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Open house slated for July 17

By Joel Erickson, for the Tribune

How it all came to be was unexpected.

April Schuur, the executive director of Senior Resources, was touring St. John’s Lutheran Community at 901 Luther Place with her board president, Mary Schroader, to learn more about the newly launched Guest House Program.

After seeing some of the Guest House rooms, Schuur and Schroader were joking around about wishing to have similar space for their offices. Shanna Ekberg, CEO of St. John’s, who was leading the tour, said, “Well, we have some space down the hall from here. Would you like to see it?”

So, as they say, the rest was history.

On June 1, Senior Resources started moving into the office space. They were even able to use some of St. John’s existing office furniture.

Everything is on one floor so it is handicap accessible and generally visitor friendly with great parking, even including a handicap accessible bathroom.

Schuur said it was a win-win situation for St. John’s and Senior Resources. She couldn’t hide her delight with the new arrangement. The phone system is still not working properly, but the problem will be solved soon.

Their contact number is 507-320-8741.

Also, they are revamping their entire website, making it more user and mobile phone friendly. People will be able to make donations online.

The office space has a roomy reception area and Schuur has her own office; plus there is a private conference room. They also have a sizable work room coupled with two storage rooms.

Across the hall from their office space is the chapel, a large multipurpose room, available for group meetings and other program events.

When asked about how she uses her time, Schuur said she spends considerable time writing grant applications. So far this year she has written 10 grants. She hopes to write 10 more by the end of the year.

Schuur has a master’s in health care administration. She said she also spends 60 to 75 hours per month doing individual counseling, most of it over the phone. She also has three staff: Danny Marley serving as an advocate; Lisa Disher, part-time receptionist; and Paris Bryand, rides coordinator and overseer of chore services.

An open house is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 17.