Category: Corporate Office

LifeSpire of Virginia Names New Chief Financial Officer

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RICHMOND, Virginia (Monday, April 22, 2024) —LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that Erik Mauritsen has been selected as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this role, Mauritsen will be responsible for directing overall financial operations for LifeSpire, its five continuing care retirement communities, foundation offices and Lakewood at Home. Mauritsen will begin his new role at the end of May.

“Erik is an accomplished CFO and business executive with extensive experience in the senior living space,” said Jonathan Cook, LifeSpire’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Erik enters this role from a position of strength, and his insights and experience will be extremely valuable in helping LifeSpire operate with efficiency and create value for our shareholders. I am thrilled to welcome Erik to the team.”

Mauritsen has more than 20 years’ experience in progressive leadership roles in auditing, finance, corporate compliance programs and regulatory laws for a number of organizations, most recently Covenant Woods. In his role at Covenant Woods, Erik assisted with advancing their mission while enhancing the financial strength of the organization.

Mauritsen, a cum laude graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, earned a bachelor’s degree in business, majoring in accounting. He and his wife, Cassie, have three children and reside in Glen Allen, Virginia.

LifeSpire of Virginia, based in Glen Allen, Virginia, is a not-for-profit organization serving seniors since 1945. The LifeSpire of Virginia family includes five life plan communities—Lakewood in Richmond, The Chesapeake in Newport News, The Culpeper in Culpeper, The Summit in Lynchburg, and The Glebe in Daleville—as well as Lakewood at Home, a community-based continuing care program. The Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation is the philanthropic arm of LifeSpire and provides support to residents and team members through its four funds—benevolence, crisis, education and spiritual life. LifeSpire of Virginia serves more than 1,400 residents and employs nearly 1,100 team members.  To learn more, visit lifespireliving.org.

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Celebrating National Volunteer Month

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National Volunteer month in the United States takes place in the month of April. This month the Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers throughout the LifeSpire of Virginia family!

In recognizing the volunteers who bring the LifeSpire communities to life, we are reminded of the tale of the starfish and of the young girl’s response: “Well, I made a difference for that one!” and how the gentleman joined in to make an even bigger impact.  Our volunteers live this story daily and continue to serve and support others!  

In 2023, volunteers from across the entire LifeSpire of Virginia family provided over 11,600 hours of service both within our communities and beyond into our surrounding localities. This volunteer service is valued at $372,000! 

Please join us as we say ‘THANK YOU’ to those who make a difference with our 2024 VIDEO

To learn more about LifeSpire’s social accountability efforts and our commitment to our mission, stakeholders and the greater community, please click HERE 

April also gives us the chance to announce our 2024 Influencers – champions within our communities who causes a positive effect on our mission to enhance the lives of their friends and neighbors. Influencers embody the core values of LifeSpire of Virginia through their spirit, their engagement and their generosity.  

The 2024 Influencers are:                   

Tom Sayre – The Chesapeake           

Phyllis Turner – The Culpeper                 

Anne Brugh – The Glebe    

Linda Jones – Lakewood                                              

Hazel Harrison – The Summit

We invite you to learn more about these special people by clicking HERE

Highest Rates in 16 Years: The Amazing Benefits of the Charitable Gift Annuity

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It’s the best time in a long time to consider the gift that pays you: a charitable gift annuity.

Payout rates went up again January 1, 2024, and are higher than they have been in 16 years. Seize the moment by considering this amazing gift that provides you with stable, regular income—regardless of the economy.

After your lifetime, the remaining amount becomes part of your legacy at the Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation, allowing us to thrive far into the future.

How It Works

With a gift annuity, you make a donation using cash, marketable securities or other assets, and we, in turn, pay you a fixed amount for life. You’ll receive reliable, predictable payments for your lifetime (and the lifetime of a loved one, if you choose).

For Example

Barbara, 72, transfers $25,000 in exchange for a charitable gift annuity. She will receive annual payments of $1,650, a rate of 6.6%.

Gift Annuity Rate Charts

One Recipient

AgeAnnuity Rate
706.3%
757.0%
808.1%
859.1%
90+10.1%

Two Recipients

AgeAnnuity Rate
70/755.8%
75/806.5%
80/857.3%
85/908.7%
90/95+9.9%

Additional Benefits

With this gift, you’ll also enjoy:

  • A partial income tax charitable deduction for your gift when you itemize.
  • Part of each payment being income tax-free throughout your estimated life expectancy.

Tip: You Have Funding Options

Give Appreciated Assets

Funding a gift annuity with appreciated assets, such as securities, will not only provide you with reliable payments for life and allow you to support our work, but it can offer financial benefits. You will receive a federal income tax charitable deduction (when you itemize) in the year the gift is made and eliminate part of the capital gains tax you would have paid if selling the securities. And if you have stocks that produce low-yield dividends, you may be able to increase your income.

Give From Your IRA

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a one-time election for a qualified charitable distribution of up to $53,000 (without being taxed) from your IRA to fund a gift annuity (special rules apply with this option).

Request Your Personalized Example

We would be happy to send you a free, no-obligation calculation showing you the increased benefits you can receive from a gift annuity. Your personalized calculation will include your potential income tax charitable deduction and our annual payments to you for life. Contact Jodi Leonard at (804) 521-9213 or [email protected] to create your own legacy, or visit https://vbh.planmylegacy.org/charitable-gift-annuities to learn more and calculate your benefits by inputting a few details.

LifeSpire Unveils 2023 Holiday Card

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This year’s holiday greeting features ‘Winter Cardinals’ created by Mary Kent, a resident at Lakewood since 2019. 

Mary discovered the fun of making art as a child at Patrick Henry Elementary School in Richmond and has been drawing and painting pictures ever since. After taking many art classes in high school and college, she pursued a lengthy career in business and banking, and found very little time for her creative outlet. Upon retiring in 2000, Mary decided to try something she had always wanted to do – she took up watercolors and fell in love with the medium. She has studied with many prominent Richmond artists and has participated in workshops around Virginia, the Southeastern United States and further afield in California and in Greece.

Mary drew much of her early inspiration from the Virginia landscape and particularly enjoyed painting in outdoor locations such as Maymont Park, Forest Hill Park and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Soon after, she started taking her paintbox along on her travels to create sketches and studies of her favorite vacation spots. More recently, Mary has begun incorporating people and pets into her artwork, and is having fun exploring a medium that is new to her – drawing with colored pencils.

A member of the James River Art League since 2005, Mary has served as President and held a number of positions on the Board. In 2019 she was the recipient of their William H. Youngblood award for service. Mary currently teaches watercolor classes at Lakewood and takes great pleasure in sharing her joy of painting with others.

Season of Gratitude

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During this season of thanks and reflection, we are especially grateful for our LifeSpire of Virginia family. Your warm-hearted compassion makes you an integral part of our communities. Thank you for being our partner in helping seniors live purposefully in a loving environment.

If the end of this year finds you feeling blessed and inspired to give back, we want you to know that

you still have time to help provide seniors with a fulfilling and worry-free lifestyle.

A gift to the Virginia Baptist Homes (VBH) Foundation in 2023 means you may also receive tax benefits. Consider our four great gift ideas that help create vibrant living where faith, wellness and community flourish.

Read about those options HERE or reach out to Jodi Leonard, Vice President of the VBH Foundation at (804) 521-9213.

LifeSpire of Virginia Mourns the Loss of Pamela Parsons, Ph.D., Board of Trustees

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Pamela Parsons, Ph.D., served on the Board of Trustees for LifeSpire of Virginia since 2021. For over thirty years, she has dedicated her life to advocating for older adults through her work in healthcare, education and funded research. She received numerous awards, including the Mary C. Payne Award from the Senior Connections Capital Area on Aging, in recognition for her exemplary advocacy, leadership and service on behalf of older adults. As an educator, she was recognized with the Judith B. Collins and Joseph M. Teefey distinguished professor awards.

Parsons’s tireless efforts had a significant impact as an innovator for quality healthcare for senior adults, mentor to rising healthcare practitioners and leader to the organizations she supported. She led multi-million-dollar research efforts through initiatives such as the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, PIONEER, Virginia Geriatric Education Center, AARP and countless other programs. In her academic career, Parson held appointments in the school of nursing, internal medicine and pharmacology at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also served as an adjunct faculty member for J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Parsons was an invaluable resource on clinical and nursing-related issues for LifeSpire of Virginia while she served on the Board of Trustees. “We are saddened by the loss of Dr. Parsons,” said Jonathan Cook, President and CEO of LifeSpire of Virginia. “Her impact as a trusted advisor and board member for LifeSpire of Virginia was immeasurable. We are grateful for her leadership, guidance and commitment to quality healthcare for senior adults.”

3 Great Ways to Give From Your IRA

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An IRA is an appealing way to save for retirement: Make a contribution and enjoy tax savings. But eventually, the tax bill comes due—when you take your annual distributions and again when you leave your assets to heirs. If you want to avoid the tax bite and make an impact on our mission, consider a gift to  the Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation (VBHF) or a LifeSpire of Virginia community.  

1. Make Your Gift Today

If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift (up to $100,000 in 2023) to support our benevolent mission.  Benefits include:

  • See the difference you’re making today. 
  • Pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer doesn’t generate taxable income or a tax deduction.

If you are required to take minimum distributions, your gift can satisfy all or part of your obligation.

2. Magnify Your Impact After Your Lifetime

You can name VBHF as a beneficiary of your retirement account. This is a great option for extending support from your IRA beyond your lifetime. It costs you nothing today.

Here’s how:

  1. Contact your IRA administrator for a change-of-beneficiary form, or simply download a form from your provider’s website.
  2. Name VBHF and the gift percentage on the form.
  3. Let us know about your plans so we can thank you.

3. NEW OPTION: Create a Charitable Gift Annuity

If you are 70½ or older, you can now use your IRA to create a gift that pays you. Get fixed, reliable income for life by making a one-time election for a qualified charitable distribution of up to $50,000 (without being taxed on the distribution). Because this option comes with special rules, we’d be happy to discuss whether this gift is right for you.

Whether you make your impact at the Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation today or after your lifetime, your gift matters. Please contact Jodi Leonard at (804) 521-9213 or [email protected] to discuss your plans.  Additional information can be found on our website at https://vbh.planmylegacy.org/give-from-your-ira.

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of printing. The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

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(Monday, August 21, 2023) – LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce Kristi Martin, MSN, BSN, RN, LNHA, as its new Executive Director for the Summit Community, beginning on August 21, 2023.

Kristi, a Lynchburg, Virginia native, obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lynchburg College and her master’s degree from Jefferson College. She brings extensive experience from diverse areas, including Dialysis, Orthopedics, and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). More recently, she has taken on roles in Skilled and Long-Term Care.

“I’m looking forward to joining the incredible team at The Summit community and having an impact on the seniors we serve,” said Martin. “There are so many exciting things happening, and I am grateful to be here and be a part of it.”

Kristi has held various leadership positions as a long-tenured employee at Centra Health, including serving as a Nursing Home Administrator for the past eight years. Kristi’s passion is leading high-performing teams and making a difference in the lives of those she serves.

“The entire LifeSpire of Virginia family looks forward to welcoming Kristi into her new role at The Summit,” said Tracey Jennings, Chief Operating Officer for LifeSpire of Virginia. “Kristi’s long history in clinical and leadership roles will be instrumental as The Summit continues to grow and expand.”

Outside of work, Kristi enjoys traveling with her family, reading books, and spending quality time with loved ones. Kristi and her husband Lantz have three children together, Alexis, Lantz, and Lyncoln.

25 Students to Receive Scholarships for College from LifeSpire of Virginia, the VBH Foundation

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The LifeSpire of Virginia and the Virginia Baptist Homes (VBH) Foundation leadership teams are pleased to announce the 2023 scholarship recipients. A total of $25,000 was awarded to 25 deserving individuals. The scholarships are funded by the Employee Education Fund.

The fund provides financial assistance for deserving team members towards two-and four-year higher education degrees. Support is awarded with grants for college-bound team members, and their children and grandchildren.

2023 Scholarship Recipients

The Chesapeake

  • Janyla Gatling, daughter of Lawshawta Roberts, Housekeeping
  • Emily Holden, Nursing
  • Macie Morings, Health Care
  • Dylan Simmons, son of Beverly Simmons, Health Care
  • Emma Thomas, daughter of Amy Thomas, Health Care

The Culpeper

  • Nina Ashison, daughter of Grace Nortey, Nursing
  • Aaron Bostian, CNA
  • Michael Fredericks, son of Elizabeth Fredericks, Memory Care
  • Jordan Heddings, CNA
  • Armani Hoffman, son of Theresa Lewis, Nursing
  • Destinee Hoffman, daughter of Theresa Lewis, Nursing
  • Teresa Lewis, CNA
  • Maylasia Simmons, daughter of Shadelle Simmons, Dietary

The Glebe

  • Brennan Corell, Dining
  • Ethan McKenzie, Dining
  • Heather Roberts, CNA
  • Carter Smith, Dining

Lakewood

  • Isaiah Bolden, son of Dorothy Connor, Nursing
  • Anmanat Boparai, daughter of Pearl Kaur, Transportation
  • Ava Brown, Dining
  • Cadence Goodnight, Dining
  • Jasmine Johnson, Dining
  • Jake Kazzie, Dining
  • Kala McGehee, Dining

Summit

  • Ryenne Flood, daughter of Marjetta Flood, Assisted Living

The VBH Foundation’s Employee Education Fund provides awards on an annual basis. The fund relies on the generosity of donors for sustainability. The LifeSpire team is grateful for the kindness of residents, families and colleagues who give to the Foundation to assist team members financially with scholarships and crisis awards. To learn more about the programs providing support to team members, visit https://lifespireliving.org/give/employee-support/

We Are Stronger Together

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Your commitment to ensuring the highest quality of life—physically, spiritually and socially—for LifeSpire of Virginia community residents is what enables the Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation to continue realizing its faith-driven mission.

When you remember the VBH Foundation or a specific community in your estate plan, your gift lives on and we welcome you into our J.T. Edwards Society. You become part of a group of like-minded people dedicated to creating communities that support dignity, faith and friendship, now and in the future, just as Dr. Edwards originally imagined.

Learn more about the impact you can make in the JT Edwards Legacy Society https://bit.ly/JTE