A research and training community for Christian health ministry
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A research and training community for Christian health ministry
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Welcoming Dr. Jessica Benfer to the Meros Team
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A Message from our Executive Director
It is with abundant gratitude that we welcome Dr. Jessica Benfer, PhD, MPH, MS to the Meros team as a Research Scientist and Grant Writer. Jessica has a heart for bringing the love of Jesus to people through the ministry of research. She has expertise in statistics and health policy, focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Through support from the National Institute on Aging, Dr. Benfer will lead a clinical trial in nursing homes to understand how a mobile-based training for nursing staff contributes to “good” days for residents with dementia and their families. Over 60 million people worldwide have dementia, with 60% living in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2023). The number of new cases is increasing by almost 10 million per year. ADRD is a growing global health challenge, and we desire to understand the integration of faith into holistic care strategies. The local church provides an opportunity to come alongside individuals with ADRD, caregivers, and their families to bring eternal hope with earthly comfort. Jessica will support our research team and partners in research methods, analysis, publication, and grant writing. Jessica is married to Andrew and resides in Milwaukee, WI. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Benfer to Meros and the opportunity to expand our research to health ministries worldwide!
Jason Paltzer
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What a blessing to join the Meros team! My background is in statistics, public health, and health services research and policy, and I am very passionate about the Meros mission: To serve as a global community to measure and grow impact in Christian health ministry.
With funding from the National Institute on Aging, I am excited to share an important new study that addresses the unique challenges faced by nursing homes caring for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD): Project GLORY (Good Life in memORY care). As many of you know, millions of Americans aged 65 years and older view nursing homes as their home, yet providing optimal care has become increasingly difficult, particularly amid staffing shortages. This raises critical questions about the quality of life for our loved ones in these facilities.
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My Christian faith has taught me the significance of compassion and dignity for every person, reflecting the gospel message of love and service that Jesus modeled. We are called to support those in need, and I believe that everyone, particularly our elders, deserves to experience a "good life." Our upcoming research aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding what truly makes care "special" for residents with ADRD. This groundbreaking research includes implementing a ‘good life’ intervention through a progressive web application designed to equip nursing home staff with essential training resources and support. This initiative not only focuses on enhancing care quality but also seeks to explore the meaning of a "good life" for older adults, especially within racial and ethnic minority populations.
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Through this study, we hope to assess various outcomes, including staff satisfaction, family care satisfaction, and overall resident quality of life. Together, we can build a legacy of compassion and care that authentically reflects our faith in action, illuminating the lives of those we serve and spreading the message of Jesus around the world. Your Sister in Christ, Jessica Benfer
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Research: Our Projects List continues to grow as we spread the Word of Jesus through our community health research and training ministry.
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Training Ideas: What skill would allow you to build stronger Christian relationships in your community?
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Did you know that any monthly gift of $100 or more is matched?
By signing up to give $100 monthly, you not only support The Meros Center, but a matching $100 is also given monthly to support Kingdom Workers. You can sign up through the link below. Praise God for this generous opportunity!
We are grateful for your continual support.
Each opportunity to partner and minister to the marginalized through our research costs between $5,000-$30,000. We are currently $42,736 short of our 2024 goal of $110,000. We are grateful for and pray God continues to bless all of you, and ask you to pray for and support our mission as the Lord leads your heart.
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connect@meroscenter.org
(414) 443-8945
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