Life Stories

A Recipe For Residents

It’s the basic idea of servanthood…to see a need and then work to fill it. It’s often these simple acts, perhaps unnoticed, done without accolades or recognition, that prove to be the most impactful.

In 2011, Dianne Lewandowski saw a need and didn’t hesitate to do something about it. When she visited Evergreen At Keller, a local senior living residence, she noticed people with more than just physical challenges and needs. There were also many residents living in isolation and in need of meaningful connection with others.

So she gathered volunteers, gave them a casserole recipe, and the first monthly dinner for the residents of Evergreen was scheduled. 50 residents showed up for the first dinner and within just a few months they had outgrown the room.

The problem didn’t phase Dianne…when you run out of space, you simply make more.

Six years later, Dianne and her team have two separate dinner seatings serving 100 residents of Evergreen on the third Thursday of every month. Milestone volunteers prepare and serve the food and are able to spend time with the residents.

“It’s more that just feeding people. It’s showing them Christ’s love by meeting physical needs as well as the need for fellowship. It is truly a chance for the residents to interact with the volunteers from Milestone as well as with themselves…it’s a social event. More than anything I love to see how our church comes together and loves on these people. Every time I serve I leave feeling so blessed “     

With a heart for people in this later season of life, Dianne and her team have seen some incredible things happen over the last six years.

“I was able to pray with a woman to overcome some of her anger and saw God soften her heart. One of our volunteers offered to take one of the residents to get her nails done and led her to Christ while they were there! I also love watching the kids serve. I love that the kids light up the residents’ day. It’s especially gratifying for me when my grandkids get to come and serve with me.”

Thank you, Dianne, for showing us how something so simple can be so powerful. We honor you, and the many others, who faithfully serve the residents at Evergreen. You’re making an eternal impact!

In addition to the monthly dinners at Evergreen, Milestone Missions also hosts a Senior Serve Day on the second Saturday of every month. Milestone volunteers gather to help the residents with household needs, while a team of kids learn gardening from an Evergreen resident, Mrs. Marie, while helping her in the garden. 

For more information about how to get involved in any of our senior outreach opportunities you can visit our Milestone Missions Local Outreach page.

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  • Jordan Patrick Fowler
    August 25, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Great story! This population tends to be under served. Way to change that, Dianne.

  • Caroline
    August 25, 2017 at 11:05 am

    So so so precious!

  • Audrey
    August 25, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    That is such a wonderful way to show the love of Jesus!!

  • Pastor Ron
    August 26, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    See a need and then work to fill it… Love these words and love Mrs. Dianne. Way to go!

  • Ps. Steve Pulley
    August 29, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    This is why the church is the hope of the world. Thank you, Dianne!

  • Stacey Hatcher
    October 13, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    Dianne loves those seniors so well – thank you, Dianne, not only for making an impact at Evergreen but in all of the other ways you serve!