In the fall of 2008, I was faced with a challenging situation. I, as conservator for my developmentally disabled adult sister, was asked to relocate her to a new group home. This was no small feat, as I wanted to be assured that she would be in a safe, clean, and trusting environment. In addition, I desired a home that would provide a sense of permanency as my sister had relocated to different facilities four times. Relocating is very disruptive to her as well as to all her family members as we adjust to new caretakers and their requirements and routines. It was a time of trusting God for all of us. Fortunately, I was able to relocate my sister to Sierra Salem Christian Home in Modesto.

The importance and peace this facility provides to my family cannot be measured. First, the relationship that I have with the administrator as well as the staff is outstanding. I am free to visit my sister at all times and feel comfortable discussing any concerns that I may have. The administration in turn feels free to contact me to discuss any medical or emotional issues regarding my sister.

Next, I am completely confident that my sister will be treated with utmost fairness. She is granted the privilege to live her life in a way that brings dignity and satisfaction to her. She is loved and respected for who she is and is a member of a community that loves and cares for each other. As a family member that brings me a great sense of relief knowing that she is not being ill-treated but is being recognized for the talents and abilities that God has enabled her with.

Last but not least, is the permanency that this home provides not only for my sister but also for our entire family. Having a sibling with special needs is an honor but definitely comes with heightened responsibilities. As the aging process occurs, it is my family’s deepest desire to ensure that our sister has a long term care plan which will bring stability to her life. This more than anything has been a tremendous source of comfort and relief to all of my family.

We cannot express the sense of satisfaction, relief, and gratitude that a home of this caliber has brought to my sister as well as to her family. We have been truly blessed and look forward to support its efforts in the years to come!

June Roubos

Knowing that our sister is living in the best home for her needs has been our family goal for decades. After our mother’s failing health necessitated a move for our sister Kathy when she was in her 40s, we searched the area with our mother’s guidance and were able to enroll Kathy in the newest of the Sierra Salem’s homes. This decision has been confirmed again and again, and has blessed our entire family. When our mother passed away a couple years after Kathy’s placement, Kathy handled the loss better than even her doctors expected because she already felt safe and loved in her new home.

We know that close attention is paid to Kathy’s medical and emotional needs, and that her health is closely monitored. She has been able to continue seeing her doctors of decades, and when new ones have been needed, her caregiver has helped identify excellent ones. We can always reach the caregiver and director easily with any questions or concerns, and these are invariably handled efficiently with patience and grace.

Our Christian values are shared by the leaders of Sierra Salem, and are reflected in uniquely supportive, consistently generous and kind care. The home is efficiently run, always immaculate, decorated for the season, and exudes the love of life and fun of her caregivers. We all love the laughter and easy camaraderie that is evident when we visit. Kathy is able to continue in the lifestyle she had enjoyed for thirty years in the area, seeing longtime friends, continuing her day program, seeing her Pastor regularly and attending Church and related activities, as well as participating in her beloved bowling league. Her annual trip to camp is given high priority and she is helped to save toward the expense.

Her doctors have assured us that keeping Kathy in a familiar setting has been essential for her sense of security. We have been acutely aware that while our visits are important to Kathy, she sees Sierra Salem as “home” and would always rather be there than anywhere else! What better commendation could any home have? We have complete confidence in Sierra Salem and would not know what to do without them!

 In sincere appreciation,

Ginny Warren Hein
-For the whole Warren Family