When the transmission in Bea Baker’s vehicle failed, she could have been stranded. But the Valley View Village employee knew just where to turn for assistance. She and others had been contributing to the CARE Fund for years and now it was there to help in her time of need.
“It meant that I didn’t have to figure it out on my own, how to pay for the repairs,” Bea says.
The CARE Fund in Action
At Valley View, Chaplain Mike Evans gets to know employees and connects them to the CARE Fund when needed.
“I consider myself a chaplain to all residents and staff,” Pastor Mike says. “That means getting to know them, their struggles and life events. We walk through life together. Sometimes staff will come with financial needs. I really like to direct them to the CARE Fund if they have emergency financial needs.”
When Bea and other site leaders learn about employees who are struggling, they encourage them and help connect them to Pastor Mike.
“If someone is having a troubling day, we try to step out and be their friend,” Bea says. “Mike is very good at that. He’s so great at reading people and saying, ‘Hey, is there something I can do for you?’ If they open up to him, he goes from there.”
When Pastor Mike learns about a specific financial hardship, he presents it to the CARE Fund Committee that reviews applications and distributes the funds.
CARE Funds have literally kept the lights and utilities on for employees; provided daycare and helped cover rent, auto repairs and medical expenses.
Response to the CARE Fund
Even before employees receive the funds, just knowing resources are available can lift their spirits.
“When they know money is available, they feel, ‘I’m not just another cog in the wheel. I’m a person,’” Pastor Mike says.
Employees respond gratefully to receiving the funds.
“Whenever we offer money to them, they really appreciate it,” Pastor Mike says. “I don’t think anyone takes it for granted or has entitlement. Most people who experience this are just overjoyed. That’s why I like to be the one to tell them the good news.”
“Over the years, I’ve known different people who have used it, and they are so grateful and thankful that we care,” Bea adds.
A natural response to generosity is to give back when able.
“Even though we all come from different walks of life, the CARE Fund helps bring us together,” Pastor Mike says.
He believes Cassia’s mission statement of “Fostering fullness of life for older adults in the Spirit of Christ’s love” extends to staff through the CARE Fund.
“It’s not just a philosophy,” Pastor Mike says. “We really do care about God’s love being worked out practically. That’s what people experience when they get these unexpected expenses taken care of. It’s such a blessing. That’s in the nature of Jesus to be giving.”
Small Gestures, Big Impacts
The CARE Fund exists at each local Cassia community to support its employees, and anyone can contribute to it.
Bea has been giving a portion of her paycheck to the CARE Fund since 2008, and many other employees do the same to help coworkers in need. In fact, most of the 160 CARE Fund contributors in 2024 were Cassia employees or board members.
Bea says it’s also a great way for residents and their families to show appreciation to those who serve and care for them.
“I know at different times throughout the year, we’ve had residents who want to give special recognition to employees,” Bea says. “If they want to do something for employees, this is how they can do it.”
Whether you’re an employee, board member, resident or family member, thank you for supporting our team through your generous donations to the CARE Fund!