In Minnesota, more than 7,000 children live with what’s known as a “life limiting” health condition. These can be rare diseases or complex medical conditions that require 24/7 care, often with a parent or loved one becoming that child’s full-time caregiver.

On top of that, more than 700 children pass away from these types of conditions each year in Minnesota. It is a difficult situation in which families want to spend as much time together with their child before their life ends.

This is where Crescent Cove comes in. Located on Twin Lake in Brooklyn Center, the nonprofit is the only residential respite and hospice home in Minnesota – and one of just four in the U.S. – that provides both respite and hospice care specifically for children and their families and caregivers.

Since opening in 2018, Crescent Cove has helped families from all over the country.

“We’re such a niche organization,” says Jenny Floria, the engagement and communications manager for Crescent Cove. “No one else in Minnesota or the surrounding states does what we do.”

From Vision to Reality

Crescent Cove was founded in 2009 by Katie Lindenfelser, a music therapist who trained at a children’s hospice and respite home in Australia. After seeing the joy and relief this home brought to families, she and her husband pledged to open the first one in the Midwest.

Originally called Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota, the team started out by providing in-home care to children with shortened life expectancies. This gave the children’s family members and caregivers time to relax, recuperate and recharge.

Over the next several years, Katie and her team raised both money and awareness about the growing need for pediatric respite and end-of-life care in a specialized facility. They were able to rally lawmakers to pass several bills allowing children and young adults to receive hospice care, and to allow nonprofits like Crescent Cove to access funding for end-of-life and respite care from families receiving Medicaid.

Temporary Home Away from Home

The home where Crescent Cove is located used to be an adult hospice home owned by North Memorial. Crescent Cove purchased the building in 2017 and welcomed its first families in the spring of 2018.

“Katie wanted visitors to feel like it was a place for children, and it was a place of light and love,” says Jenny.

The home has five children’s rooms – each uniquely decorated – along with a parents’ suite for families coming for end-of-life care.

It also features rooms for play, music and art therapy, toys, physical therapy equipment and a specialized bathroom. Shared kitchen, dining and family room space gives families a chance to connect. They can also take a pontoon ride on the lake in the summer or go sledding in the backyard in the winter.

One standout feature at Crescent Cove is the sensory wall. Made from glass and other textures, it depicts a nature scene with dragonflies, water and stars.

“It is meant to be interactive and meant to be touched,” explains Jenny. “The kids love the wall.”

Care, Compassion and Peace

Children visiting Crescent Cove for respite care will stay anywhere from 3-5 days, on average.

“We give the family caretakers a break,” says Jenny. “We take over all the care with our team of nurses, therapists and other staffers. Then, the parents can take time to themselves or be with other children in the family.”

Jenny says families coming for end-of-life care also want a break to focus on their child’s final days.

“They tell us, ‘I just want to be their parent. I don’t want to be their caregiver or take their vitals. I want to just spend time with them,’” she says.

Donated with Love

Throughout the year, Crescent Cove receives a variety of donations from families and organizations. The group has received everything from art supplies, handmade quilts and toys to specialized therapy equipment and sensory items. Families of children who have passed away will often give Crescent Cove their child’s medical and therapy items.

Volunteer groups will also visit Crescent Cove to help prepare meals, do yardwork and gardening, and interact with the kids. Jenny says those volunteers play a critical role in helping Crescent Cove spread its story and message.

“The more we get to share the message that pediatric respite and hospice is desperately needed, the more people understand the need for it and the more support we’re able to receive,” she says.

Creative Fundraising in Uncertain Times

Jenny adds that the past year has been tough and uncertain for nonprofits across the board. Shortfalls in fundraising, rising costs and the elimination of federal funds have put many organizations in precarious situations. Some have had to cut services while others have had to lay off staff.

Jenny says Crescent Cove is fortunate to have many supporters step forward and offer to host fundraisers. This summer, Cavalry Church in Golden Valley hosted a “Cards 4 Kids” game day. The owners of Everly Farms in Minnetrista threw a “Corks for a Cause” vineyard event. And Hopkins-based A to Z Creamery donated proceeds from the sale of an exclusive ice cream flavor to Crescent Cove.

The Need for a Strong Banking Partner

Crescent Cove’s mission and services call for partners that understand the unique circumstances that nonprofits operate in. The staff works with Sunrise Banks to manage finances and provide options for potential growth so they can focus on their mission.

“Working with a bank that understands the unique strengths and challenges of nonprofit organizations is so important, especially as we’re facing a new funding and operating landscape for the nonprofit industry in general,” says Caitlin McMahon, assistant vice president for tax credit lending at Sunrise Banks. “If your bank understands what you need and offers products and services that make money management easy, you can focus on delivering your mission that much more effectively.”

“It feels great to have a partner that has a lot of tools in the toolbox,” Jenny explains. “We’re not funding experts. But our banking partners are the experts, and they’re bringing solutions to us that help us.”

As Crescent Cove looks to expand and meet demand for its services, the team knows they can turn to Sunrise Banks for honest feedback.

“We really appreciate that the team at Sunrise Banks knows us, knows what we do, and wants to know more about the special area of care we provide,” says Jenny.

“For families with medically fragile children, every day is a gift,” says Caitlin. “As their banking partner, we want to provide a supportive and responsive relationship with the most effective banking tools possible so the Crescent Cove team can focus on their mission and the vital work they do to support children and young adults with shortened life expectancies and the families who love them.”

Our nonprofit banking solutions may be just what your organization needs! Visit sunrisebanks.com/nonprofit-banking to learn more.

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