers, certificates of appreciation presented to members and organizations in Houston, and the unveiling of a commemorative mural. Additional attendees included representatives from local churches, businesses, and members of the community at large. “Being able to celebrate 25 years of serving senior adults in Houston is special,” said Tim List, Parkway Place executive director. “We have overcome so much together, and we have done it through faith, compassion, and perseverance.” Parkway Place is owned and operated by ...

The Buckingham’s Smile Squad Brightens the Day for Skilled Nursing Residents

By Julianna Ems posted 07-06-2023
Recently, residents at The Buckingham launched the Smile Squad – a group of 20 independent living residents who wear red aprons and visit skilled nursing residents to lift their spirits, bring them items they may need, participate in activities and provide friendship. After two years of planning and preparation, The Smile Squad officially started in January 2023. The Smile Squad was the brainchild of resident Emily Ryan, who spent time in skilled nursing with a broken hip and felt fortunate that so many of her friends at The Buckingham came to visit her while she was recuperating. “I remember how excited I was to have frequent visitors during my time ...

Juliette Fowler Communities’ Chief Advancement Officer Ann McKinley Retires After 10 Years of Service

By Julianna Ems posted 07-05-2023
McKinley’s legacy ranges from the rebranding of Fowler to the launch of dementia friendly programs (both internal and external), new fundraising events and programs, and the preservation and sharing of Fowler’s history Juliette Fowler Communities , a 130-year-old faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages, announces the retirement of Chief Advancement Officer Ann McKinley, who has left a legacy that elevated the nonprofit internally and externally while sharing its rich history and working to preserve it for future generations. During her 10-year tenure at Fowler, she has been instrumental in raising $18 million for the ...