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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    New ‘Spirituality Infusion Project’ receives $100,000 grant

    September 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Beechwood Continuing Care has received a $100,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to support the development of Beechwood’s Spirituality Infusion Project for long-term care professionals, which aims to integrate spirituality into care planning.

    Director of Spiritual Care/Chaplain at Beechwood Continuing Care is the Rev. Mary Ann Pula, a member of the Upper New York Conference. Beechwood, in Getzville, is one of six elder care facilities that are served by chaplains from the Conference. These ministries are supported through the annual Golden Cross Sunday offering.

    The purpose of the Spirituality Infusion Project is "to foster an environment to recognize, embrace and facilitate the spiritual component of daily life for residents and staff across Beechwood’s continuum of care," according to a Sept. 11, 2014 press release announcing the grant.

    “By helping our staff have a better understanding of both spirituality and spiritual well-being, we help them recognize the ways in which they not only can nurture their own spiritual well-being, but enhance their ability to nurture it in our residents and their families,” said Rev. Pula. “We believe this will also enhance the staff’s work as caregivers and team members.

    “Spirituality’s role in medical care, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care, is crucial,” Rev. Pula said. “It is a major factor in medical decision-making, especially in ‘to treat or not to treat’ situations. A person’s sense of being spiritually ‘whole’ is a prime characteristic of those coming to a peaceful end of life’s journey.”

    Faculty from D’Youville College will conduct research and develop survey instruments, assist in developing the curriculum and teaching modules, and help collect and evaluate data and compile a final report. The project is expected to take two years to complete.

    Within Upper New York are six United Methodist-affiliated facilities that provide a chaplaincy program. This year’s Golden Cross offering will be divided equally among the six chaplaincy programs. They are:

    • Beechwood Continuing Care, Getzville (Niagara Frontier District)
    • Bethany Village, Horseheads (Mountain View District)
    • Folts Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and Claxton Manor, Herkimer (Mohawk District)
    • United Methodist Home at Hilltop Campus, Johnson City (Binghamton District)
    • United Methodist Homes at Elizabeth Church Campus, Binghamton (Binghamton District)
    • Wesley Gardens, Rochester (Genesee Valley District)

    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."