Redstone Gives Back!

Redstone Employees accepted into the Redstone Culinary C.A.R.E. program

 learning new skills (all food was for training purposes only).

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.   

In 2013, Redstone employees and residents rose over $1,200

 for the Westmoreland County Food Bank’s

“Go Orange for Hunger” campaign. 

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. 

The Norwin Art League displayed art work from

100 artists from September 4-8, 2013 at the

 Redstone Colonial Estates.

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. 

In December, the Greensburg campus held a

 wonderful Christmas Open House for friends, 

family, employees, and residents.

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.