Family’s gift supports beauty on a budget

When you live in a skilled nursing center, getting your hair done can be a luxury. Yet research shows that the self-esteem boost that comes from a trip to the salon can have a lasting effect on seniors’ well-being.

Thanks to donors Frank and Linda Church, residents at Good Samaritan – Moscow Village in Moscow, Idaho can make that trip to the salon. The Church family set up a special “resident beautification fund” for those on a fixed income. Tammie Poe, sales and marketing director, worked with the Churches on the gift. 

 
Martha Church's family has funded an account to help pay for salon services for residents in need at Good Samaritan – Moscow Village. 

“Frank told me that the fund memorializes his grandmother, Martha Church, who was a resident here,” says Tammie. “He described his grandmother as very dignified and proper. She enjoyed getting her hair done regularly at the on-site salon.”

The Church family was very happy with the care that Martha received and wanted to do something special in her memory. After some discussion, Frank and Linda decided that the fund would be the perfect, lasting legacy to honor Martha. “Although she is no longer with us, Frank knows that his grandmother would be thrilled that they chose to honor her in this way,” Tammie says.

Jamie, Martha’s great-granddaughter, remembers how much Martha influenced her growing up. “She was very spunky,” Jamie says. “She told it like it is.”

In addition to her spunk and sense of humor, those who knew Martha describe her as a woman of strong faith. All agree she was an example of Christ-like love and service.

“She taught her children and then her grandchildren to love God by taking us to church and teaching us what it truly means to follow Jesus,” Frank says. “Being able to further her legacy of generosity and service through this fund gives our family peace and joy.”

This is what sharing God’s love looks likes, powered by philanthropy.