Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation anticipates Big Give

McCOOK Neb. — The Hillcrest Foundation’s board members were the September guests for Coffee Talk Wednesday at Embers Bakery & Cafe. 

The Hillcrest Foundation is gearing up for the annual Southwest Nebraska Big Give, which will be held on Nov. 7. This 24-hour period of giving invites supporters to give back to their favorite local charities. The Hillcrest Foundation hopes that community members will give to their charity. 

Founded in 1989, Hillcrest Foundation is committed to providing quality long-term care and supporting future generations. As Bill Graves, a board member of both the Hillcrest Foundation and the McCook Community Foundation, stated during the September Coffee Talk, “Hillcrest cares for generations of Nebrakans; the entire region depends on Hillcrest for skilled nursing, assisted living, and quality childcare.

Hillcrest has expanded significantly since its establishment in 1963 with just 26 rooms. It now offers facilities such as Hidden Pines Assisted Living Community, a special care unit for Alzheimer’s residents, adult daycare services, and the Little Folks Childcare Center, licensed for 45 children. The nursing home is a 100-bed dual-certified facility providing Medicare and Medicaid services, with 160 dedicated employees.

Recent projects funded by the foundation include new chairs for the dining room and smart TVs for resident rooms, enhancing the quality of life for all who call Hillcrest home.

The primary focus for the Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation board members is staff education. The Scholarship Loan Program, supported by the foundation, aims to recruit and retain well-educated and dedicated employees. The scholarship funds are made available through the generous contributions of employees, fundraisers, and community members. In exchange for financial support, recipients enter contracts to work at Hillcrest Nursing Home for two years after completing their education. Completing these terms results in the forgiveness of the scholarship loan, providing a robust incentive for aspiring nursing professionals.

As the Hillcrest Foundation embarks on this year’s Big Give, the community is encouraged to come together and support a cause that enriches the lives of so many. Large and small donations can create a lasting impact and ensure that Hillcrest remains a beacon of hope and care for generations to come.