According to information gathered by the White House for National Mentoring Month in January, 77 percent of businesses with formal mentoring programs have increased employee retention rates. Personnel who participate say the relationships that are formed motivate them to do their best. Mentorship, however, expands beyond the workplace. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship for the mentors who give their time and for the mentees who receive the generosity.

“Be a mentor, have a mentor,” Jim Krimmel, Messiah College’s professor of accounting, said. “At any stage of life there should always be someone we can look to for advice and always someone we can mentor.” (more…)

Relaxing in massage chairs, jamming to tunes on iPods, and going for dips in a private pool may sound like the life of luxury that only the #RichKids of Beverly Hills could pursue. But thanks to Krystal Robinson-Bert, ’10, residents of Messiah Lifeways’ dementia unit are enjoying a life that good.

Growing up as a pastor’s daughter enabled Robinson-Bert to interact with elderly parishioners from an early age.  Service projects at local nursing homes kindled her love for the elderly population.  After graduating with a degree in health and exercise science, concentrating in pre-physical therapy, Robinson-Bert began working at Messiah Lifeways as the Neighborhood Enrichment Specialist for the Asper Special Care Neighborhood. Entering this position in the locked dementia unit with the intention of changing lives, Robinson-Bert says, “The Asper Special Care Neighborhood is often the last place for many residents to reside at Messiah Lifeways before they pass away.  I was determined when I started the job to make each day at the end of their life purposeful and fun!” (more…)