Retired educator Jeani Goodwin of Athens, Georgia, spent her career serving students—as teacher, counselor and principal. In retirement, she’s helping older adults build friendships and support one another, one butter bean at a time.
After learning a dozen years ago how deeply loneliness affects older adults, Jeani launched her Butter Beans ministry program at Talmage Terrace/Lanier Gardens in Athens. It’s a senior living community located near her church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church. And it’s where she’s affectionately known as the “Butter Bean lady.”
What is the Butter Beans ministry?
It’s a place where people can put into practice the message of the kingdom of God. We have gatherings where we talk about compassion, helping those in need, taking care of ourselves and that everyone is our neighbor. And then we encourage participation in activities that help us to live out those values. We have about 60–65 people who participate.
How does it work?
Residents earn “butter beans” by joining in activities, taking care of themselves and helping each other. Every month they fill out a sheet describing what they've done. I, along with volunteers, track their butter beans, and four times a year they get to spend them in a store we set up with donated and purchased items.
What kinds of activities earn butter beans?
There are lots of ways. Residents can earn them for exercise, walking, reading, attending concerts or lectures, participating in prayer groups, volunteering or leading activities. I figure out how many butter beans they get for the activities, but it’s very subjective. However, when they take care of another person, I’m very generous with butter beans.
Why is it important to reward helping others?
They need each other. We have residents who help care for pets when someone is in the hospital, drive neighbors to the doctor or to shop, or simply spend time with someone who’s hurting. Those acts of kindness create a stronger community and remind people they’re not alone.
Do you use actual butter beans?
We did when we started! We quickly discovered counting real butter beans was not the easiest system. Now I have a volunteer who puts everything into the computer.
What are some of the most popular items in the Butter Beans store?
The practical things are often the most popular. Residents love good-quality toilet paper, facial tissues, bedding and household items. They also enjoy greeting cards, stamps, puzzles, clothing, snacks, health and beauty products, coupons, gift cards and our jewelry section. Every woman loves her bling!
How have Thrivent Action Teams helped make this possible?
My pastor at Holy Cross told me about Thrivent Action Teams, so Thrivent really helped get us started. The Thrivent Action Team cause cards gave me a way to begin buying supplies and building the program.
What role do volunteers play?
We couldn’t do this without them. About 28 volunteers help set up, take down, work the store and support the events. Many come from our church, and they thoroughly enjoy building relationships with the residents. Some of the residents also help out; we call them our “butter beaners.” We also have a lot that donate items to the store.
What changes have you seen in residents since the program began?
People seem to have a better sense of caring for each other. They pay attention to who might need help and how they can step in. I’ve watched residents celebrate birthdays, care for one another during difficult times and create friendships. They don’t need butter beans to do those things anymore; they’ve learned we’re here to help each other.
