Golden Years Stories

What can Greencroft Communities Foundation do with $33,000? 

A lot — especially through the Team Member Benevolence Fund! 

In 2025, donations from team members and community supporters allowed the Foundation to distribute more than $33,000 to help fellow team members avoid utility shutoffs, pay unexpected medical bills, manage emergency car repairs, and handle other urgent needs. Some of the most impactful support went to team members who suddenly became caregivers for grandchildren, nieces, or nephews and needed help covering those additional unplanned expenses. 

For Team Members, By Team Members

The Team Member Benevolence Fund is a benefit for team members, by team members, offering a safety net across all nine Greencroft campuses. Many team members contribute through payroll deduction, while others, along with residents and community members, give one-time gifts throughout the year. After one year of employment in good standing, team members may apply for up to $1,000 in emergency assistance, and they may apply again once every three years. 

“My heart just knows that we all need help sometimes,” said LaVerne Coates, a housekeeping and laundry team member at Golden Years Homestead in Fort Wayne, Indiana, explaining why she gives biweekly to the fund through payroll deduction. 
“I don’t ever want to just take and not give. It truly feels like I’m part of a family here at Golden Years.” 

“I’ve been there,” shared Jamie Belt, a team member at The Windsor of Savoy in Savoy, Illinois. “The payday loan cycle is a hard one to get out of. If I can somehow prevent that for someone else, why wouldn’t I?” 

When asked why she chooses to contribute to the Team Member Benevolence Fund, and not one of countless other worthy charities, Jamie answered, “I love where I work."

"I love the people on both sides of my desk, both teammates and residents. If I can do something that benefits my colleagues directly in a time of need, I’m all for that!” 

Recent creative fundraisers have strengthened the fund even further.

• The Greencroft Goshen Fun Brigade threw a bake sale and auction. 
• Goshen Manor III residents took up an offering for Three Kings Day and donated the gifts to Team Member Benevolence.
• Residents and staff at The Windsor of Savoy conducted a silent auction. 

One Team, One Mission

“The Team Member Benevolence Fund exemplifies Greencroft’s One Team, One Mission culture, with team members lifting one another up when it matters most,” said Todd Yoder, President of the Greencroft Communities Foundation. “That’s why the Greencroft Communities Foundation Board raised the maximum amount given at one time to $1,000 for team members across all campuses. The decision was unanimous!” 

The increase took effect July 1, 2025, and since then, the Foundation has received more than 50 requests for assistance. 
“The need is great,” said Todd. 

How to Give

To contribute to the Team Member Benevolence fund, visit Greencroft.org.

Click on the "Give" button at the top of the page and use the drop-down menus to choose your campus and Team Member Benevolence Fund.