Oasis Institute https://www.oasisnet.org Lifelong Adventure Fri, 26 Jan 2024 17:30:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Participating in adult education reduces risk of dementia https://www.oasisnet.org/participating-in-adult-education-reduces-risk-of-dementia/ https://www.oasisnet.org/participating-in-adult-education-reduces-risk-of-dementia/#respond Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:34:58 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=44200

THE PRESS RUNDOWN: One habit can reduce dementia risk in older adults

Winter-Spring Kickoff 2023The Press Rundown (pressrundown.com) published an article this week about a study published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience that took place over the course of seven years that analyzed data from 282,421 individuals aged 40 to 69 enrolled in the U.K. Biobank between 2006 and 2010. The study results suggest that individuals participating in adult education classes may lower the risk of developing dementia in middle-aged and older adults.

“The results showed that those who took part in adult education classes had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia within five years compared to those who did not attend classes. However, the study did not specify the frequency or type of classes that were most effective in reducing dementia risk.”

View the article in its entirety by clicking the button below.

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Taste of Oasis https://www.oasisnet.org/taste-of-oasis/ https://www.oasisnet.org/taste-of-oasis/#respond Thu, 31 Aug 2023 18:18:25 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=44205

The San Diego Union-Tribune Reports on how San Diego Oasis lifelong learning and exercise classes benefit the senior community

SAO Exercise Class news clipSan Diego Oasis held a two-event, “Taste of Oasis” this week and hosted hundreds of seniors to sample mini-sessions of upcoming fall classes. The article quotes longtime Oasis participant and instructor, Saleemah Muhammad speaking about her Zumba Gold class. Muhammad shares how watching Zumba classes while living in Germany when her Husband was stationed there. When she returned the United States she began taking classes and she was so enlightened by how it positively impacted her health, she began teaching them for San Diego Oasis.

“The music was so infectious and so lively, and the people looked like they were having so much fun, so I said I’m going to try it,” she said. “I came back, joined in the class and never looked back.”

The article goes on to explain how Oasis programs benefit the older adult community “when it comes to improving their cognitive health and quality of life while aging.”

Read the story in its entirety by clicking the button below.

Oasis has eight centers across the country and offers virtual classes through Zoom video on Oasis Everywhere available to anyone regardless of your geographical location. To find out if there is an Oasis location for in-person programs like San Diego Oasis, use the pull down tab “My Oasis Center” from the menu at the top of the page.

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Fall Prevention Virtual Event https://www.oasisnet.org/fall-prevention-virtual-event/ https://www.oasisnet.org/fall-prevention-virtual-event/#respond Tue, 27 Jun 2023 21:38:44 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=44110
Beautiful senior couple in love outside in spring nature.

Stand Strong, Live Long: Falls Prevention Virtual Event

Wednesday,
September 20,
12–3 p.m. CT

FREE EVENT

Understand your risks and learn how to prevent a fall this September with Oasis! Oasis is partnering with national health professionals and experts to present a free event full of scheduled presentations, activities, and health screenings centered on fall prevention. Join us virtually for Stand Strong, Live Long! Check out the dynamic, fast-paced virtual agenda below.

Attendees will hear from expert leaders and speakers from across the country to raise awareness about falls risks and learn practical tips on how to prevent falls. The audience will hear from the best minds in fall prevention, including the CDC, geriatricians, physical therapists, and healthcare experts.

The day will feature:

• Live demonstrations of how to assess the safety of your home
• Experts showcasing real-time balance tips and simple movements
• Pharmacists discuss medication management
• Step-by-step “how-to’s” for low and no-cost home modifications


Register for the virtual event by completing the form below.

Once you submit the form, you will receive an email with detailed information about the event.

Virtual Falls Prevention 2023

Already have an Oasis account?

Raise Awareness about Falls Risk and Learn Practical Tips on how to Prevent Them!

Meet our team of experts

Presenters

Juliet Simone

Juliet Simone MPH, MBA, The Oasis Institute

Juliet serves as Chief Program Officer at The Oasis Institute, where she is responsible for business development, revenue generation and grant-funded health and technology education initiatives. She is a member of several boards, and serves as a guest instructor on anti-ageism at the Washington University School of Medicine and as a Community Health Worker instructor at St. Louis Community College. Juliet formerly served as the chairperson of the Show Me Falls Free Missouri Coalition, and was a community health organizer in the Peace Corps.

Gwen Bergen, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Injury Prevention

Gwen Bergen serves as the team lead for the Safety Promotion Team in the Applied Sciences Branch of the Division of Injury Prevention at CDC’s Injury Center. The Safety Promotion Team’s primary focuses are the prevention of drownings and older adult falls.

Susan Friedman

Susan Friedman, MD, Independent Geriatrician with a certificate in Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Friedman is a board-certified geriatrician and internist and serves on the board for Rochester Oasis. She received her medical degree and master’s degree in public health from Northwestern University and completed her residency and geriatric fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University. She is a professor of medicine at the University of Rochester, where her clinical time is divided between work as a geriatrics hospitalist at Highland Hospital and both inpatient and outpatient consultative care in lifestyle medicine.

Nancy Alexander, PT

Nancy Alexander, PT is a licensed physical therapist who has served as a clinician, rehab manager and rehab director at major health organizations in the Rochester area. She is also a Rochester Oasis instructor. Nancy wrote and published her first book in September 2018 titled, “An Unlikely Gift.” Just recently, she published her second book titled, “Get UP! Defy Aging with Movement.”

Kathleen Cameron, Author

Kathy Cameron, PharmD, National Council On Aging

Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.

Susy Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Stark is an instructor for the environment class in the MSOT and OTD degree programs, the environment class in the Rehabilitation and Participation Science (RAPS) PhD program. She mentors students who work in her laboratory and is the co-director of the TL1 Predoctoral Training program at the Washington University Institute for Clinical Translational Science.

Kirsten Dorsey, OT

Kristen is an experienced Program Manager with a demonstrated history of working in traditional and non-traditional roles for Occupational Therapy. Skilled in facilitating client directed health and well-being programs focusing on physical, cognitive and mental health goals. Strong program and project management professional with a Master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine.

Ileina Ferrier, Master Trainer

After 25 years as a corporate training coordinator, and almost as many years in tai chi practice, I decided to become an instructor with the Tai Chi for Health Institute. With my love of tai chi and teaching, it seemed like a natural fit for my life purpose of helping others discover tai chi as a way of improving their health, as well as falls prevention.

A Master Trainer since 2010, the Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention program is one of my favorite protocols to share because of its unique, classic style where practitioners begin to feel its effects from their first experience. An effective and self-sustaining program that can be practiced seated or standing, via virtual or in person, it helps new and experienced practitioners practice self-managing healthcare and to smile!

Polly Lemire

In my experience, the Tiny Habits method has actually become the way to create a lifestyle that is more grounded, flexible, confident and on point, no matter what challenges one may be facing– especially for care-givers and those of us for whom QUALITY OF LIFE is a major objective.

Throughout all these different roles, my mission has been to contribute to the success of others. As a Tiny Habits coach I love helping people discover an incredibly simple way to not only create new habits they want in their lives but also to start living a life that glows!

Schedule

Time Title Presenter
12-12:05 Welcome, Introductions Juliet Simone, St. Louis Oasis; Raine Ames, Ames Productions
12:05-12:35

Falls Across the US and How to Talk to Your Doctor

Demonstration of a New Online Risk Screening Tool

Gwen Bergen, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Injury Prevention

Tracy Gariepy, MS, CHES, CDC Foundation

12:35-12:50 What are Falls Risks and What Can I Control? Susan Friedman, MD, Independent Geriatrician with a certificate in Lifestyle Medicine
12:50-1 BREAK  
1-1:20 The Three Big Areas of Risk  
1-1:07 Physical Ability, Mobility and Agility Nancy Alexander, PT, Physical Therapist
1:07-1:14 Medication and Falls Kathy Cameron, PharmD (ncoa)
1:14-1:20 Home Modifications and Falls Prevention Susy Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Washington University School of Occupational Therapy
1:20-1:30 Test Yourself: 30 second chair stand and what your result means for you Nancy Alexander, PT
1:30-1:50 Breakout Sessions (participants choose their section in advance and will be set up in their preferred session- target of 20-30 people per breakout session)

 

  Stepping Safely: Navigating Arthritis Challenges and Falls Prevention Nick Turkas, MS
Senior Director, Patient Education
Arthritis Foundation
  Preventing Fractures Kristi Tough DeSapri, MD Ob/GYN with
Bone & Body Women’s Health
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
  Your Feet and Falls Risk Janet Simon, MD
Podiatrist
New Mexico Food and Ankle Institute
  Fear of Falls and Risk Helen Lach, PhD, RN
Associate Dean for Research
St. Louis University
  Parkinson’s and Falls Risk Ryan Duncan, PT, DPT, MSCI
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy & Neurology
Washington University Parkinson’s Foundation
  Falls Risk and Traumatic Brain Injuries Greg Ayotte
Brain Injury Association
  Bladder Health and Falls Risk George Wayne, MD Assistant Professor at Columbia University’s Division of Urology at Mount Sinai Medical Center Mount Sinai Medical Center 
  Vision and Falls Prevention Andrea Thau, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, FNAP
Optometrist, Dr. Thau and Associates
www.aoa.org 
  Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator American Bone Health
  How to Estimate Your Fracture Risk Level  Kathlene Camp, PT, DPT Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Peer Educator American Bone Health
1:50-2 Test Yourself: Home hazard evaluation Susy Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Washington University School of Occupational Therapy
2-2:10 BREAK  
2:10-2:20 Virtual Matter of Balance Kirsten Dorsey, OT, MaineHealth
2:20-2:30 Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention Ileina Ferrier, Master Trainer, Tai Chi for Health Institute
2:30-2:35 Tiny Habits Polly Lemire, Tiny Habits for Joyful Living
2:35-2:55 Breakout Sessions (sessions of 8-10 older adults, led by a trained facilitator to lead SMART goal generation)  

Register for the virtual event by completing the form below.

Once you submit the form, you will receive an email with detailed information about the event.

Virtual Falls Prevention 2023

Thank you to our sponsors

Encompass Health logo
RGA logo

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.

Find Out How You Can Support Oasis’ Fall Prevention Event Through Sponsorship!

For questions or more information, please contact Juliet Simone
at
jsimone@oasisnet.org or call 314-862-4859

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Oasis tutors return to in-person tutoring in school districts https://www.oasisnet.org/oasis-tutors-return-to-in-person-tutoring-in-school-districts/ https://www.oasisnet.org/oasis-tutors-return-to-in-person-tutoring-in-school-districts/#respond Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:02:26 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=43923

Coming Back Strong

Oasis Tutoring Returns to School Districts

Bouncing back from the trauma of the pandemic is not easy but Oasis tutors are sure making it look like it is. In September 2022, nearly every school district that previously been hesitant to allow tutoring not only asked but insisted that tutors return to service as school administrators have realized that tutors are crucial to the success of students.  Oasis Tutors are enthusiastically continuing to answer that call.  For the first time in over 2 years, a robust amount of tutors are able to sit with their students and help them develop a love of reading without a mask or a screen between them.  Not only that, but new school districts are also asking for Oasis Tutoring, seeking the program’s valuable impact for their own students.

This demand stems in part from the fact that 2022 saw the largest decrease in reading scores in 30 years across all regions of the country and most races according to the National Assessment of Education Progress.  Besides the academic issue, the pandemic caused disruptions in routines and social isolation for children which can be associate with anxiety and depression.  Educators view Oasis Tutoring is a natural solution to both of these issues as tutors not only help develop a child’s reading skills but also become a mentor and friend to them.

Reading Tutor

According to City of St. Charles School District Superintendent Jason Sefrit,

“Oasis tutors are essential to our student’s success.  We appreciate their hard work and dedication to our district and its students”.

As encouraging as it is to see tutors back in person serving students, the need for their work is still great.  A number of tutors could not return citing health reasons which means more help is always welcome and greatly appreciated.  If you would like to join the hundreds of tutors working to help students recover from the effects of the pandemic, visit https://tutoring.oasisnet.org/for-tutors/ and click on BECOME A TUTOR.

Our most recent survey showed that 98% of tutors felt that their work affected their lives in a positive way and that they felt like they were making a difference in the child’s life.  By joining Oasis Tutoring, you too can be the difference in a young student’s life.

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We are your Oasis https://www.oasisnet.org/we-are-your-oasis/ https://www.oasisnet.org/we-are-your-oasis/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2022 20:48:51 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=43885

We are your Oasis

Oasis staff, volunteers, and members—you inspire and support us, and we wanted to do something special to commemorate forty years of engaging with our Oasis community.

Since “A picture is worth a thousand words,” we took it further and made a video! Our “We Are Your Oasis” video is complete after months of work, and what better time to premiere it than now—the year of our 40th anniversary! “We Are Your Oasis,” tells the story of Oasis and what it means to those involved. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do, and know that we are thankful for you!

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RRF Foundation for Aging Grant https://www.oasisnet.org/rrf/ https://www.oasisnet.org/rrf/#respond Thu, 10 Nov 2022 19:29:02 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=43876

RRF Foundation for Aging Grant

Pandemic Pivots for Older Volunteers: Online Tutoring and Pen Pal Programs

Through funding from the RRF Foundation, Oasis is in the midst of a three-year research partnership with Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work investigating the impact of volunteerism on different groups of Oasis Intergenerational Tutors.

Published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, the article Pandemic Pivots for Older Volunteers: Online Tutoring and Pen Pal Programs, by Peter C. Sun, Nancy Morrow-Howell & Elizabeth Pawloski, explores the impact of the pandemic and our shifts to remote delivery of tutoring and mentoring. A poster presentation was shared at the Gerontology Society of America conference, about the impact for volunteers through virtual engagement during the pandemic. This study continues for one more year, with the current year YEARS of looking at the return to in-person tutoring and its affect on our volunteers. This is a first step in demonstrating the Oasis Tutoring program as an evidence-based model for intergenerational engagement.

This study also explored variations in self-perceived benefits of intergenerational tutoring and consisted of 329 older adults who tutored children in person in the 2021–2022 school year in the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring program.

Due to the COVID 19-pandemic, some of the respondents had experienced a period in which volunteering was remote, virtual, or not possible. Early results indicate that targeting first-time volunteers may maximize health benefits of engagement.

Variations in Benefits of Intergenerational Tutoring in the “New Normal”

Targeting first-time volunteers may maximize health benefits of engagement
Sun, P.C., Morrow-Howell, N., Click, M., Minch, K.

First time volunteers ss

Click above image to download and view full pdf version

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Director of Development https://www.oasisnet.org/director-of-development/ https://www.oasisnet.org/director-of-development/#respond Thu, 15 Sep 2022 21:52:09 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=43448

Director of Development, The Oasis Institute

The Oasis Institute, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Louis with a mission to promote healthy aging nationwide, offers an exciting opportunity for a nonprofit professional to lead the philanthropy process in St. Louis and support the organization to meet its yearly revenue goals. The Development Director will work closely with the Senior Director of Development and the Senior Leadership Team to advance and execute development activities in St. Louis. The role includes management and stewardship of new and existing corporate and foundation giving through grants and sponsorships (existing portfolio of $1.4M), annual and major giving (existing portfolio of $250k), donor development, and prospect management.

This position is located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, and is mostly remote but does include some office work. Candidates would need to have the ability to come into the office occasionally for meetings when necessary. Oasis staff are employed through a leased employment agreement with Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH), and Oasis is part of the Community Health Improvement team. Team members enjoy excellent benefits, including healthcare, a pension, and a generous PTO policy. To find out more about BJC’s benefits: https://www.bjctotalrewards.org/

Responsibilities:

  • Create and implement a comprehensive development plan and fundraising strategy, including foundation, government and corporate grants management and major donor solicitation and management. As part of the development plan, regularly track and report on goals and benchmarks.
  • In partnership with Development Coordinator, write and submit grant proposals to corporations, foundations, and government entities in St. Louis. Manage timelines and reporting requirements for grants.
  • Develop and manage a personal portfolio of major gift donors and prospects; develop and implement strategies that increase individual and major gifts through new and existing donors to meet robust fundraising goals.
  • Collaborate with other members of the Senior Leadership Team to develop strategy and plans for large-scale funding proposals and projects.
  • Supervise Development Coordinator (responsible for supporting the general operations of the Development Team).
  • Write solicitations and collateral in support of fundraising campaigns.
  • Develop and strengthen core fundraising and donor relationships through stewardship, while enhancing organizational processes and infrastructure.
  • Create and implement strategies to grow Oasis’ current planned giving program.
  • Support the National Board Development Committee.

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 4-6 years related experience
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong, successful fundraising background with proven track record in major gifts and corporate and foundation giving
  • Solid understanding of effective foundation, corporate and individual cultivation
  • Strong project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work in fast-paced environment

Preferred:

  • Master’s Degree
  • Certified Fundraising Professional (CFRE) or certificate from a university in fundraising and resource development or in nonprofit management

Salary Range:

– $70,000-$85,000

Application Information
As described above, Oasis staff are employed through a leased employment agreement with Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH). If interested in this position, please submit your resume and complete the online application through BJC’s online portal by click on the below link. The position will be titled as “Major Gifts Manager” in the BJH system (Job ID 2022-40066).

Major Gifts Manager in St. Louis, Missouri

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Grant Accountant https://www.oasisnet.org/grant-accountant/ https://www.oasisnet.org/grant-accountant/#respond Wed, 14 Sep 2022 21:20:04 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=43392

Grant Accountant

What is Oasis?

Oasis is a national not-for-profit organization promoting healthy aging in and empowering the lives of older adults through lifelong learning, fitness and health education, and volunteer opportunities.  Our national office is located in St. Louis, Missouri and we offer programs in more than 200 communities across the country through a national network of over 800 partners in 33 states.  The national office operates an annual $4-$5 million budget and additionally serves select administrative needs of Oasis Centers across the country.

What is Oasis’s Relationship to the BJC HealthCare System?

After operating for many years as part of Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH), in September 1998, The Oasis Institute incorporated as an independent Missouri nonprofit public benefit corporation. The Institute and BJH still maintain a close relationship. The organizations entered into an agreement that provides for Institute staff in St. Louis, Missouri to be employed by BJH and utilized by the Institute. That means BJC’s benefit package is Oasis’ benefit package!  The Institute reimburses BJH for 100% of the associated employee salary and benefit costs.  In addition to this employment arrangement, The Institute is a key strategic partner with BJC’s Community Health Improvement department (CHI), offering Oasis programs to older adults throughout BJC’s catchment area, with a particular focus on the under-served communities in the BJC footprint as a part of BJC’s overall strategy to reduce disparities in health outcomes. If you are interested in applying for this position, you will be directed to apply through the BJC HealthCare System’s (BJC) job application portal.

 

Purpose:

Oasis seeks to hire an experienced, high energy, Grant Accountant to assume responsibility for post award grant accounting, ensuring compliance with funding source guidelines, timely receipt of revenue, accurate and timely submission of financial reports, and orderly closure of projects.  This position performs grant accounting and budgeting activities for The OASIS Institute (the national office), two supporting organizations, and other OASIS Network locations.  This position reports to the Senior Accounting Manager.

Responsibilities:

  • Performs the accounting functions related to grants/restricted and unrestricted funding of OASIS business lines including:
    – Assisting program managers in the financial reporting and other administrative requirements of their grants/contracts and Memorandum of Agreements.
  • Monitoring/tracking the status of each project through its life cycle; and
  • If applicable, preparing, reviewing, and coordinating Single Audit work.
  • Prepares, reviews and advises on all accounting entries related to projects (unrestricted and restricted funds).
  • Prepares invoices/billings and draws down funds for the support of restricted fund expenditures.
  • Prepares all applicable fiscal reports for funded projects and ensures the timely submission thereof.
  • Attends professional development training and stays abreast of the Office of Management and Budget Circulars and their applicability to grants management related to the Uniform Guidance.
  • Assists with the organization’s preparation for its annual Single Audit.
  • Assists in the closing of Oasis’ fiscal year end books as needed.
  • Assists with pre-award grant proposal budget preparation as needed.
  • Directly consults with all stakeholders (program managers, accounting staff, funder contacts, etc.) concerning the grant funded programs and other restricted accounts as they relate to financial administration of grants. This includes interpreting federal requirements and granting agency guidelines of such grants.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Other:

  • Works with minimal supervision.
  • Works as an effective member of the OASIS Accounting Department team.
  • Communicates effectively orally and in writing.
  • Manages time well and follows through on commitments.
  • Willingly adapts to new work demands and new work roles.
  • Separates critical issues from inconsequential ones when problem-solving.
  • Seeks and uses feedback.
  • Organize and maintain key records/documents.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
  • Knowledge of personal computer-based applications including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint); expert user of Microsoft Excel.
  • Knowledge of general accounting and fiscal management principles.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrates understanding and/or knowledge of Uniform Guidance and other federal regulations in the context of federal grants and contracts.
  • Experience with accounting for non-profit entities.
  • Familiarity with Blackbaud’s Financial Edge NXT.
  • Experience managing client response to audits.

Salary Range:

$39,145 – $62,462

Benefits:

Health, Dental and Life Insurance
401(k) w/ Employer match
Defined Benefit Pension Plan (vested after 5 years)
Paid Vacation
Opportunity to work from home and in-office

To apply:

As described above, employees of The Oasis Institute are leased from Barnes-Jewish Hospital, part of the BJC HealthCare organization.  If interested in this position, please submit your resume and complete the on-line application through BJC’s on-line portal by clicking on the following link:

Grant Accountant in Saint Louis, Missouri | Careers at The OASIS Institute AWS (icims.com)

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What’s it like to retire from Oasis? https://www.oasisnet.org/whats-it-like-to-retire-from-oasis/ https://www.oasisnet.org/whats-it-like-to-retire-from-oasis/#respond Wed, 07 Sep 2022 20:59:38 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=42847

What’s it Like to Retire?

Retired Oasis Communications Director, Janice Branham interviews former colleagues about life in retirement after fulfilling careers at Oasis.

By Janice Branham

Janice BranhamBeing a part of Oasis for more than two decades had a way of nurturing high hopes for retirement. The day-to-day challenges of supporting a national organization and fielding the crisis du jour provided an extended exercise in lifelong learning, an experience I’m sure many of my colleagues have shared.

The best part of my job was the time I spent lifting up the stories of older adults living vibrant, healthy lives as they discovered new interests and ways to get involved in their communities. Eager to join them, I pondered how I might make new connections with people and the things I liked to do.

At 60, I rode off into retirement on a two-month bicycle trip with my husband down Route 66 from St. Louis to Santa Monica. The daily adventure of finding our way and exploring the mother road’s history was a mental and physical break from the job and great fun. Still, settling back in my quiet home a few months later without any sort of routine was jarring. Despite all the time I’d spent thinking about retirement, I was not prepared.

In the 40 years since the first Oasis classes started in the fall of 1982, the organization has endured through the efforts of many dedicated people who devoted decades of their careers to fostering healthy aging. I’ve wondered how others have carried on after leaving the job. What does that experience mean for our own choices in retirement? The 40th anniversary seemed like a worthy occasion to explore the question with other Oasis alumni.

What we long for

“I remember going into that transition to retirement thinking “’Oh, what am I going to do?’” said Donna Toro. “I couldn’t imagine being out of a job that I enjoyed so much every day,”

Donna retired in 2010 after 20 years as Oasis director in Escondido, California.

“A big part of what I enjoyed about Oasis was the people—those relationships with the staff and members. I really appreciated the times that we’d get together with other directors, hearing their stories, learning ways of doing things, and making friends. Everybody brought different things to the mix. I met some real special people who impacted my life,” said Donna. She found plenty of ways to make new connections.

“I immediately jumped into so many things. I joined the board of PEO, a philanthropic group that raises funds to support women’s education.” Donna eventually became the chapter president for PEO and has served on boards and officer positions for other community organizations.

Denis Norlander understands that longing for connection. Her social life grew much quieter after she retired from Albuquerque Oasis in 2005 and headed up to the family farm in eastern Oregon. She and her husband Bill spend four or five months there each year.

“I’m kind of a homebody and after a long career, it was thrilling to me to be home,” Denis said. “It’s gorgeous here, but we are isolated. I’ll have several days when I don’t see anybody but Bill. We work really hard. When you’re farming, there are no weekends. I love it, but I really missed the people at Oasis, and I see what role it took in their lives. It became a community.”

“Before the pandemic, I got together with a group of my volunteers for lunch every month when I was in Albuquerque. It was wonderful. And my Brownie Girl Scout troop is still close. There are 12 of us and once a month we ’Zoom.’ It’s so much fun to be around them. It’s kind of like Oasis, a really vibrant group of older people.”

Denis Norlander still uses the nail apron made for her by Frank Acree, a longtime Albuquerque Oasis volunteer, as she works on her farm in Oregon.

Denis Norlander still uses the nail apron made for her by Frank Acree, a longtime Albuquerque Oasis volunteer, as she works on her farm in Oregon.

After retiring as director in Indianapolis, Mary Dorney leapt into a whirlwind of creative and physical activities.

“I got involved with Storytelling Arts of Indiana. We get together at the library once a month with a moderator and tell stories. I also joined a water aerobics class with a group of senior women, and a watercolor group with a gal who was part of the National Watercolor Society.”

A call to serve

“Then the pandemic kicked in and everything closed, but I was still in touch with the volunteers,” Mary said. For the 25 years that I was with Oasis, they were such wonderful models of life. You saw them at the height of their lives, and you saw them turn their pages as they became caregivers or endured cancer. And when the pandemic came, there they all were. They were calling each other and were so encouraging. We started our own bookstore where we’d go drop books off because the libraries were all closed.”

Mary Dorney with some of her watercolor and crochet creations.

Mary Dorney with some of her watercolor and crochet creations.

Pat Gilbert was the first national manager for the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program and retired in 2016 as network director. A year after her husband died, she showed up for tutor training in St. Charles, Missouri.

“I had spent the year taking care of business and adjusting to life without my husband of 51 years and my job of 24 years, both of which I loved. I also spent time feeling a bit guilty because I wasn’t changing the world. I don’t think I’d have felt that way if I hadn’t worked for Oasis and seen how much people can do in retirement. I needed a purpose. Since then, I’ve tutored six children and loved each experience.”

Karen Safe found purpose as a volunteer at her church after leaving her job as Network director in 2003.

“There was huge division in our church, where things are pretty much run by the members through the church council and committees. I spent two years as moderator of the congregation and got us through it. It was the best thing I’ve done in my life, and it helped me see that you don’t lose value because you’re not getting up for work anymore.”

Jan Clover felt a call to continue supporting Oasis tutoring in her community. After retiring in 2011 as the national tutoring director, she continued to help keep the program going in Jefferson County, Colorado. When the district’s coordinator retired, she and Jan worked with the tutors to set up a steering committee to manage the program.

“I fell in love with the tutors, and they were so committed. I stick with it because it helps the teachers, it’s good for the students, and it is just so meaningful for the tutors. And it’s good for me too.” Jan has taken the Oasis message of lifelong learning and community engagement to heart.

“It’s important to keep your mind open. I finished a series of classes last year on art and architecture and got involved in the local historic preservation society. I’ve been on tours of historic places and art walks around Colorado Springs. I’m also in two book clubs and spearheaded a project with one of them to collect donations for local charities.”

Jeanne Foster succeeded Jan as national tutoring director. After retiring in 2018, she volunteered as an Oasis facilitator for Matter of Balance classes and the Aging Mastery Program which covers subjects like nutrition, fall prevention, physical activity, healthy relationships, sleep, medications, financial fitness, and community engagement.

“I had always threatened to come back as a health volunteer, so why not?” Jeanne said. “The classes gave my week some structure. The Aging Mastery topics are really good. They are things that people should have information about before they retire.”

“I just loved my time at Oasis. It didn’t make me rich but it made me wealthy in many ways,” said Margaret Olds of her 13 years as the director in Akron, Ohio. The center closed in 2007, but Margaret found a way to continue classes at Sumner on Ridgewood, the independent living community where she and other Oasis members live.

“I joined the activities committee to plan programs for the residents. We had a lot of instructors from Oasis who were willing to come and be part of our programming here, like George Gajdos, our Tai Chi instructor. Irma Baker is bringing her Cozy Mysteries series to our community this fall and another outstanding art presenter is coming.”

Taking charge of our health

Margaret is all in for the physical activity classes. “I swim, I do Tai Chi and yoga, and we have an exercise class. As the saying goes, none of us are gonna get out of here alive. But they’ll have to run fast to catch me.”

“We have fun and move!” says Margaret Olds of the Tai Chi classes led by longtime Oasis instructor George Gajdos at her senior community. Margaret is the third person from left.

“We have fun and move!” says Margaret Olds of the Tai Chi classes led by longtime Oasis instructor George Gajdos at her senior community. Margaret is the third person from left.

Marcia Kerz retired in 2017 as president of Oasis. She credits her 16 years at Oasis for her approach to a healthy retirement.

“I know that I have to stay active and engaged, do something of value every day and find ways to give back. I wouldn’t have thought quite that way if I’d not been at Oasis. Now I swim a mile three times a week and walk five miles on two or three other days.”

Marcia also serves on the development committee for Metro Theatre Company and as president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society at her church.

After serving as the St. Louis Oasis director in the 1990s, Marsha Clark went on to develop education programs at the University of Missouri and start up a move management business for seniors who were downsizing. An enthusiastic cyclist, Marsha wanted to help more women enjoy the sport. She started up the Women’s Cycling Community in St. Louis, a network where women can find riding partners, arrange group rides, learn cycling and repair skills and share tips. She is proud of the resource it has become for more than 500 women, helping to launch friendships and get more women on bikes.

When I reconnected with Marsha four years ago, she invited me to join the leadership group for the Women’s Cycling Community. It’s been a fun opportunity to do more of what I missed – using skills I developed at Oasis and working with a team to build a community. Lately I’ve been back at Oasis, leading rides for their biking group and planning to teach a class this fall on bicycle touring.

Marsha Clark, kneeling in the center, with some of the people in the Women’s Cycling Community.

Marsha Clark, kneeling in the center, with some of the people in the Women’s Cycling Community.

Marylen Mann, the founder of Oasis, has said to me many times, “No one ever really leaves Oasis.” I’ve heard that as both a promise and a challenge, and as my fellow alumni have recounted their stories of retirement, as a gift. Whether we are engaged as volunteers with Oasis or other organizations or finding new ways to challenge our minds and our bodies, the experience has become part of our approach to life, and it gives us a sense of endless possibility.

“I always think that each day is the most wonderful day of my life,” said Mary Dorney. “I’ve got a clean slate and I can write anything I want on it.”

Janice Branham, above with her youngest biking buddy, retired in 2018 from her job as director of communications and technology at the Oasis Institute.

Janice Branham, above with her youngest biking buddy, retired in 2018 from her job as director of communications and technology at the Oasis Institute.

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Development Coordinator https://www.oasisnet.org/development-coordinator/ https://www.oasisnet.org/development-coordinator/#respond Fri, 19 Aug 2022 19:32:20 +0000 http://www.oasisnet.org/?p=39494

Development Coordinator, The Oasis Institute

The Oasis Institute, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Louis with a mission to promote healthy aging nationwide, offers an exciting opportunity for a nonprofit professional to join Oasis’ development team and support the organization to meet its yearly revenue goals. The Development Coordinator will work closely with the Senior Director of Development and the Director of Development to advance and execute activities that support The Oasis Institute national office and the local St. Louis Oasis center while gaining experience with individual giving and grants.

This position is located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, and is mostly remote but does include some office work. Candidates would need to have the ability to come into the office occasionally for meetings when necessary. Oasis staff are employed through a leased employment agreement with Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH), and Oasis is part of the Community Health Improvement team. Team members enjoy excellent benefits, including healthcare, a pension, and a generous PTO policy. To find out more about BJC’s benefits: https://www.bjctotalrewards.org/

Responsibilities:

  • Manage gift acknowledgment process for St. Louis, including timely and accurate acknowledgment of all gifts.
  • Support with gathering content for grant applications and reports for St. Louis and the Oasis network, including working with program teams to gather data and relevant programmatic updates, preparing first drafts of narrative proposals and reports to funders, assisting with gathering other documentation needed for grants such as attachments and other requirements, and assistance with packaging/uploading grant applications and reports for submission.
  • Provide individual donor support, serving as the first point of contact for donors and assisting with donor follow-up.
  • Assist with operational logistics for individual giving including coordinating the spring and fall direct mail appeal process for St. Louis and the Oasis network and coordinating different cultivation and stewardship activities throughout the year.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with the marketing and program teams on projects related to donor engagement and stewardship.
  • Support the development team with special projects and campaigns as needed throughout the year (activities related to events, major gifts, planned giving, online campaigns, etc.).

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 0-2 years related experience
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Able to work in fast-paced environment
  • Strong personal code of ethics

Preferred:

Experience with writing (grant, fundraising, marketing, etc.)

Salary Range:

$21.58/hr – $35.14/hr

Application Information:

As described above, Oasis staff are employed through a leased employment agreement with Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH). If interested in this position, please submit your resume and complete the online application through BJC’s on-line portal by clicking on the following link. The position will be titled as “Philanthropy Coordinator” in the BJH system (Job ID 38498).
Philanthropy Coordinator in Saint Louis, Missouri

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