IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 16

Rebecca LeBaron
Senior Housing Administrator
Heritage Ministries

New Meets Old — Repositioning for
the Future
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

Our retirement campus is situated on 100 acres of rolling hills in Western New York. The campus has three levels of care and
different residences. With the higher expectations that come with the retiring baby boomers, we know we must make changes in
order to attract and serve the next generation of seniors looking for retirement living. Recently, it has been decided to repurpose,
rebrand and reposition our current campus. The main component of this massive project is building a community center that will serve
as a main entrance/greeting area, an independent dining room, a café and several other spaces for community sponsored events. In
doing this, we will be able to offer much needed amenities that will encourage our seniors to remain active and remain in their homes
on campus longer. These additions and changes are extremely necessary to remain competitive and viable. The focus of this project
is to incorporate the needs of our current residents with the desires of our future residents. I have started conversations with our
current residents and staff to find out what they feel we need and what they feel our future needs will be. We are confident these
changes will allow us to better serve our seniors, but more importantly, stay where we are for many years to come!

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

When I was originally thinking about the Action Learning Project, I was unsure of what I should do that would make a difference.
As crazy as it sounds, I wasn’t too sure if I could make a difference. It has been such an amazing experience to be involved with
such a group of talented people. Our group represents many different careers and I have gained knowledge from everyone. The
encouragement from other fellows has been so refreshing and rewarding. I have been able to discover parts of my personality that
I did not know existed! Because of this experience, I have taken on more of a “can do” attitude and truly believe in myself. Before
IGNITE, I do not think I would have wanted to be so involved in this repositioning project for the campus, I would have been more
willing to sit back. Now, I have the confidence that I can take on a more leadership role and know I will do the best job I can.
As with many communities, we have had a steadily decreasing census and we knew we had to do something to attract future
residents. Communication with residents and staff is going to be vital in making this transition successful and I am ready to take on
this role. Through IGNITE, I have discovered I am good at cultivating relationships and seeing results, but struggle with the process of
how those goals are achieved. This project will force me to see the process as equally important as relationships and results.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with
the action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

As we begin, I am preparing myself for the challenges and setbacks. While I cannot predict what they will be, I have to be realistic
and take them in stride. This will be a challenge for me as I tend to take things personally. We cannot change certain aspects of our
personalities, but we can improve our reactions. Through IGNITE, I have been able to breathe a little more before I respond. I have also
recognized that if I take a more proactive approach when dealing with a confrontational issue, it is less stressful.

(continued on page 15)

LeadingAge New York

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