Because of You, Donna Is Smiling Again!
Donna’s day at the park is just one example of your generosity at work.
Thanks to your generosity, Morningside residents participate in life-enriching outings that bring joy and connection into their daily lives. For Donna, the joy was overflowing during last year’s outing to Morgan’s Wonderland, which your gift made possible.
Donna has weathered more loss and loneliness than she ever expected in this season of life. But after days like she had at this accessibility-focused theme park, Donna’s smile is so wide it lights up everyone around her.
After soaring 130 feet above the park on a four-seater accessible zip line, Donna couldn’t stop smiling. That joy happened because of you.
At 79 years old, Donna embraced every minute of her time at the park. She rode the Wonderland Express train, cruised on the Pirate Island boat, and took in the views from the Whirling Wonder Ferris wheel. She loved being outside on a beautiful day, surrounded by friends from Morningside and other park visitors from around the world.
“I had the most fun zip lining over the park!” — Donna
Thanks to your generous heart, outings like this boost emotional well-being, reduce isolation, and strengthen social connection for older adults like Donna.
Your generosity didn’t stop there. Donna now paints in a weekly art class provided by donors like you. “I didn’t know I was an artist,” she said. “I’m working on several paintings now.”
Thank you for giving Donna, and so many others like her, days filled with joy, beauty, and belonging.
“It Keeps Me Happy and Healthy”
You made a moment of happiness and presence possible for a nature-loving resident.
Your support made it possible for Phyllis and her neighbors to spend the day exploring native plants at the Cibolo Nature Center.
They wandered the gardens, touched leaves, smelled herbs, listened to birds, and even visited the chickens. For Phyllis, who loves being outdoors, it was a magical day. In the photo, Phyllis is holding a sprig of jasmine up to her face, breathing in the scent. Though you can’t see her smile, her eyes are sparkling! She said she felt completely present in that moment.
That moment happened because of you!
Because of your gift, residents can enjoy outings and other life-enriching activities. They can do unusual things, visit interesting places, and so much more!
Life Enrichment Director Emily said: “Everyone was engaged. The environment brought out stories we’d never heard.”
Thanks to you, residents come alive. Outings and activities often spark stories about childhood farms, family gardens, and memories from long ago.
Phyllis summed it up beautifully: “It’s nice to get outside and interact with nature… plants, animals, flowers. It keeps me happy and healthy.”
Thank you for giving Phyllis and so many others days like this. You make life at Morningside positive in every way.
Church Comes to Residents… Thanks to You!
Because of your generosity, residents don’t have to leave home to worship.
Something small happened outside the Sunday Buffet recently. And it’s the kind of moment that shows exactly why your support makes a difference for Morningside residents.
Chaplain Duane was greeting residents when a couple waved him over to meet their visiting son and daughter-in-law. With a smile, the resident introduced him by saying: “This is Duane. He’s our pastor, our neighbor, and our friend.”
Then she added something he’s heard many times over the years: “Our church is here.”
Those four words mean a lot. Because many residents can no longer drive. Others don’t feel steady enough to take the bus to a local congregation. But their desire for worship, prayer, Scripture, and spiritual community hasn’t changed.
Because of your generosity, church comes to residents! You make it possible for them to gather for worship just steps from their front door.
You also provide pastoral care when someone is anxious, grieving, or facing a difficult diagnosis. And you make sure that Bible studies, devotionals, and moments of prayer are available to any resident who needs them.
Thank you for creating a community where faith is accessible, comforting, and woven into daily life. Your support ensures that every resident can experience the spiritual home they cherish, without ever having to leave Morningside.
A Special Message from Patrick Crump, President & CEO
I am so grateful for your generous support and want to thank you for helping senior residents living at our Morningside Ministries communities.
In this newsletter, you’ll read how Donna found her smile again, Phyllis enjoyed peace through nature, and how residents nurtured their faith right at home.
Your life-enhancing generosity really did make a difference. Thanks to your gift, older adults in need can live their golden years in dignity, love, and compassion. Your support is making an incredible difference.
God Bless, Patrick Crump President & CEO