Featured Story

Building Bridges of Faith and Belonging

Some work happens quietly, but its impact reaches every corner of Heritage Christian Services. The members of the faith community inclusion team — Diane Sturmer, Sherry Gricar, Joe Starling and Padraic Collins-Bohrer — support people to make meaningful connections with their faith and faith communities.

The team’s work reflects the diverse faith traditions of the people served. They help people connect with faith communities and traditions, celebrate milestones such as weddings, baptisms, holiday observances and community gatherings, and walk alongside people as they grieve life’s hardest moments.

“We’re in hospitals, homes and programs — visiting, praying with someone, supporting the staff members who are there, especially when someone is very ill or nearing the end of life,” said Starling.

For Sturmer, at the agency since 1987, the heart of the role remains the same.

“My original title was community bridge builder,” she said. “That’s still what we’re doing, building bridges between people and the things that are important to them.”

Sometimes that means supporting someone through grief or hospice care. Other times, it’s creating moments of joy: retreats, dance, music or time outdoors.

As people supported by Heritage Christian age, this work becomes even more important, helping ensure that spiritual health remains part of the compassionate, person-centered support that defines our commitment to quality.

President & C.E.O. Marisa Geitner says that commitment has been part of Heritage Christian since its earliest days. “This team has reported directly to the president since our founding, and that has always mattered,” she said. “I’m proud of the day-to-day involvement I have with their work. I see the impact and know this level of investment is a true differentiator for Heritage Christian Services. Most providers simply don’t have anything like it.” Team members have regularly been invited to share this unique work at local, statewide and national gatherings.

Their work also reaches the staff members who walk alongside the people that choose our services, whether it’s through encouragement, listening, prayer, teambuilding activities or on-site presence to help teams stay grounded, connected and cared for.

In May, Heritage Christian Services also hosted the annual conference for the Council of Reformed Charities welcoming leaders of faith-based service organizations from across the country for conversation, fellowship and learning.

Through all of it, the faith community inclusion team continues its quiet work: listening closely, building connections and helping people find the spiritual communities where they flourish.

To read our full 2026 Spring Spirit Newsletter, click here.