A New Level of Living for Senior Adults: Crossings at Brookdale University Park

October 24, 2023October 23, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

The first of its kind in Alabama, the Clare Bridge Crossings program at Brookdale University Park is designed for high functioning Alzheimer’s and dementia residents.

Brookdale activity room — The Crossings provides Brookdale University Park residents a one of a kind program in Alabama and one of 13 in the country.

“Crossings is dedicated to intense programming to help stimulate the brain and keep people in that beginning stage [of dementia or Alzheimer’s] as long as we can,” explains program manager Elizabeth Vise who gives the example of a resident who was a former pilot. “We have a flight simulator so they can fly and remember what it was like to fly. They can fly on the computer against other people or solo… Anything they used to do, if it was an occupation, a hobby, we incorporate it.” Residents are evaluated every three months to see where they are cognitively. “What’s really exciting is that some people’s scores actually go up so that’s how we know the program is working,” shares Vise.

Brookdale outside covered area — Residents enjoy fun activities every day designed to stimulate the brain in both outdoor and indoor activity areas.

Brookdale Brandon Bornstein — Brandon Bornstein oversees Brookdale University Park’s senior living community which includes a unique continuum of care consisting of independent living, assisted living, memory care, the new Crossings program and skilled nursing.

Brandon Bornstein, the Executive Director of Brookdale University Park, is charged with overseeing the senior living community’s continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, the new Crossings program and skilled nursing. “We are a continuum of care retirement community and what that means is we provide all levels of living.” The Crossings program fits well into that continuum. “Someone can move in independently and then as their needs change we can change with their needs. They maintain the same social circle of friends since it’s all on the same campus. You can pretty much provide a solution to what everybody’s needs are.”

Brookdale University Park is located just off Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. To learn more call 205-870-0786 or visit www.Brookdale.com. †

brookdale music time — Crossings residents enjoy a “mix and mingle” with outside entertainers. Brookdale’s Elizabeth Vise explains, “Music is a wonderful venue to stimulate the brain, and it’s fun.”

October 17, 2023October 12, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

“It’s the desired goal for us to see our men come to Christ, learn to live under His lordship, going back to their families and telling them of what has taken place, and being the instrument God uses to help their family,” explains Jim Etheredge, the Executive Director of Brother Bryan Mission, Birmingham’s longest serving ministry of the homeless.

Brother Bryan New Building Rendering — Brother Bryan Mission recently celebrated a huge milestone.

The Mission’s capacity to serve has recently expanded thanks to the addition of a newly renovated building on the corner of 2^nd Avenue North and 16^th Street next to the Mission’s current space. The new building means the Mission can now house an additional 28 men and increases bed capacity to more than 100. The new space also has a day room where men choosing to live on the street can have a safe place to rest, take a shower, be given clothes and even wash clothes. “Many of the homeless aren’t dying to get into programs for the most part because they would give up their independence. So what we want to offer them- particularly as we approach inclement weather of wintertime- is a safe place they can come in off the street,” says Etheredge, adding, “They can relax, sit down their possessions and know they won’t be rifled through.”

Brother Bryan Dedication service — An open house and service of dedication was held September 24, 2023 for the new building located at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 16th Street.

In addition to providing meals for men living at the Mission, the Mission also provides lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for men living on the streets. Etheredge explains mealtime is a time volunteers can really make an impact on the men. “A volunteer who sits across the table from them and speaks to them normally means the world to someone who is living on the street. It’s not so much we are looking for people to put food on a plate- although that’s a start- but to then go out and sit with our men means the world.”

New Bed space at Brother Bryan Mission — The new building now allows the Mission to provide an additional 28 beds for men entering the program. The Mission can now serve up to 104 residents.

The heart of the mission is its New Life Fellowship program. “It is a nine month residential recovery and job readiness program,” says Etheredge. “It emphasizes the need to come to Christ for the healing of one’s soul and then to learn the discipline required to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ going forward. That’s our ultimate goal for every client. We want every client to leave free of addiction, with stable housing and employment, and with healthy relationships with God, their family and others.” Volunteers who are Christian mature men are particularly needed. “We have a mentor program so when a gentleman enters what we consider third phase, right before going back to work, we assign a mature Christian man who will help him make that transition back into the work force. We have seen tremendous results.”
Watch the video below to hear more about Brother Bryan Mission’s growing impact in Birmingham.

To learn more about the Mission and ways you can help visit www.bbmission.com or call 205-322-0092. †

Clothes Closet at Brother Bryan Mission — With the new additional space, the Mission is able to have larger clothes closet which serves the men who are staying at the Mission as well as outside guests. The Mission was also able to upgrade the exercise room clients use on a regular basis.

Day room at Brother Bryan Mission — The new building includes a day room where the homeless can rest safely during the day, shower and wash clothes.

October 27, 2023September 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

Care Net of Chilton County recently opened Selah’s Oasis Maternity Home. The home provides a safe residence for mothers throughout Central Alabama who desire to prepare for independent living.

Executive Director Ashley Liveoak said, “The name was God given. It will provide a place of refuge, hope and a fertile ground to move towards Christ while they continue in their pregnancy.” The word Selah is found throughout the book of Psalms and means to rest, pause, contemplate or to reset. An Oasis is a fertile spot in the desert where water can be found. Many women facing unplanned pregnancy find themselves wandering in the desert and they need to rest or have a reset in their lives when they find themselves in a crisis pregnancy.

Selah's Oasis bedroom 2 — Here is a look at one of the beautiful bedrooms at the Selah’s Oasis Maternity Home.

Selah’s Oasis includes eight guest rooms to serve expectant mothers and two guest rooms to accommodate young women aging out of foster care. There is space for a house mom and a playroom with activities for the children in the home. All guests participate in required life skills classes such as parenting, cooking, finance, personal hygiene, and time management. Job training and education build confidence as well as provide a better community with all the moms. Opportunities for Bible studies, sharing the Gospel and attending churches is also available. Group counseling is also provided to help make a lasting impact on mental and relational stability.

Selah's Oasis dining room — Selah’s Oasis Maternity Home opened on October 1, 2023.

The board and staff at Care Net have realized the critical need for this facility in the area. This facility requires much and there are many ways you can be involved. Financial support is an obvious need. Donated supplies and clothing are also needed. To learn more about Care Net and Selah’s Oasis and how you can help, visit www.friendsofcarenetchilton.org. †

September 28, 2023September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Become Greek for the weekend at the 50th Annual Greek Food Festival on October 5-7, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. The Greek Food Festival is Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event that offers an abundance of delicious Greek cuisine.

Greek Festival food — Food plates are individually priced, and the Greek pastries will be pre- packaged and sold in the food lines.

The festival has been an act of love from Birmingham’s Greek community to the city going back four generations. Enjoy delicious Greek cuisine prepared by the parishioners of the community and served by them during the Greek Food Festival weekend. All entrees and desserts are homemade and are comprised of only the freshest and finest ingredients available. In addition to the authentic Greek food, guests will enjoy Greek music, dancing, and a warm-spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. The open-air festival offers free admission and outside tented seating for dining will be available. Be sure to stroll through The Greek Market Place which has Mediterranean and Orthodox souvenirs. Free parking is located in the former Liberty National parking garage located one block away on 20th Street (Richard Arrington Blvd) between 3rd and 4th Avenue. A convenient drive-thru for orders big and small will also be available from 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Inside of the Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church — You can tour the beautiful Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church during the Greek Food Festival.

The Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox parish was chartered in 1906 and is the 4th oldest Greek Orthodox parish in the Southeast. The beautiful and inspiring Byzantine interior of the basilica enhances the Orthodox Christian’s worship of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Self-guided tours will be available during the three-day festival and parishioners will be onsite to answer any questions. Since 1972, the Greek Food Festival has donated over three million dollars to local and national charities including Children’s of Alabama, Magic Moments, The Bell Center, The Exceptional Foundation, The Ronald McDonald House, The Fire House Shelter, Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, Pathways, Family Connection, The Wellhouse, Jimmie Hale Mission, Safe House, Alabama Kidney Foundation, MS Society, and The Greater Birmingham Ministries.

Come experience a taste of Greece without the airfare! Learn more at www.bhamgreekfestival.com. †

September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

During this time of year, everyone raves about pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pies, and pumpkin breads. Everyone is focused on pumpkin flavored everything! However, for me, it’s all about the rich apple cinnamon flavors. Nothing compares to a warm apple cinnamon dessert with the delicious aroma filling up your entire home.

One of my favorite recipes for fall is this apple dump cake crisp, which combines the amazing flavors of apple, cinnamon, and buttery cake. This easy-to-make apple dump cake crisp is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. I’ve served it to my small group multiple times, and it is undeniably a fall fan favorite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible treat!

Jamie Holding Ample Dump Cake Crisp — Indulge in Jamie Tarence’s decadent apple dump cake crisp this fall season.

Ingredients

1/3 cup brown sugar
4 TB melted butter
2 TB flour
1 lemon, juiced
1 TB cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
2 cans Real Duncan Hines Comstock Simply Apple Pie filling
Box of butter golden cake mix
5 TB butter
Avocado oil
1 cup oats
½ cup pecans

Instructions. In a large bowl, add brown sugar, melted butter, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and apple pie filling together. Mix until evenly distributed. Pour mixture into a standard size 11×14 baking dish or similar. Then add the box cake mix on top. Add butter scattered on top of the mixture. Spray a little bit of avocado oil on top of mixture to make sure the cake batter is covered in oil. Add oats and pecans on top. Cover with foil and bake in 350°F oven. Bake 30 minutes covered and then 30 minutes uncovered.

What to serve with this apple dump cake crisp. Serving this warm apple dump cake crisp with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream is to die for. If you also want a delicious homemade vanilla ice cream recipe, then check out my favorite old-timey homemade vanilla ice cream on the Family Savvy blog. The ice cream complements the dish so well, but this cake is also perfect served on its own!

More apple desserts you have to try this season. If you love all things apple like I do, then you have to give these recipes a try: Mimi’s Skillet Apple Cobbler, Skillet Apple Crisp a la Mode, Perfect Party Caramel Apple Dip, and Streusel Baked Apples.

-Jamie Tarence

www.familysavvy.com

September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

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Parenting Points

Every year on October 31, many Christians worldwide commemorate Reformation Day. This day holds immense significance in Christian history, marking the anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517. The event that triggered the Protestant Reformation.

Need for the Reformation. In the early 16th century, the Catholic Church held tremendous power and influence. However, it also faced growing corruption and moral decay. People like Martin Luther recognized the need for change within the church. When he nailed his document to the front door of the church, he was drawing the line and calling the church to repent and return to the Scriptures. The reformers sought to return to the fundamental teachings of the Bible and to restore the true essence of Christianity.

Biblical Foundations of the Reformation. The following are summary statements of the important truths that Martin Luther and the other reformers were calling the church to embrace:

Scripture Alone. The Bible is the Word of God and is the source of authority for the church.
Faith Alone. Salvation is a gift from God through faith and cannot be attained by good works.
Grace Alone. Salvation is by grace, which we cannot earn or deserve.
Christ Alone. Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.
Glory to God Alone. All life should be lived for God’s glory.

Remembering the Reformation. With Reformation Day this October, you could teach your kids not only about an important moment in our Christian history but also the importance of standing for truth. You could discuss the importance of Scripture, faith, grace, Christ, and God’s glory with your kids. These important foundations help to frame the biblical foundation for the church’s teaching. You could use Martin Luther’s story as a character study for your kids. His boldness reminds us that even in challenging times, we may be called to stand up for what we believe in and work toward positive change. You could explore with your children what it looks like to stand up for truth and when they may be called to stand up for their beliefs. Though Reformation Day typically gets lost in Halloween, it can still be an important celebration for your family to help ground your kids both in Christian history and to encourage them to stand boldly for what they believe. We never know when the church may need another reformation.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

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Encouraging Word

Ephesians 4:1 says, “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” Throughout Scripture, reference is made to God’s call. The word call means a summons or to attract someone’s attention; an attempt to reach someone.

The Biblical meaning refers to God’s initiative to bring people to Christ and to participate in His redemptive work in the world. It is also inviting us to take a certain action or make a specific decision. There are three parts to a call: the one making the call; the call or message sent; and the one receiving the call. To receive the call, one must “hear” the call and then “respond” to the call. I believe God’s call comes in four stages:

1. Call to Repentance

2. Call to Salvation

3. Call to Sanctification

4. Call to Service

Call to Repentance. Repentance is Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). It is sincere regret or remorse, turning from sinful ways and towards God. Repentance comes when we yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction (John 16:7-8). In Mark 1:15, Jesus says to repent and believe in the Gospel. You have to acknowledge you’re a sinner before you recognize the need for a Savior!

Call to Salvation. Salvation is deliverance from sin and its consequences brought about by saving faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 sums it up very well. God’s desire is that mankind be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is not willing that any should perish but for all to come to repentance. And Romans 10:13 says, “for whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Call to Sanctification. Sanctification is making or declaring something holy. It is the action or process of being freed from sin. It refers to being “called out” and “set apart” for Godly service. God needs to do a work “in us” before He can do a work “through us.” 2 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely…” And 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…”

Call to Service. Service is to perform duties or service for another and to address the needs of others. We are called to serve, not to be served. Ephesians 4:12 says, “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.”

Answer God’s call – He is waiting!

-Tony Cooper

Operations Director of Foster Coalition

September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Last Will And Testament With P 462826587

Legal Matters

Recently, a friend of mine said that he needed a will because, if he died without one, everything he owned would go to the state. I reassured him that although a will does allow for more control over what happens to one’s property after one heads to their reward, the lack of a will does not mean that the sheriffs will immediately descend and start the auction. Alabama law provides for an orderly transfer of assets to classes of heirs specified in the Code of Alabama. In simpler terms, if you don’t have a will, state law specifies which of your relatives gets your stuff, and which ones get first crack at it.

A spouse, if one has one, gets priority. If one has a spouse, but no children and one’s parents are dead, then the spouse gets everything. If one leaves a spouse and children, then the spouse gets the first $50,000 from the estate, and then the remainder of the estate is divided in half. The spouse gets one half, and the kids divide up the other half in equal shares.

If one dies with no spouse, but with children, then the children take the estate in equal shares. If one dies without a spouse or children, then the estate will go to one’s parents in equal shares or, if they are no longer around, to one’s siblings, in equal shares. If there are no siblings, then there is still the chance that one’s estate might go to more distant relatives.

Only if one has no living relatives will one’s estate go to the state.

This process, known as intestate succession, might appear orderly – at least on paper – but it isn’t satisfactory to anyone who values their property. One could work a lifetime, only to have one’s bounty descend to someone who couldn’t manage to send a Christmas card. And it leaves out some of life’s great joys and supports including one’s church, one’s friends, and one’s pets.

So, to return to my friend’s question, the state might not inherit your property if you die without a will, but it will get to decide who inherits your property. So, reader, by a roundabout path, we’ve reached one of the great reasons to make a will. To celebrate, even in one’s last act, private property, and the freedom to dispose of it as you wish.

-Mitchell McNaylor

McNaylor Law, LLC

Shelby County, Ala.

205-419-7377

September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Michelle Fogle, Carrie Holley, Housesisters

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

I was very young when my mother left me with my father. Thankfully, my grandmother stepped in to assist raising me. My father was a truck driver at that time and my grandmother often required the aid of family and friends to help with caring for me. We lived in various places, moving often. At the age of 6 or 7, we lived in South Carolina.

Michelle Fogle Placement Picture with Big Oak Ranch — Seen here is Michelle Fogle during her time at Big Oak Ranch.

My dad worked as a mechanic and I recall rising at dawn to make our lunches and prepare both of us for the day. I was always an hour early to school, and sometimes more, so the janitor would greet me to let me in. I had an aunt and uncle in Gadsden that graciously opened their home to me as my father struggled to maintain steady employment or found himself needing professional psychiatric care. Fast forward a few years, and the lack of consistency and oversight drove me to be an incredibly angry teenager. When I was 14, I ran away from home. Once found, I was transferred to a local youth shelter in Gadsden. Unbeknownst to me, my family reached out to Big Oak Ranch. I left the shelter in Gadsden, and a police officer escorted me to this unfamiliar place in Springville, Alabama – the Girls’ Ranch. The ride in the back of that police car would be the ride that most likely saved my life.

I arrived at the Girls’ Ranch as a scared, broken, and angry teenager. Thankfully, that angry teenager didn’t deter Larry and Beverly Elliott. Instead, they accepted the challenge and stood by me as I worked out all my rage. My school grades improved, I was able to take part in sports, and I gained confidence. I finally felt safe. I had structure for the first time in my life. After time, my houseparents were called to serve at another ministry. Through the adjustment of new houseparents, Ranch staff stepped into our home, helping my Ranch sisters and me. Through this change, my world felt upside-down again, but it really wasn’t. God was speaking all along. With nearly three years of family devotionals at Big Oak and involvement in church and choir, I was able to better understand God’s love. The stability, consistency, and accountability from the staff at the Ranch gave me a solid foundation and an example of how good life could be. I credit my success throughout adulthood to my experience at Big Oak.

-Michelle Fogle

September 26, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

The stories in the Bible reflect humans as we truly are, not as we aspire to be. Human nature being what it is, the Bible is filled with men and women who were noble, kind, and gracious. It is also saturated with sordid tales of greed, lust, violence, and hatred. We are a selfish and corrupt species, and the Scriptures reflect humanity as such. That’s why the grace of God is so astounding. That’s why Jesus came to save us. We are, all of us, in desperate need of transforming grace.

God Never Gives Up On You Cover Image — *God Never Gives Up On You* is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

In his new book, God Never Gives Up On You (Thomas Nelson Publishing), Max Lucado expounds on the story of Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. Jacob was one of the great patriarchs, the man whom God renames as Israel and who fathers the twelve tribes that eventually became a nation. Sounds impressive, right? Sadly, Jacob was also a scoundrel. As Lucado points out, Jacob married two sisters but only loved one. He fathered a child with a servant girl. His family worshiped idols. His sons were prone to violence and adultery. He showered favoritism to a son who was sold into slavery by jealous brothers. He tricked his father, robbed his brother, and fled for his life from his own family. In a transaction that we would now define as sex trafficking, he bought two women as wives. He fought with everyone, and when he had an encounter with God, Jacob even fought with Him. In spite of all his failures, however, God offered grace to Jacob. Jacob, like all of us, was a person in need of God’s mercy and love.

The story of Jacob is one that teaches us not only about the flaws of humanity but of the grandeur of God. At no point in Jacob’s life did his failings and mistakes remove him from God’s love and mercy. Most of us, thankfully, do not live as scandalously as Jacob. He was a walking tornado of conflict and bad drama. But our distinction from Jacob is one of degree, not of substance. His story reminds us that we too are flawed and in need of God’s mercy. God never gave up on Jacob. Thankfully, God never gives up on us either.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

A New Level of Living for Senior Adults: Crossings at Brookdale University Park

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