Morningside Ministries Senior Living Communities

Spotlight Saturday - Emily Jellick 🌟 Emily, our Life Enrichment Manager at Cibolo House, is known for her dedication, creativity, and her remarkable ability to make a difference in the lives of our residents. Having been with Morningside for over four years, Emily continuously goes above and beyond to keep residents entertained and engaged with fun and innovative activities. From crafting and gaming to leading field trips through the Hill Country, she enriches the daily lives of everyone in her care. In addition to planning activities, Emily also conducts Positive Approach to Care (PAC) training, which equips new team members at Menger Springs with the tools to support residents with dementia. Her efforts ensure that all residents receive the compassion and attention they need. “Emily is an amazing person, very talented in so many ways, and never hesitates to help anyone in need,” shares Cibolo resident Eloise Galvan. “She is always taking us places and doing things for us, even with her busy household of four children!” We are deeply grateful for Emily’s steadfast commitment to the well-being of our residents and her continual positive impact on our Morningside community. #morningsideministries #seniorliving #seniorlivingcommunity #greatplacetowork #olderadults #morningsideatmengersprings

Congratulations to Executive Chef Matthew Juarez of Morningside Ministries Senior Living Communities, Texas, for winning our 2024 Purée with Purpose National Championship! Matthew's winning creations showcase the pinnacle of safe, delicious dining for residents with dysphagia: Main: Roast beef with fondant potatoes, Harvard beets, buttered peas, and red wine mushroom demi-glaze Dessert: Poached pear with white wine reduction, blackberry pearls, and maple mascarpone Challenges with chewing or swallowing can feel isolating, but through our Puree with Purpose program, we transform that experience into one of inclusion and satisfaction. Matthew's creations do just that — transforming menu items to ensure each meal is not only safe and nutritionally balanced but also bursting with flavor and visual appeal. His work represents our commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life, proving that dietary restrictions doesn't need to limit the joy of eating. Each dish is a testament to the power of innovative culinary techniques. Congratulations, Matthew, on this well-deserved recognition! Learn more about Embracing New Standards in Dining with Dysphagia: https://hubs.li/Q02RjvJC0

Spotlight Saturday - Michael Ruiz 🌟 We're thrilled to celebrate Michael Ruiz's tenth anniversary with Morningside Ministries this month! Michael’s journey with us began as a CNA, and over the past decade, he’s grown into his role as Executive Director at Morningside at The Chandler Estate. From tackling challenging maintenance issues to ensuring every resident's needs are met with care, Michael's dedication shines through in everything he does. He leads his team wholeheartedly. "When you talk to Michael, his passion for his work is so clear," shares Rachel G., a Chandler resident. "He treats everyone with such kindness and respect, and it's evident that his team holds him in the highest regard." Happy work anniversary, Michael! We’re incredibly grateful for your unwavering commitment and all that you bring to Morningside Ministries. #morningsideministries #seniorliving #seniorlivingcommunity #greatplacetowork #olderadults

Spotlight Saturday: Deborah Littles Deborah Littles has been an integral part of Morningside Ministries for 21 years, beginning her journey with us in 2003. From her early days as a cook at the Manor to her role at the Meadows, Deborah has consistently demonstrated her passion for creating exceptional meals. For the past two years, as the lead cook at Morningside at The Chandler Estate, Deborah has continued to enchant residents with her culinary talents. Her dedication is evident in the way residents rave about her dishes, often saying, “I’m not a big chicken fan, but I love Deborah’s chicken.” Deborah's love for cooking and her deep connections with both residents and team members make her an invaluable part of Morningside Ministries. We are truly grateful for the warmth and excellence she brings to every meal.

Today, we spotlight Margaret Monfrey, a dedicated team member who just celebrated her 35th work anniversary with Morningside. Her career has spanned various roles, starting as a CNA at The Manor, to working in life enrichment, human resources, and payroll, ultimately finding her niche in the finance department in billing. Margaret's commitment to our organization not only extends to her career, but also in trusting Morningside to care of her mother and to make it her home and community for the last six years of her life. We are grateful to have such a dedicated team member and celebrate her contributions to Morningside! #morningsideministries #seniorliving #seniorlivingcommunity #greatplacetowork #olderadults

Congratulations to Development Officer Robert Kesl on his 18th year at Morningside Ministries. After 20 years with Harris County's Community Development Department, Robert returned to San Antonio with valuable skills and a desire to support nonprofits. Since 2006, he has raised over $9 million from Morningside funders. This includes a $1.65 million grant from the Mabee Foundation for our Green House Homes campaign. Our long-time team member advances Morningside's mission every day—and he has never missed a deadline. Happy Work Anniversary, Robert!

Spotlight Saturday: Vanessa Ramirez Vanessa began her career with Morningside Ministries a little over two years ago, taking on the brand new position of Central Staffing Manager. Morningside could never have imagined that our own in-house staffing agency would evolve into what it is today. She knew our goal was to eliminate external agency use across our communities to provide consistent and quality care from our own team. She has been dedicated to recruiting and hiring A team players to support open shifts or vacancy positions on a PRN basis. Currently, she manages a pool of 70 PRN team members. Additionally, Vanessa serves on the advisory boards for Hallmark University and ECPI University. She continues to recruit talented individuals that set Morningside apart from the rest. We are grateful to have such a wonderful and passionate individual on our team!