By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Exciting changes are coming! On March 11th we officially broke ground on a brand new main entrance, marking the beginning of an important transformation for our community. This project is designed to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and create a more welcoming experience for all visitors.

“This project is about more than just a new entrance—it’s about making a lasting impact on how we serve our community,” said Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO. “It is about recognizing a need, stepping up, and working together to create solutions that make things better not just for our current residents; but for people who will come in the future.”

During the special ceremony, leaders, employees, and community members gathered to celebrate this milestone. This is the first step in bringing the new main entrance of Trinity Woods to life, AND celebrating the power of collective giving and vision. With shovels in hand, we turned dirt for a brighter and safer future.

This project embodies the true spirit of philanthropy—giving back to our community and planning for generations to come. There is not a building on our campus that has been built without someone believing in our mission. That is what makes Trinity Woods so special – neighbor helping neighbor, for nearly 70 years.

This new entrance will feature modern design, improved signage, and position Trinity Woods as a gated community. Construction is expected to be completed by August, with efforts made to minimize disruptions during the process.

To all our donors and partners — thank you for believing in this vision. Your support ensures that this initiative will not only stand as a structure but as a symbol of collaboration, opportunity, and transformation. Through these gates people will come to be served in the spirit of Christ.

Stay tuned for progress updates and thank you for being part of this journey with us!

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

As we enter April, a month of renewal and reflection, and as we prepare for Easter, it is important to acknowledge the profound impact of grief on our lives. Grief is a powerful emotion that touches us all, and while it can be overwhelming, it also holds the potential for deep transformation and healing. One of the most poignant examples of grief in the Bible is the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Mary’s journey through grief is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. As the mother of Jesus, she experienced unimaginable sorrow as she witnessed the immeasurable suffering and crucifixion of her son. Yet, through her grief, Mary remained steadfast in her faith and trust in God’s plan.

In the Gospel of John, we read about Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross: “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved (John) standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother’” – John 19:26-27. Even in His final moments, Jesus
acknowledged His mother’s grief and ensured she would be cared for. This act of love and compassion highlights the importance of community and support during times of sorrow.

Mary’s story reminds us that we are never alone in our grief. God is always with us, offering comfort and strength. As we navigate our own journeys through grief, we can find solace in the knowledge that God understands our pain and walks with us every step of the way. Grief, while painful, has the power to transform us in profound ways. It deepens our empathy, strengthens our resilience, and can bring us closer to God.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Helen Keller

As we enter April and as we rejoice in the resurrection story of Easter, let us carry with us the wisdom and strength of Mary. Remember to embrace our grief with faith, knowing that it is through these experiences that we learn to appreciate the preciousness of life, the importance of cherishing our loved ones and grow closer to God. Always remain open to the healing process and trust that, in time, we will find peace and renewal.

Trinity Woods is thrilled to introduce you to Marcy Martin, the new Social Services Coordinator to the Health Center! Marcy is originally from Porter, Oklahoma. Marcy brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for supporting residents and their families. Her dedication to serving seniors was sparked during her studies at Northeastern State University, where she earned her sociology degree with a minor in gerontology. When asked what she loves most about working in senior living, she says “getting to make a difference.”

“At Trinity Woods, I’m looking forward to bringing my set of skills and experience to the position and focusing on resident and family relationships,” said Marcy. Please stop by her office and welcome her!

As we enter the month of Easter I love to hear the legend of the Dogwood Tree. As legend tells us it was once very large and because its wood was strong and sturdy, it provided building material for a variety of purposes. According to the story, it was the Dogwood Tree that provided the wood used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

Because of its role in the crucifixion, it is said that God both cursed and blessed the tree. It was cursed to be small forever, so it would never grow large enough to be used again as a cross for a crucifixion. Its branches would be narrow and crooked, which makes it no good for building. At the same time, however, the tree was blessed so it would produce beautiful flowers each spring, just in time for Easter.

To remember God’s promise to the tree, it is said He gave it a few traits so that whoever looks upon it will never forget. For example, the petals form the shape of a cross. Upon close examination, the blooms of the tree always have four petals. The middle of the dogwood flower is a tight grouping that resembles a crown of thorns. And the tips of each of the petals are indented, as if they bear a nail dent. There are even colors in the petals that bring to mind the drops of blood that spilled during the crucifixion.

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree. Happy Easter!