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Redstone Employees accepted into the Redstone Culinary C.A.R.E. program
learning new skills (all food was for training purposes only).
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As a non-profit organization, Redstone’s responsibility to
serve the larger good is one that is taken seriously. During the past fiscal year, Redstone has
provided care and service in a variety of ways.
Redstone’s commitment to providing Benevolent Care to
residents in need is central to our non-profit commitment. When through no fault of his or her own a
resident’s personal financial assets are depleted, Redstone continues to
provide a home for life for that resident.
Last year, Redstone provided nearly $2.5 million in free care to
residents in need.
Benevolent Care is provided for residents in two distinct
categories. Direct Benevolent Care is
provided to those residents living in Independent and Supportive levels of care
on our Redstone campuses. This
assistance comes in the form of a reduced monthly service charge based on the
resident’s current ability to pay.
Indirect Benevolent Care is provided to residents in the Harbor (Skilled
Nursing Facility) in Greensburg. When
residents are unable to pay the private pay daily rate, the difference between
the reimbursement paid by Medicaid and the full cost of care is forgiven.
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In 2013, Redstone employees and residents rose over $1,200
for the Westmoreland County Food Bank’s
“Go Orange for Hunger” campaign.
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In addition to providing care for those in need within our
Redstone communities, our residents and employees are committed to serving the
needs of the larger community too.
Through the “Redstone Gives” program, residents and staff members work
together to raise funds for several selected charities. In 2013, our charities of choice included the
American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s
Association, the Westmoreland County Food Bank, and the Humane Society of
Westmoreland County. Bingos, bake sales,
daffodil sales, and other activities raise money for these charities. In addition, employees pay $1.00 to one of
these charities every Friday in exchange for the privilege of wearing jeans to
work. Two food drives annually collect
hundreds of items for the Westmoreland County Food Bank. During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, over $7,600
in support (along with food items) were raised for these community
charities. Redstone has also forged a relationship with the Brother’s Brother Foundation in Pittsburgh. As an
example, Redstone recently replaced a number of old-style mechanical beds with
beds with electric controls. Brother’s Brother is happy to come to
collect the old beds, and through their efforts ships them to countries where
these beds are much needed. Over the past year, Redstone has made a
number of donations of furnishings and medical equipment which Brother’s
Brother has used in its healthcare ministries around the world.
Opening our doors to the community is another cornerstone of
the Redstone commitment to service. Many
outside groups enjoy hosting events in Redstone facilities. Highlights this year included an art
exhibition by a local high school student, monthly retirees clubs, card clubs,
art clubs, etc. Additional clubs,
programs, and fitness opportunities are open to the public and help Redstone
serve the community in creative ways.
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The Norwin Art League displayed art work from
100 artists from September 4-8, 2013 at the
Redstone Colonial Estates.
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Redstone’s commitment to education is also a way in which we
serve the larger community. Each year,
Redstone conducts classes that prepare participants to become Certified Nursing
Assistants (CNA). This often leads to a
full-time career and job stability for those desiring to enter the healthcare
workforce. Many Redstone employees take
advantage of a tuition reimbursement program which allows them to advance their
education in ways that might not otherwise be affordable. In cooperation with Goodwill Industries of
Southwestern Pennsylvania, Redstone participates in the “Transition WORKS!”
program which allows qualified high school students to work with a job coach to
prepare for a transition into the workforce.
Redstone continually offers its leaders ongoing educational
opportunities related to management. CPR
and First Responder classes prepare our employees to handle emergencies on our campuses
and have also created community servants better equipped to assist others in
emergency situations.
A commitment to volunteerism provides an additional element
of Redstone’s community service. Where
would we be without the hundreds of volunteers who work in our gift shops,
visit residents, lead worship, bring pets for pet therapy, assist with activities
and transportation, etc. These hours of
community service impact the lives of our residents in many ways. We are especially grateful for the community
leaders who give very freely of their time and knowledge by serving as members
of our Board of Directors and on a variety of committees. In addition, nurtured in Redstone’s core values,
our employees are active in the local community in a myriad of ways as scout
leaders, Sunday school teachers, school volunteers, Habitat for Humanity
builders, choir members, mission volunteers, etc. The commitment of our employees to care and
serve extends in broad ripples throughout the region.
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In December, the Greensburg campus held a
wonderful Christmas Open House for friends,
family, employees, and residents.
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Last, but certainly not least, Redstone’s economic impact on
the region is significant. Approximately
90% of our employees live in Westmoreland County, adding significant dollars to
the economy with their buying power and through taxes paid to local
municipalities.
Through generous programs of Benevolent Care, support of
external charities, utilization of facilities, commitment to a variety of
educational programs, a dedicated corps of volunteers both within and outside
of the Redstone walls, and a strong base of employees who live in this region, we
live out our commitment to care and service.