The Ministry

84% of nursing home residents are never visited.

Honor your Father and your Mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord Your God gives you.

Exodus 20:1

Our History

In 1979 the folks in elder care facilities across the Carolinas came to discover that the old expression “nothing is free” was simply not true when it came to a tiny Christian organization called Dobson Tape Ministry. The word quickly spread that blinded eyes could once again experience God’s Word with the help of a small cassette tape player and twelve cassette tapes featuring the New Testament. Founded to help those in senior care centers who could no longer hold a Bible and read, The Dobson Tape Ministry was a blessing long overdue.

Sensing the need to do more, a major change took place in 1996, and more materials were added. In addition to the New Testament tapes, cassette tapes of older Gospel music sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford, George Beverly Shea and others, were added. Video tapes and devotional materials completed the new lineup of resources – all for the same price as in 1979 – FREE!

The Spirit of God gently blew, and the tiny Carolina ministry has become known across the United States as Elder Source Ministries. Today, with the help of facility and staff volunteers, activity directors in 43 states regularly use their Elder Source materials described above to use in their facilities.

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Resource Pack

People ask us, “How can you give away such wonderful materials? Isn’t there a catch?” In truth, there is a small catch, but we will get to that in a moment. We’re able to give our materials away because God has blessed us and because we have kept our overhead and staff costs at a minimum. Like other organizations, we have been tightening our belts lately. There may come a time when we can no longer afford to give away our wonderful materials, but for now, we thank God for his blessings.

So what’s the catch?
It is simple; the Resource Pack contains approximately $200 worth of Christian-based audio/visual materials that are to be used on a weekly basis in an eldercare setting. Our desire is to find professional facilities with caring staff who will not only use the materials, but will also make every effort to expand our gift into a self-sustaining, volunteer-based, one-on-one and group program.

The Elder Source Resource Pack is a result of years of work with activity directors and surveys outlining the spiritual needs of infirm seniors.

Each Resource Pack includes:

If you are an activity director or a chaplain in an eldercare facility and would like one of our Resource Packs to use with your residents, simply download our Application and Working Agreement (PDF).

If you have a family member or friend in an eldercare facility and would like to make our Resource Pack materials available to him or her, then pass this information along to the Activity Director or Chaplain of the facility, who should then contact us.

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Christmas Stocking Project

Near the end of every year we begin the process of weaving in and out of bumper-to-bumper traffic, maneuvering ourselves through bustling, crowded shopping malls, and waiting in long lines to add another charge to the credit card – to purchase the perfect gift for that someone who seems to have everything. The thought of what is ahead makes many of us glad when the calendar hits December 26.

Lest we all turn into Scrooges, there is joy in giving when the gift is from the heart, and there is a double joy when we meet a real need. But what if the need is for something other than a pair of socks that can be bought at a local store? What if the need is a need to be wanted, to be loved, to feel useful, to once again experience the forgotten joy of Christmas?

The Christmas Stocking Project is more than stockings for needy children. It is about wrinkled, stiffened hands putting love into a piece of cloth. It is about a trinket, a booklet, a tiny ball, a candy bar. All very simple and inexpensive, yet they carry a value almost as if they were pure gold. It is about a child, without his home for Christmas, without a storehouse of pleasant memories, reaching out with trembling hands to receive a simple gift of love from the very warm eyes of a stranger who remembers that it is more blessed to give than to receive. It is about giving the opportunity to once again feel needed, loved and useful. It is about being a kid again at eight or eighty.

In early October, Activity Directors find a needy family or a children’s home that is close to their facility. Information is gathered and passed along to the Elder Source staff, and arrangements are made for the children to come to the facility in December for a very special Christmas surprise!

By Thanksgiving, the Elder Source staff has mailed cloth and pattern to the elder care facility. The real work begins as staff and volunteers sew and stuff the stockings with items that are age appropriate. At the appointed time the children com to receive their gifts. A simple piece of cloth stuffed with simple little goodies becomes a special gift, a priceless memory, from one needy heart to another. And just maybe, a friendship is born.

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Harvest Prayer Meetings

Perhaps, there is nothing as exciting as seniors in care centers gathering weekly to pray for Elder Source, their families, their facility staff and staff families, our nation, our troops, and for a spiritual awakening in our country. 

Residents in nearly 200 facilities have committed to be a part of our praying family.  We offer a free prayer journal to partnering facilities.  Some comments are listed below.

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Partnering Facilities

A partnering facility is one in which the activities director or the chaplain has submitted an Application / Agreement and has received our free Resource Pack of Christian-based audio/visual materials.  Many of them have taken the extra step of regularly participating in our “Let’s make a Deal” incentive program which awards regular use with opportunities to earn more free resources.

In addition to Let’s Make a Deal, partnering facilities receive a quarterly newsletter, are invited to participate in our annual Christmas Stocking Project, and receive our free quarterly Activities Swap Shop Idea sheet exclusive to LMAD participants.

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Application Process

If you feel that you would like to be a part of what is happening in facilities all over the country, then you are invited to make an application.

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. View and print the Application Form (PDF).
  2. Complete the printed Application Form.
  3. Return it to us at the address below, accompanied by a letter, on your facility letterhead, stating why you wish us to donate our materials to your facility.

    Address:
    PO Box 4848
    Greenville, SC 29608

Partnering facilities receive the Resource Pack and a quarterly newsletter with feedback from around the country, step by step ideas on how to grow the program, our LMAD(Let’s Make A Deal) incentive program, and ministry opportunities such as the Christmas Stocking Project.

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America’s Greatest Generation

We hope that you will seriously consider partnering with us in a wonderful effort to bring spiritual comfort and encouragement to a group of people that have been called “America’s Greatest Generation”. We have enjoyed the fruit of their sacrifices. How can we forsake them in their greatest hour of need!

To enable us to continue offering our free products and services, donations are appreciated, but never expected.

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Feedback

Scottsboro, AL - Thank you for the wonderful material you send.  It is appreciated.
 
Redlands, CA - Our facility only has a church come every other Sunday, so the CD’s and songbooks are really a blessing.  I also used the Daily Bread to do a lesson.  Thanks and God bless you for all you do for the elderly.
 
Upland, CA - I have used the music and videos at least two times a week in our facility.  The residents love it, and I also use the Bible on CD for room visits.
 
Covina, CA - I just ordered and received twenty more of the Hymn Books that you sent in our original package.  We now have an average of 35 -40 residents attending vespers on Sunday.  That is 60% of our residents.
 
Georgetown, DE - Thank you for being so tireless with your efforts to provide spiritually to everyone regardless of their physical, cognitive, or financial abilities.
 
Lake City, FL - Our residents really enjoyed the CD Two Old Friends.
 
Orlando, FL - Thank you so much for your sharing ministry.
 
Winter Haven, FL - Our residents look forward to Monday’s Life Enrichment Worship Service of cassette tapes, sing-a-longs, and ministry.  Thank you for sharing Elder Source materials.
 
Jackson, GA - Our residents have the best time watching and listening to the videos and tapes.  You are truly doing the work of the Lord.
 
Flanagan, IL - I loved the Sold For $10.00 story and the Swap Shop idea.
 
Decatur, IL - Thank you for your continual support and your ministry.  It means so much to our residents.  God bless you.
 
Valparaiso, IN - We love all the music.  It is great with our cognitive impaired.  Some know the tunes, keep time, and even sing along.  Thanks for the Bible on CD.  Our minister continues to listen almost every day.
 
Washington, IN - This is a great program!  I have loaned misc. materials from the packet given us in Indy and have been listening to various materials myself (Gotta be sure of what I hand out.) and the materials are wonderful!  Thank you so much.
 
Terre haute, IN - Enjoyed the story from the WV activity directors.  I believe the Christian activity directors I know all agree it is a calling or a ministry, not a career.  The spiritual condition of our tenants or residents is a high priority.  We work for a higher authority.  God bless you for all you do and provide.
 
Terre haute, IN - Dear Stan, I brought the book To Encourage Your Heart - 365 Day Brighteners and the residents can’t wait for us to put the passage on the bulletin board.  They love it and I have one man that just has to have a book.  Would you tell me how to get him a book?  Thank you.
 
Indianapolis, IN - We enjoy the materials.  They especially come in handy when our volunteer spiritual groups don’t show up.  Thanks much.
 
Overland Park, KS -  The CD’s and tapes are wonderful.  One of their best uses for our residents is in the rooms of residents who are often in bed.  We also like to play them as residents enter the activities center of between activities.  I our weekly prayer group we pray for the soldiers in Iraq whom we have “adopted” and also pray for his family and all military.
 
Louisville, KY - I have been an activity director in a skilled nursing home for eleven years.  I enjoyed reading what Theresa and Elaine stated in your spring issue of the newsletter.  It is a calling.  Many try the position, but few stay in it for a career.
 
Worcester, MA - Thank you for our Merle Haggard and Albert Brumley, Jr. CD.  It’s great.  We have introduced our Dobson ministries materials during our low stimulation programs for our Alzheimer/Dementia unit.  It has been very successful and your videos provide a calm stimulation for our confused residents. 
 
Hagerstown, MD - We use your material every day at 8:45 for our daily devotion hour.  That’s how we start our day, with your help and lots of prayers.  Thank you and God bless.
 
Hagerstown, MD - Your materials are loved by our residents.  Recently, the cassette tapes have really caught on our residents who can no longer read books.  Thanks.
 
Princess Anne, MD - Our residents enjoy your videos, tapes, and CD’s in small groups or large groups and by their bedside.  Thank you for the supply.
 
Saginaw, MI - We use the music at lest weekly, but usually 3 -4 times a week for our church programs.  The residents love it.
 
Niles, MI - Thank you for such a wonderful and enlightening program.
 
Pigeon, MI - Wonderful program!  We just got our Resource pack and let the residents look through them.. They were very excited along with the activity staff.  CD’s and tapes were played that same day.  The materials are used every Sunday and as requested by our residents.
 
Ada, MN - I know I am late in letting you know this, but the Christmas Stocking gift idea was GREAT!  WE (our staff and residents) coordinated with our local volunteers (who cut out and sewed the stockings together), a local $-H group, the Hegne Hustlers, who decorated and bought gifts for the stockings, our local Jaycees who distributed the stockings foe local needy children and our Norman Mahnomer county Nursing who distributed stockings to our local needy elderly.  This really turned into a local and community project, with wonderful feed back.. We also had the story and pictures on our local paper explaining what we did and how this was possible from an idea beginning supplies from DM.  We plan to do this project again next year only on a bigger and better scale.  Thank you for reminding us the reason for the season.  I’d also like to thank you for the information we receive from you in your newsletters and the quarterly awards that we receive.  You add to our monthly events.. Thanks.
 
Fergus Falls, MN - Sold For $10.00 was a wonderful way for us to follow up Easter.  We used it for our Chapel service on Wednesday following Easter Sunday.  Our residents received it well.  May God continue to use your ministry, Stan!
 
Lowry City, MO - The Harvest video continues to be their favorite to watch.  We also use the music CD’s and tapes on a daily basis in residents rooms and activity room.
Buffalo, MO - The residents continue to enjoy your services.  Thank you.
 
Conrad, MT - We have a resident that reads your devotional book to another resident that is in a vegetative state almost daily.  What a positive activity program for both.
 
Mt. Pleasant, MI - I was glad to see you at the MAAP conference in Bay City in March.  Everyday I work I read to the residents a quote from “365 Day Brighteners to Encourage Your Heart.”  Sometimes we have a discussion going.  Thanks again for all you do, Stan.  It is greatly appreciated.
 
Bingham Farms, MI -  We use your materials almost everyday.  We love the reading
Material and some of the music we try to have prayer daily with spiritual readings.
 
Glendive, MT - I can’t believe we are already in the middle of April.  Where does the time go?
 
Clemmons, NC - Our prayer circle is growing.  We have been blessed with many answered prayers.  Thank you for every Christian video, CD, DVD, etc.
 
Mt. Airy, NC - Love the new idea of Swap Shop.  Looking forward to the newsletter.
 
High Point, NC - The Harvest Prayer Meeting has been great.  Our residents request prayer for so many things.  They also enjoy your materials, music and videos.  Thanks so much.
 
Siler City, NC - My facility is relatively new (six months).  I have had a difficult time establishing a worship program for my residents using local churches.  However, my residents thoroughly enjoy your audio and video tapes.  Thanks for everything.
 
Swan Quarter, NC - Your ministry materials are really enjoyed by our cross creek family as well as the staff.  The videos are wonderful to use not only as a group, but uplifting an individual resident on a down day!  Thank you!  Thank you!  We have prayer circle every Monday morning!
 
Elizabeth City, NC - We are now needing to have our activities in smaller groups due to the residents cognitive levels, and I have found that your materials can be used in all of our groups.  Thank you.
 
Kenansville, NC - Thank you so much for all the materials you send us.  They are greatly appreciated and enjoyed.  I appreciate all you do and may God continue to bless you.
Cherokee, NC -   Thank you for your support of the activities programs across the country.  Speaking for AD’s everywhere, we thank you!
 
Belhaven, NC - Continue to enjoy the tapes each week.
 
Kings Mtn, NC - We continue to use your materials several times weekly.  We look forward to receiving materials from you.  They are always excellent additions to our activity supplies.  Thank you for all you do to help us help our residents.
 
Raleigh, NC - Everything we receive is loved by our residents and regularly used.  They enjoy the music tapes each week and also the videos.  The books are read by and to our residents.
 
Shelby, NC - Resources continue to be a blessing to my residents, staff and facility.
 
Carrington, ND - Thank you for everything.
 
N. Bergen, NJ - Your materials are wonderful.  However, 50% of my residents are Hispanic and another 10% Korean.  Do you have videos, tapes, printed materials, prayers, etc, in these languages?
 
Los Lumas, NM - Being familiar with old favorite hymns has caused even residents of the Alzheimer’s ward to break out singing along with the group when they hear hymns they knew from childhood.  WE can tell they get happy and for a while even forget their present state and probably imagining themselves as children back in church with their parents.
 
Delaware, OH -  Thanks again for all you do.  Have a blessed spring and early summer.
 
Portsmouth, OH - I would like to thank you for wonderful materials that you have so generously sent to us.  We have used them so very often.. They are such encouraging materials.  One of the all time favorites is the CD you gave us, “Amazing Grace.”  The materials help even the staff.  God’s grace is good.  God bless all of you for the work you perform.  Please continue.
 
Zanesville, OH - I just wanted to say thank you for the spiritual materials.  The material was very helpful for Memorial Service we had, since we have had several of our adult day clients that have gone home to the Lord.  Thank you again.
 
Westlake, OH - Thank you for all of your items!  Your music tapes are played every Thursday before Bible Study and some Sunday mornings before our recently started Catholic Service.  I recently played your tapes while transporting the residents to the service so they could have something to help get them prepared for the service.  It was such a big hit that it was brought up a resident council that they wanted religious music played each week.  (I only work every 5th weekend.)  Thank you again for all of your supplies.  It’s being passed on.
 
Akron, OH - That was a great article from the two activity directors from WV.  We do love what we do.  I too felt it was meant to be for me to be blessed to do this job.  Most of our residents have a strong faith base and inspire me.  Your materials help with their journey.  Thanks as always.
 
Delphos, OH - Thank you so much for the Elder Source material you have sent.  The residents love it.  God bless you!
 
Lebanon, OH - Many of our residents can’t read their Bibles any longer, for various handicaps.  They look forward to the weekly scheduled “Watch Word” program.  We also have enjoyed the music supplied by Elder Source, the hymns and booklets work great.  Thank you for making special people more special.
 
Middleton, OH - Thank you for the free material.  It has helped with our in-room residents.  It’s wonderful.
 
Hamilton, OH - Thanks for the new resource we received.  It has been used several times.
 
Sidney, OH - Thank you for the interesting materials that you have sent to our facility.  The residents have enjoyed them.  If  you have any more free materials, I know our residents would appreciate receiving them.  Thank you again for being so kind.  We rally enjoyed receiving the newsletter also.  Very interesting.
 
Shelby, OH - Your box of goodies assist in a pinch when a resident is sad or needs an up lift.  Thanks for your help.
 
Columbus, OH - Thank you for the services and materials you provide for our residents.  We are very blessed to have an awesome resource such as Elder Source.
 
Millersburg, OH - We use the materials you send us, use them during noontime music.  Our residents especially love the old songs.
 
Salem, OR - Our Bible Study group have grown so much and we appreciate all of your generous materials.  Our Bible Study group uses all the wonderful materials.  The class size has doubled.  Thank you so very much.
 
Salem, OR - I never can keep track of my LMAD forms, but wanted to be sure I let you all know how much we continue to appreciate the supplies from your organization.  A volunteer uses the CD’s every week for his devotions and our residents really enjoy that time as well as having the written materials and videos available to be presented by staff two times a week.  You are a great help to those of us who strive to meet the spiritual needs of elderly.
 
Mars, PA - Our annual ARSP workshop will be on June 7.  We usually have 50 or 60 their.  I would love to represent your ministry there.  How do I?  PAPA state convention - I can do that too!
 
Greenville, SC - Thank you for the music tapes and we are in need of more videos please.  I would love to show a movie a week.  All of your materials are used and are very much appreciated.  Thanks.
 
Summerville, SC - I want to let you know that it was 6 years ago April 18th that all of brother’s doctors said he had only six months to live.  Your materials gave him faith and inner strength to fight the cancer.  My brother says he is ready now to go to Heaven and knows for sure that is where he’s going.  Six years ago he wasn’t sure.  Up to date - the cancer is in his bones and spreading fast, but thanks to all of you he keeps faith.  A special thank you goes to Stan Means.  God Bless all of you.
 
Ridgeway, SC - Thank you Stan.  Your materials really helps with my 1 to 1 visits.
 
Gaffney, SC - Know this is late, but hope can still get the VHS stories behind the hymns.
 
Dresden, TN - We continue to use your materials 3 times…?
 
Valley Mills, TX - Our residents loved the “Two Old Friends” CD.  I played it during lunch, when the TV is turned off, and while waiting for Bible Study to start.  Thanks so much.
 
Danville, VA - When someone needs to know how important he or she is when the are lonely in a nursing home and more importantly be reminded how important he or she is, an Elder Source resource is used at our facility and life is once again worth the living.  I highly advocate the free available resources of the Elder Source Senior Ministries!
 
Montgomery, WV - Not for the newsletter, but thank you for the article.  You made me feel good today.  Hope that your wife is doing well again, that the blood pressure is under control.  Working here I know how that can be.  Thank you.
 
Sistersville, WV - By always serving others, you are bringing God great pleasure!  God Bless you for all that you do!  There is a specials place in heaven for you.
 
Clarksburg, WV - God bless you and thank you for caring!
 
PT. Pleasant, WV - Thank you for sending your newsletter to my home.  Thank you for your prayers.  The man who was withholding my mail has left our agency.  I know our prayers and faith in God caused him to go.  I never gave up our church service during the time he was here.  We always listened to our Christian music.  They loved the Merle Haggard CD.  Thank you.
 
Berkeley Springs, WV - Thank you for your support and dedication to our residents.
 
Morgantown, WV - Hi Stan, looking forward to seeing you on June 9th.  The Gaither materials were so great.  We have had to raise money to order more.  The residents want to watch them all the time.  The lady who holds our prayer meetings has been ill.  We are starting again soon.

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