Conversations with Jenny Langness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Langness.

Hi Jenny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my career as an Interpreter for the Deaf. This opened my awareness to the world of special needs as well as the role of non-profits. I have had the privilege of working with children, teens and adults in every capacity imaginable: from running a teen parent program, directing women’s clinics for Catholic Charities, to serving as a Children’s Pastor. Along the way, my husband, made a career change and started serving as a Chaplain to seniors living in residential communities. I began joining him on Sundays and discovered a whole new population to fall in love with. I ended up as an Activities Director for a residential community that was gracious enough to provide tuition for my certification as an Activities Professional. Then COVID hit, and I was fortunate enough to work alongside my husband – making the journey much more bearable. The pandemic really took a toll and I was burned out on planning activities. I found a position as an Administrator of an Independent Living Community for Seniors. This was great- for awhile. One thing I know about myself, is that I thrive on a challenge. Give me something that’s not running at its optimal and I can’t wait to get in and “fix” it.So after two years of “fixing” the community I was at -I was bored and also tired of being on call 24/7. I knew about Elderhaus Adult Day Program, as the senior service agencies in our area are well connected. I also knew it was only open during the week, during the day. It served seniors AND adults with special needs. It was 43 years old and well established. It was also “stuck”. It was lacking in vision and operational excellence. Just my cup of tea! I’ve been here since January of 2024 and loving every minute of it. We have figuratively taken apart the organization piece by piece – keeping everything good, discarding that which wasn’t, and adding excellence to everything.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is there such a thing? It’s definitely been a long journey – lots of twists and turns, setbacks, and resets. The biggest challenge has been making the choice to learn and grow from every experience. Too often I can find myself living with regret, guilt, negative self-talk for choices I made that didn’t work out as planned. But isn’t that everyone’s story? I’ve been learning to look at each choice or decision as something that I can learn from and something that wasn’t wasted. When you look back with this lens – it’s amazing how you can discover how much you learned and grew in those difficult times.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Executive Director of the 45 year old non-profit Elderhaus Adult Day Program. Elderhaus provides engaging day time care for adults living with dementia and other disabilities and respite for their caregivers. As the Executive Director, I am ultimately responsible for all aspects of the organization. I am fortunate to have a great team so my responsibilities are mainly vision casting, strategic planning, marketing, operations/systems, human resources, funding and public relations.
I am known for my ability to gain enthusiasm, support and awareness for my work, for my public speaking ability, and for my ability to network.
I am fortunate to have a unique set of skills that often are not seen together. I am a Visionary and Administrator. I can see where an organization needs to go AND I know how to get it there.

What makes you happy?
So many things!
My family: Mark, my spouse of 44 years. M y twin daughters and their spouses – who live near by and are very successful women. My two grandchildren that keep me young and fill me with joy.
The opportunity to provide a much needed service and actually see how our organization has literally changed the lives of so many families.
My faith – that sustains me in challenging times and helps me live with joy and peace despite life’s circumstances.
My friends that are there for me no matter what and keep me laughing.
Living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Pricing:

• Accept Medicaid Waivers
• Accept VA Benefits
• Accept long-term care insurance
• Private pay

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elderhaus.org
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Elderhaus
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elderhaus-adult-day-program/posts/?feedView=all