With Saint Therese, Youth Shall Be Served

Barb Hemberger • June 2, 2022

Schafhauser said working with seniors inspired her to continue on the path of helping the elderly and she came to the conclusion that she wants to be a nurse. “Because of her [woman suffering from memory loss], I have an intimate appreciation for loving support and subsequently strive to make my presence one that emanates compassion,” Schafhauser said.



“As a nurse, I want to be a guiding light on the part of others as they find who they were meant to be and learn to love life again.”


To be eligible for the Youth Volunteer Scholarship, volunteers had to be in grades 9-12 during the 2021-22 school year, and have completed a minimum of 20 volunteer hours with one or more seniors by the date of their submission. They had to reside in the seven county Twin Cities metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington), or the western Wisconsin counties of Pierce and St. Croix. The scholarship will run again during the 2022-2023 school year; information can be found at https://www.sainttherese.org/get-involved/volunteer/youth-volunteer-scholarship.

Earlier this year Saint Therese announced the winners of its Youth Volunteer Scholarships.


Champlin resident Hallie Sweeter and Woodbury native Grace Schafhauser. As the school year ends this month, we are showcasing their essays and photos of them receiving their scholarships.



Hallie Sweeter, a sophomore at Champlin Park High School, volunteered in the beauty salon at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park. In her essay, Sweeter described how much she looked forward to working with seniors and recognized how important socializing is, not only for seniors, but also for herself. Over time she became more comfortable talking on the phone (something she said her tech-savvy generation isn’t used to) and conversing with seniors.

“A large sentiment amongst my generation is our fear of talking to authority and adults, and I definitely feel that volunteering with seniors can help with that,” wrote Sweeter in her essay. “The ability to be comfortable talking with a wide variety of people is an extremely impactful skill, as it helps connect you to others around you. Volunteering with seniors has shown me that, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities, life skills and lessons that have been offered to me through this program.”


Sweeter plans to use her $2,000 scholarship award for college tuition.



Grace Schafhauser, a senior at Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood, volunteered at a memory care facility in Maplewood. She described how she formed a deep connection with a woman suffering from memory loss, which inspired her to continue to volunteer with the elderly because it has allowed her to make multiple meaningful connections. And, it inspired her career choice as she has since decided to attend the nursing program at Texas Christian University (TCU), where she will use her $2,000 scholarship award for tuition.

Stay Connected


Search All Posts


About

At Saint Therese, our heartfelt purpose since 1968 has been a people first approach to living well by providing senior care and services where every life we touch feels welcomed, respected, and heard. We achieve this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love every single day. Contact us to learn more. 

By Emily Milliren September 9, 2025
I’ve spent years looking into what really helps people age well. But what does “aging well” actually mean? For some, it’s keeping a sharp mind. For others, it’s staying physically active, living independently, or feeling connected to friends and family. The exact definition can be different for everyone—but there’s one thing they all have in common: the ability to keep moving. To age well, we need to keep our bodies moving—and not just from place to place, but through life with energy and purpose. And here’s the truth: movement doesn’t happen without strength. As we get older, keeping our muscles strong becomes even more important. This isn’t just about running marathons or lifting heavy weights. It’s about simple, everyday things—like carrying groceries, getting up from a chair, or catching yourself if you trip. When we lose strength, it’s easier to lose confidence, and we’re more likely to fall or get hurt. Muscle loss is common as we age, but it’s not something we have to accept as “just the way it is.” Every part of your body benefits from strength training, but let’s focus on two key players: your muscles and your bones. Our bodies are smart—they adapt to whatever we ask them to do. Challenge your muscles regularly, and they’ll get stronger. Ignore them, and they’ll get weaker. Bones work the same way. Activities that make your muscles and bones work—like resistance or weight-bearing exercises—help keep your bones strong and reduce your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Strength training isn’t just for athletes; it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself at any age. And no, it’s not too late to start now. In physical therapy, we love sharing this knowledge—we’re not gatekeeping it. Building strength can help you live longer and better, and we know how to guide you safely. We understand how the body moves, heals, and responds when you gradually challenge it. We use proven methods to create a plan just for you—one that grows with you as you get stronger and more confident. Each session is a chance to check in, adjust, and move forward—whether your goal is walking without a cane, getting up from the floor, or enjoying your favorite hobby again. Physical therapy isn’t about telling you what you can’t do—it’s about showing you what you can do, and helping you get there, step by step. In the end, strength is freedom. It lets you move through the world with confidence, take care of yourself, and keep doing what makes life fun and meaningful. Maybe that’s playing with your grandkids, tending a garden, or walking into a room without worrying about falling. Whatever it is, strength gives you choices. At Ascend Rehab , we meet you where you are, listen to what matters most to you, and help you build the strength to make it happen. Aging well isn’t about pretending nothing changes—it’s about learning to adapt and keep going with purpose. And physical therapy can be a powerful partner in making that happen. Emily Milliren , PT, DPT, GCS, is a is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She’s been with Ascend Rehab since 2018.
By Barb Hemberger August 29, 2025
“There is no timetable for grief; it unfolds in its own way, in its own time.” – Unknown On August 30, we pause to honor Grief Awareness Day—a reminder that grief is both universal and deeply personal. At Saint Therese senior living communities, grief is not an abstract idea. It is woven into the daily lives of residents, families, and caregivers alike. To better understand this journey, we spoke with five of our pastoral care directors, who accompany people through life’s most difficult transitions. At Saint Therese, we are proud to have full-time pastoral care directors in our communities, ensuring that compassionate spiritual support is always present. Their reflections remind us that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to live with, honor, and grow through. Grief in Daily Life at Saint Therese Each director shared that grief extends beyond the moment of death. It includes the loss of independence, the decline of health, the move into senior living, or even the passing of a fellow resident or staff member. Duane Bauer of Saint Therese of Woodbury emphasized the importance of normalizing grief. “What would it be like if you didn’t grieve your spouse? We grieve because we were in relationship. A new normal has to come out of it.” His role, he says, is to listen more than talk, to walk alongside without judgment, and to create sacred moments of farewell such as “sacred sending” rituals for families and staff. John Ilkka at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake speaks about grief as a deeply personal and non-linear process. He emphasizes that there are no “magic words” to take away someone’s pain. Instead, his role is to listen, provide space, and reassure people that whatever they are feeling is valid. “The simplest thing is, whatever you’re feeling is ok. Grieving takes time, and it’s hard work,” he shared. For John, honoring grief means letting people lead the way—sometimes needing presence, sometimes needing space—and always being authentic. Beth O’Hare-Fisher at Saint Therese – IHM Senior Living often encounters grief during visits, when new residents open up about the loss of a spouse or sibling. She organizes Circles of Sharing, where residents gather to name and remember those who have died. For her, the key is acknowledging loss and affirming feelings without rushing the process. Mollie Dvorak of Saint Therese of Corcoran speaks passionately about anticipatory grief—the mourning that begins even before a loved one passes. She uses books like Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss, and The Invisible String to help residents and staff process emotions. For her, grief is not something to fix, but something to witness with compassion. Mary Lou Swinerton of Saint Therese St. Mary of the Woods adds that grief is a life event that encompasses the whole community. “It requires that we recognize that our Saint Therese community is bigger than our specific place. The entire community—residents, families, and staff—grieve. We must recognize this collective grief, name it, and honor it. It may be a sudden death of a resident’s son across the country, a memorial service for a resident’s loss, or even the bittersweet moment when someone leaves the community to be closer to family. Journeying with residents and staff in grieving means understanding that grief is not a one-size-fits-all event.” Together, these directors show us that grief is not just about endings—it is also about presence, memory, and care. Gentle Practices for Navigating Grief From these conversations, five guiding practices emerge: 1. Give Yourself Permission Grief doesn’t follow a timetable. It can show up as sadness, anger, relief, or even laughter. Whatever you’re feeling is valid. 2. Tell Your Story Sharing memories of a loved one keeps their presence alive. Whether in a support group, a circle of remembrance, or over coffee with a friend, storytelling helps heal. 3. Lean into Community As Duane noted, grief is less overwhelming when shared. Find a faith group, a grief support circle, or simply a trusted listener. 4. Practice Self-Care Grief can exhaust body, mind, and spirit. Be gentle with yourself. Rest, eat well, pray or meditate, and allow space for your own healing. 5. Embrace the “New Normal” Life after loss will not be the same—but in time, it can hold meaning again. The journey is not about “moving on,” but about moving forward. A Shared Journey At Saint Therese, grief is not something to be avoided. It is something to be honored—with listening ears, compassionate presence, and rituals of remembrance. As our pastoral care directors remind us, grief is a sign of love, and love always has the final word.
By Barb Hemberger July 29, 2025
At Saint Therese of Woodbury , a unique group of residents gathers twice a year not just to sing—but to connect, inspire, and celebrate the joy of music. The Saint Therese of Woodbury Choir, the only choir across all Saint Therese communities, offers two one-hour concerts each year—one in December with a Christmas theme, and a second during the summer. This year's summer performance, held in June, was called “ Music from the Movies ” and featured beloved classics including Que Sera Sera, The Bare Necessities, Tuxedo Junction and Singin’ in the Rain. Residents and guests filled the chapel for a heartwarming program filled with nostalgia, harmony, and connection. Founded in 2018 by Therese Stecher , a lifelong pianist and retired critical care nurse, the Woodbury choir started with just 10 members and has now grown to 24 dedicated singers. “The biggest fear people have is they haven’t sung in so long, they think they can’t do it,” Stecher says. “But the muscles that control the vocal cords—you just need to work them.” Stecher arranges each songbook specifically for aging voices and emphasizes that this is not simply a singalong group. “We’re here to learn a show,” she says. “The expectations are high, but the reward is even greater.” The choir practices for months before each performance.