Luther Acres, a Luthercare community in Lititz, has welcomed Allison Keeney to its team as a summer intern. Allison is taking part in an eight-week interdisciplinary internship, thanks to a generous grant from LeadingAge PA.
Allison is currently a rising junior at Lebanon Valley College, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A Warwick High School graduate, she is also a past recipient of a Luthercare Nursing Scholarship, bestowed to local high school seniors planning a career in nursing.
Throughout the internship, Allison has received guidance and mentorship as she shadows team members, nurses, and senior leadership to develop skills and knowledge specific to nursing and administrative aspects of the senior living industry. This role also provided Allison with the opportunity to work closely with residents on a “Memoir Tour” that highlights their lives and stories. The finished photo/story project will be displayed across the campus later this year.
“We have been thrilled to welcome Allison to our team,” said Nikki Rineer, Executive Director of Luther Acres. “Her energy and enthusiasm have made a significant contribution to our community. The residents were so excited to share the story of their lives with her. In return Allison is seeing a different vantage point of nursing. It has been a joy to watch!”
While Allison’s connection to Luthercare started with the nursing scholarship and strengthened on a professional level with the internship, it is also personal: Her grandmother moved to an apartment on the Luther Acres campus this summer. In Allison’s own words: “I applied and luckily received the internship with hopes of getting to learn more about the amazing community on a professional and personal level, since it’s the place my grandmother now calls home.”
“This internship has allowed me to understand and view all the components it takes to make up an amazing retirement community. I have been able to experience everything from marketing to nursing, from community life to pastoral services, and so much more,” she said.
Luthercare thanks LeadingAge PA for awarding the higher education internship grant to our organization with the goal of increasing awareness among college students about the various career opportunities and rewards in senior living communities.
About Luthercare:
Celebrating 75 years of service, Luthercare, a social ministry organization affiliated with the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America, is a leading provider of independent, personal care and skilled nursing care residences in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Luthercare operates Luther Acres, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Lititz, Pa.; Spang Crest, a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing care and personal care with memory support community in Lebanon, Pa.; and St. John’s Herr Estate, an independent living and personal care community in Columbia, Pa. Additionally, Luthercare operates PA Keystone Stars-accredited childcare and early learning centers in Annville and Reamstown. Luthercare, a pioneer in Childcare Programs, also offers a Mentoring Program that aids family childcare home providers in Lancaster and Lebanon counties.