Thanks to the generous support of the I.J. Burich Family Foundation, Ecumen Oaks & Pines is taking an important step forward in enhancing the lives of residents living with dementia through its Living with Purpose – A Montessori Inspired Connection initiative.
The donation will allow Oaks & Pines to partner with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD) to implement a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle throughout the community. Over the next year, approximately 100 current residents, along with future residents, will benefit from this innovative approach that focuses on resident-centered care, meaningful engagement, and honoring each person’s strengths, abilities, preferences, and sense of purpose.
Rather than focusing on limitations, the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle encourages residents to remain active participants in their daily lives by creating opportunities for independence, contribution, and meaningful connections.
Building a Culture of Purpose
Funding from the I.J. Burich Family Foundation will support a train-the-trainer model with CARD, allowing on-site trainers to equip team members across every department with practical strategies to better engage residents. Over the next 12 months, Oaks & Pines will work toward achieving Bronze, Silver, and Gold credentialing levels, helping embed this philosophy into its culture of care for years to come.
Residents at Oaks & Pines enjoy a wide variety of activities, including social hours, bingo, bike rides, arts and crafts, the Universal Yums travel program, community outings, resident-led root beer float socials, monthly pizza parties, and one-on-one visits. Through the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle, these opportunities will become even more individualized, purposeful, and meaningful.
While activities often appear to be simple entertainment, they play a much larger role in residents’ well-being. Purposeful engagement helps residents maintain their identity, build relationships, stay physically and mentally active, and continue contributing to their community in ways that are meaningful to them.
Investing in Resident-Centered Care
The donation also provides ongoing education for the Oaks & Pines care team, ensuring staff have the knowledge and tools needed to provide the highest quality care for residents living with dementia.
Mel Zelm of Ecumen Oaks & Pines shared how this investment will benefit both residents and staff:
“With this donation, we are able to support the ongoing need for education of team members that work closely with residents that have a dementia diagnosis throughout our Oaks and Pines Community. With the tools and education that is provided using the funds provided in the grant we are able to give the highest quality resident centered care.”
She also emphasized the importance of community partnerships in enriching residents’ lives.
“I believe that community partnerships are so important because it reminds us that our residents are valued and supported by our community in Hutchinson. Donations and grants like this allow us to provide programming and activities, that will bring joy, purpose, and a connection to the community to each residents. We are so incredibly grateful for this opportunity from I.J. Burich Family Foundation and their commitment to helping us enrich the lives of our residents.”
Meaningful Moments Matter
For residents, these programs are about much more than simply staying busy. They provide opportunities to reconnect with cherished memories, build friendships, and enjoy each day with purpose.
One resident shared:
“I like being able to choose how I spend my day whether that’s bowling, crafts, games, reading with my coffee, or visiting with loved ones. These programs are about more than just activities; they bring back memories, create friendships, and give us a reason to connect with each other.”
Another reflected on how meaningful activities help create joy and lasting connections:
“The activities give me a chance to do the things I enjoy and spend time with others. Playing Yahtzee reminds me of years ago when I played games with my family and friends. Last week I played with the boys and we just had a ball. It’s nice to have something to look forward to and something that breaks up the day.”
Looking Ahead
By implementing a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle, Oaks & Pines is creating an environment where dignity, independence, and meaningful engagement become part of everyday life. Residents are encouraged to make choices, contribute to their community, and continue using their strengths in ways that feel familiar and fulfilling.
The generosity of the I.J. Burich Family Foundation will have a lasting impact not only through new programming and staff education, but by helping create a sustainable culture that recognizes every resident’s abilities, values their individuality, and empowers them to continue living with purpose.
Mel Zelm shared a message of gratitude for the Foundation and community members who made this initiative possible:
“Thank you for believing in a model of care that sees the strengths, abilities, and potential in every resident. Your support is helping Oaks & Pines create a more resident-centered culture where dignity, purpose, connection, and independence are woven into everyday life. This gift is not simply funding a program—it is helping transform the way we care for and engage with residents, ensuring they are known, valued, and supported in living with purpose.”
