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Recognizing good deeds catches on
with 'Mitzvah Program'

January 21st, 2019

The Hebrew word Mitzvah means a good or praiseworthy deed; something done without expectation of receiving anything in return. The goal of the Points West Living Stettler 'Mitzvah Program' is to catch someone doing a good deed and to recognize it. The results are a little bit of Eden.

Caught doing a mitzvah

When the PWL Stettler’s Certified Eden Associate committee developed the Mitzvah Program a couple of months ago, its initial focus was on employee care partners. Care partners who wanted to participate were given a few blank Mitzvah cards and encouraged to ‘write-up’ any colleagues they caught doing a mitzvah.

Any employee care partner who received one of these filled out cards was to take the card to the office and claim a prize – usually an indulgent edible – along with a fresh blank Mitzvah card to catch someone else doing good.

Having a great time with it

“We are really excited about it,” says office administrator Ashley Muhlbach (bottom row, second from left). “In the first 60 days it has resulted in over 64 cards being delivered, and care partners from all service areas are having a great time with it.”

Giving and receiving with spontaneity

“This activity promotes two Eden Principles,” explains Ashley. “Principle 4, ‘An Elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care’; and Principle 5, ‘An Elder-centered community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place.’”

Residents next

“The improved teamwork results in better resident care and that is what we are all about,” says Ashley. “Our next step is to have residents participate as well.”

Photo: Mitzvah card recipients at PWL Stettler; a collage of caring care partners

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