The Benedictine Foundation announced it has received a $1 million gift from anonymous
donors designated to support seniors at Benedictine Living Community-Duluth, with a focus on people who are poor or underserved.
The donation will strengthen the ability of Benedictine Duluth to serve older adults with compassion and dignity, particularly those with low incomes or who rely on Medicaid.
“This gift is a result of the extraordinary mission and ministry that Benedictine Living Communities carry out,”
said Joslyn Biever, senior vice president, Benedictine Foundation. “We are humbled by the donors’ trust and
deeply grateful for their generosity.”
The donors were inspired by Benedictine’s wholeperson approach to care, which supports the mind, body, and
spirit of every individual served. Their financial support will give Benedictine Duluth the flexibility to direct
resources where they are most needed each year. This sustained support helps advance the Benedictine
Westwood assisted living renovation and strengthens residentcentered programs.
Brian Pattock, executive director of Benedictine Duluth, emphasized the breadth of the gift’s impact. “This
support strengthens our ability to care for people holistically and to build beautiful, missioninspired
environments where older adults can thrive.”
(Photo by Benedictine Living Community)
One of the programs that will be supported by this gift is Moments That Matter, Benedictine’s newly launched
integrated dementia care model designed to create meaningful experiences that reduce stress, spark connection and affirm dignity at every stage of the dementia journey.
This comprehensive program will include staff training with expertled instruction, standardized onboarding,
annual recertification, alignment with accreditation requirements and handson skills development.
Moments That Matter uses evidencebased, humancentered therapies that nurture joy, comfort, and connection through music therapy, aromatherapy, comforting touch & sensory engagement, doll therapy as well as horticulture and plant therapy.
“These approaches are not extras. They are central to providing dementia care that is compassionate, relational and deeply human — and this transformational gift will help ensure these experiences remain available and continue to grow,” Pattock explained.
A trusted provider of senior care services for over 45 years, Benedictine Living Community-Duluth offers
independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, adult day services, home health, long and short-
term skilled care and rehabilitation. For more information, visit www.BLCDuluth.org or call 218-279-7692 for a
tour.
