Ebenezer Volunteer and Employee Recieve LeadingAge MN Awards

We are proud to announce that longtime Martin Luther Campus volunteer, Lloyd Ward, received the Volunteer of the Year award and Anna Weege, Administrative Assistant at Ebenezer’s home office in Edina, received LeadingAge Minnesota’s Rising Star Award. 

LeadingAge Minnesota is a network of mission-driven organizations serving older adults in all the places they call home. Each year they invite area providers to participate in an event connect and continue education for senior living. Before this event, there is an open call to recognize those who are making a difference in senior living, and those nominations are evaluated by a multi-disciplinary committee. This year's LeadingAge Minnesota Conference awards included two for Ebenezer! 

The Volunteer of the Year recognizes individuals who volunteer in older adult services, for their dedication, commitment, and positive impact on the lives of seniors and their communities. “Lloyd is known as committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of everyone he encounters,” says Kari Thurlow, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “We are honored to recognize Lloyd for his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of residents, family, and staff at Martin Luther Care Center.” 

Since 1988, Mr. Ward, 90, has dedicated more than 10,000 hours to volunteering at Martin Luther Care Center, enhancing the lives of countless seniors in Bloomington. For many years, Lloyd was the only man in the Martin Luther Auxiliary, a role he proudly served. His volunteer duties include assisting residents with dietary meals, guiding them to and from the dining room, aiding in meal selection, and engaging in 1:1 visits, building personal connections. We are so proud that Lloyd was recognized for over three decades of unwavering commitment and selfless service to the community. Ebenezer and Martin Luther Campus are blessed beyond belief to know Lloyd and to have him as a dedicated volunteer.

As the 2024 Rising Star Award recipient, Anna Weege is recognized as a person who stands out in her efforts to transform and enhance the experience of aging. “In her role, Anna goes beyond traditional administrative duties, engaging in process improvement, data analysis, task automation, and creating informative graphics,” stated Kari Thurlow, President and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota. “When challenges arise, she is a catalyst for finding innovative solutions, ensuring the smooth functioning of the home office. Described as efficient, resourceful, creative, and quick-witted, she supports the senior leadership and site-based leaders of Minnesota's largest senior care organization."

In addition to her exemplary administrative skills, Weege possesses a unique ability to anticipate the needs of her team. Brenda Johnson, Vice President of Operations, expressed, “It’s uncanny how she knows what the team needs before we know we need it. She’s just that good. She is the engine that keeps the home office running. A star in the making.” Congratulations Anna, for your diverse, unique and indispensable talents, as well as your exceptional potential.