MorningStar on a Mission: Building Homes and Bringing Hope

But at MorningStar Senior Living, service becomes us. Every day is an opportunity to give ourselves away in service to others and, in doing, find the deeper purpose we seek.

With this as a core motivation, rather than taking a conventional approach to his company’s 2024 Conference, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger brought Home Office Leaders and Executive Directors to Tijuana, Mexico, to build homes for impoverished families in the outer colonias.

“By coming together as a team, by leaning into all that MorningStar stands for,” said Jaeger, “we know we can create a positive impact, not only for residents but those in need around the world. We know we’re doing what God has called us to do.”

In the months leading up to the trip, the 38 MorningStar communities worked to fund-raise nearly $60,000, hosting everything from a sock hop to candygrams to pie-in-the-face booths. The entire amount went toward the purchase of building materials and furnishings for three homes, an effort coordinated by YWAM’s Homes of Hope ministry.

In early April, 45 MorningStar leaders crossed the border. For two days we worked alongside the receiving families on their new homes.

“It was humbling to see the bonds these families had, the love they shared, their excitement over our being there. I’m going to take that back with me as motivation to be a better father, a better mentor,” offered James Johnson, Associate Executive Director, MorningStar of Idaho Falls.

“The father particularly resonated with me, the honor and respect he displayed. His entire family helped us build. It was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had…to go from first day awkwardness to the moment we handed over the keys…it was love and hugs and everywhere gratitude,” remarked David Haselman, Executive Director, MorningStar of Arvada.

MorningStar has shaped our brand around a commitment to philanthropic initiatives. Through the MorningStar Foundation, we find creative ways to act upon the vision to be “servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.”

“Seeing the joy that a safe, clean home gave these families was an experience we will never forget,” says Christine Jaeger, Director of Philanthropy.

In an emotional ceremony, keys were passed from one team member to the next as they each shared a word of encouragement and blessing. When the families stepped into their furnished home, complete with utensils in the drawer, a shelf stocked with books, curtains in the windows and a well-stocked pantry, there wasn’t a dry eye.

“You felt what these parents had been carrying…the weight of the world to give their children so much more,” said Christi Murfitt, Regional Vice President of Operations. “Then to see that weight lifted when they entered the house, to see the change in them flow to their kids…their smiles could light up the world.”

The trip may have ended, but the challenge is ongoing: to find more ways to serve, to listen, to love.

“True greatness lies not in the pursuit of things or having answers, but by serving from the heart and showing love without arrogance,” says Kerri Felix, Executive Director, MorningStar at Golden Ridge. “I plan to give my team an opportunity to serve as well. We can do it right down the street.”

Whether on a mission trip abroad or serving in the 11 states in which our communities are located, MorningStar puts love into action, working together to leave a legacy of benevolence and changed lives.