CONCORDIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

If you prefer to donate by mail, please make checks payable to Concordia Community Foundation and send to the Foundation c/o Julie Davis at 7707 W Britton Rd, OKC, OK 73132.

greetings from the foundation...

Thanks to your generous contributions, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. Each dollar you’ve given is a catalyst for positive change, fostering a sense of belonging and hope for the residents of Concordia. This has been a year of growth and rebuilding for our Foundation. We are privileged to join you in energizing Concordia Community Foundation to achieve great things for the residents of Concordia Life Plan Community and their families.

Join us in continuing to make a difference. Your support, whether through a one-time donation or a recurring commitment, helps our mission and drives positive change within our community. Looking ahead to the many opportunities in the coming year, let’s remember our collective strength, rooted in faith, has no bounds: Together, we will continue to shape a brighter future for the Concordia Life Plan Community.

Blessing in Christ,

The Foundation

Support A Legacy of Faith and Service

Butch and Rita Rains

Read their Story

The story of Butch and Rita Rains weaves a tapestry of faith, service, and the remarkable impact of Concordia Life Plan Community in their lives.

Following years of work in the oil and gas industry, Butch went to work in financial services. During that time he also began a program that resulted in being commissioned as a lay pastor from 1999 until his ordination in 2005. That same year, he became the pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in OKC, one of the founding churches of Concordia.

The Rains’ have witnessed the value Concordia offers, initially in the lives of others and later in their own. Their Concordia experience commenced with a compassionate act when they stepped in to help Sam and Leona Kimmey navigate a challenging health situation, eventually becoming close friends. The Kimmey’s experience showcased the profound care and support Concordia extended to its residents, leaving an indelible mark on Butch and Rita.

On a personal level, the Rains’ have experienced the excellence of Concordia’s skilled nursing unit following hospitalizations. The care they received was nothing short of exceptional, accelerating their healing and recovery.

When adversity struck and their home caught fire, Concordia once again extended a helping hand by offering them a temporary residence, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives.

For Butch and Rita, the most cherished aspects of Concordia include the genuine care and support provided by the staff, the sense of belonging and family that fills the void for those without extended family, the familiarity of long-serving staff, and an array of exceptional programs and outings.

Though not quite retired yet, the Rains are certain that when the time comes, Concordia will be the place they choose to call home. Their story epitomizes the essence of community, faith, and the unwavering commitment of Concordia to enrich lives.

David and Elizabeth Seaman

Read their Story

In 2007, a new chapter began in the lives of Ruth and John Clark when they found a welcoming home in Concordia. To truly appreciate their story, let’s take a step back in time. Ruth and John had shared their lives since their marriage in 1951, and their journey had been one of generosity and service to their family, church and community. While raising their children in Missouri, they cherished the tradition of spending summers in Canada, connecting with John’s family —a treasure their children held close to their hearts. John’s career evolved from an industrial researcher to a distinguished professor. Ruth, on the other hand, found her passion in the art of hospitality, delighting in hosting gatherings for John’s academic peers in their beautifully appointed home. When the time came to make a move, Ruth was thrilled to have an apartment where she could continue her love for entertaining and cooking their favorite dishes in a proper kitchen. The late 1980s saw John’s retirement, and it marked the beginning of their downsizing journey. Witnessing the unpreparedness of several relatives, they decided to take charge, making choices that would ease the burden on their children. As they explored various communities, the decision to move to Oklahoma City to be closer to their daughter, Elizabeth, seemed most logical. Though Concordia was not open at the time, they were drawn to the floor plans and costs and became early members of the priority club. While Ruth had a deep Lutheran faith that carried with her from cradle to grave, choosing a Lutheran community was not initially a priority. However, as their health declined, the comfort and support of having access to on-campus services and Bible studies became increasingly important. Elizabeth, when reflecting on the lessons her parents imparted, remarked, “I knew their faith by watching their life.” Settled into their new home at Concordia, the Clarks embraced the spirit of volunteering. John warmly welcomed each new resident and lent his handy skills while Ruth established a recycling program. Following in her parents’ footsteps of service, Elizabeth and her husband, David, took up the mantle by joining the Concordia Board of Directors. David still serves as the Vice President, upholding the family tradition of dedication to the community they’ve come to love. The Clark’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, service, and community. Their story underscores the significance of supportive environments like Concordia, where residents can live their lives to the fullest and leave a lasting legacy of love and dedication. By supporting Concordia, you are not only honoring the Clarks but also ensuring that this remarkable community continues to flourish, touching the lives of many more families in the future.

Leah Marple

Read her Story

Leah Marple’s unwavering commitment to Concordia residents is a remarkable testament to her faith-driven service. With over 14 years of dedicated service, Leah has not only excelled in her role but has transformed it into a ministry that profoundly impacts lives.

Leah’s journey at Concordia began as a Lifestyles Director, a role where her extraordinary creativity shone as she oversaw activities and programs. However, as time passed, it became abundantly clear that Leah’s calling extended far beyond the boundaries of her job description. She emerged as a steadfast friend, confidant, and unwavering advocate, not just for the residents but also for their families. Her infectious smile and calm demeanor provide unwavering assurance and much-needed peace, particularly during times of health crises.

Recognizing the unique gifts that Leah brought to their faith-centered community, Concordia took a bold step by creating a new role tailored to her strengths. Little did they know that this decision would prove to be nothing short of a miracle when the pandemic forever changed the healthcare system. Leah’s presence as Director of Resident Services, a role she was already excelling in, became a lifeline for residents and their families during the challenging COVID era. She also emerged as a crucial liaison for medical staff seeking the best options for their patients.

Today, Leah stands at the epicenter of a vast network of communication, connecting with case workers, discharge planners at area hospitals, Concordia’s administrators, nurses, and other team members. She meticulously tracks every resident’s hospital visits, their return instructions, and their unique needs. This exceptional level of coordination and oversight significantly eases the burden on our Director of Nursing and Administrator, allowing them to channel their focus more intently on patient care.

Leah’s dedicated position has elevated Concordia’s ability to exceed expectations and serve its residents with the highest level of care. Her compassion, dedication, and ministry of service make her an invaluable cornerstone of the Concordia family, embodying the very essence of their mission.

In the face of future challenges in healthcare for the Boomer generation and beyond, it is abundantly clear that the stakes are high. Not only will the demands on infrastructure and staffing be greater, but we will also need to be more innovative and flexible to meet the diverse array of needs. Rising to this challenge will require a wealth of resources, steadfast community partners, visionary investors, and a spirit of collaboration that transcends boundaries. Leah Marple’s shining example underscores the importance of such commitment and dedication in the face of these pressing concerns.