Barbara Morton, Lutheran Home Auxiliary President Honored

Lutheran Life Communities announced that its Lutheran Home Auxiliary, President Barbara Morton, PhD, was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chicago Chapter with the Outstanding Volunteer Award on Friday, October 18.

Morton is integral to the Auxiliary's success, assisting with major fundraising events and helping to expand the areas of service provided by Auxiliary volunteers. This year, her tireless efforts and dedication to serving others were recognized with the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chicago chapter. This honor is a testament to volunteerism's impact on the community.

"Barbara is the epitome of servant leadership," said Joe Anderson, President of Lutheran Life Communities Foundation. "Her passion for supporting our residents and ensuring they have the best possible quality of life is truly inspirational."

Morton is currently leading the efforts for Lutheran Home's Auxiliary’s largest Christmas Sale ever on December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lutheran Home, 800 West Oakton Street in Arlington Heights. The public is invited to browse Christmas décor. Ornaments - indoor and outdoor - will fill the tables – available at very reasonable prices too. In addition, there will be baked goods and gently used and new items, including jewelry, linens, fabric, household and kitchen items, toys, books, puzzles, games and more.

The mission of the Lutheran Home Auxiliary is to enhance the lives of those living at Lutheran Home. The Auxiliary financially supports a rhythm drumming program for all residents, devotional materials and the refurbishment of the MyTapestry courtyard for memory care residents. Its members also engage in many hands-on activities with residents throughout the year, such as bingo parties, birthday bag deliveries, entertainment programs, special sale time for the residents, and craft and mission activities. She has also helped the Lutheran Life Communities raise funds to support crucial programs like the Benevolent Fund, available for residents who have outlived their financial resources.

Morton’s passion for volunteering blossomed after she retired from a distinguished academic career. Originally from Queens, New York, Morton spent ten years as a teacher and then principal at Redeemer Lutheran School in Glendale, New York, before becoming a professor and dean in the Concordia University system, first at Concordia University in Austin, Texas and then at Concordia University, Irvine, California.

After retirement, Morton led many volunteer programs for the children living in a transitional homeless shelter, Village of Hope, in Tustin, California. Upon moving to Northern Illinois, Barbara sought opportunities to continue her volunteer work close to home. She found that perfect fit with the Lutheran Home Auxiliary.

For more information on AFP, visit: https://www.afpchicago.org/awards-program

About Lutheran Home

Lutheran Home is a non-profit organization that supports Arlington Heights with a full spectrum of care and services. They offer assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, skilled rehabilitation, an Adult Day Club, inpatient and outpatient rehab, home care services, move management services and Shepherd's Flock Child Care and Preschool. They invest in a full, robust continuum of care that can address early dementia and mild cognitive impairment with stage-form care supportive services and residential solutions like MyTapestry memory support. A variety of residential options are offered with upscale apartment homes and private suites along with tailored support, social and education opportunities, fitness classes and dining designed to help maintain cognitive abilities. It’s Grace-Filled living.