Philanthropy beat: Ecumen marks 150 years of care

The year was 1862, and Lutheran missionaries began providing foster care to children of families torn apart by the U.S.-Dakota conflict.

They created an organization called the Board of the Society of Mercy, never imagining that 150 years later, it would still have a footprint in Minnesota.

But this week, the nonprofit that evolved from the Society of Mercy -- Shoreview-based Ecumen -- is marking its milestone anniversary.

"When you have 150 years of history to honor, it's really important to celebrate," said Kathryn Roberts, CEO of Ecumen.

Ecumen still has ties to the Lutheran Church, but the work of the Society of Mercy long ago shifted from children to seniors. Today, Ecumen is one of the largest Minnesota-based providers of senior housing, with nearly 2,000 assisted living units and another 1,200 spaces for seniors at its care centers.

It operates in nearly 70 communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Idaho and provides a variety of other services.

It also is doing some groundbreaking work with Alzheimer's patients at its facilities. The nonprofit received a $3.8 million, three-year grant from Minnesota to try to reduce the use of antipsychotic drugs among residents with Alzheimer's or dementia.

What happens when you remove the meds and give more individual attention to these patients, who are often medicated to deal with behavioral problems that aren't necessarily mental health issues?

"We found that people wake up!" said Roberts, noting that many begin to recognize family members and engage in their surroundings.

Proceeds from the Ecumen birthday fundraiser, slated for Thursday, will support the so-called "Awakenings" initiative.

So what's in store for the future of one of Minnesota's oldest nonprofits? It all depends on the Baby Boomers, said Roberts.

"I think the field of aging will change dramatically," said Roberts. "We want to understand their needs and meet them."

Jean Hopfensperger • 612-673-4511