Serving with Heart: Reverends Provide Compassionate Care at EverTrue Communities

Reverend Serena Rowan brings a rare blend of care, compassion and creativity to her role as a chaplain serving EverTrue Affordable Housing Communities.

A 30-year U.S. Army veteran and longtime special-education teacher, she says, “By the time the Lord called me to chaplaincy, I was ready, lock, stock and barrel.”

Her lived wisdom shapes the spiritual care she now offers residents through prayer circles, pastoral visits, worship services, grief support, Bible study and one-on-one listening.

“Spiritual care leads to emotional healing,” Rev. Serena explains. “I listen non-judgmentally and help them let go of whatever burdens they are carrying.”

Pastoral care takes many forms in EverTrue communities. Chaplains lead Bible studies, worship services, memorial and funeral services, private devotions and individual Holy Communion, grief and bereavement support, confession and absolution, along with special services throughout the church year.

Chaplains also maintain relationships with local clergy and coordinate referrals to other professionals. Residents know no matter their personal faith, they can reach out to an EverTrue chaplain when facing illness, hospitalization, spiritual questions, personal crises – ensuring that no one walks their journey alone.

Reverend Serena’s advocacy comes from experience. “I remember being in my military uniform and still having to sit in the back of the bus. I know how that feels,” she recalls. “I will advocate for others. Every person is the image of God.”

In fact, Reverend Serena shares her chaplaincy globally as a United Nations Ambassador. With a focus on addressing human trafficking and supporting survivors, she has traveled to New York City and Zambia in her Ambassador role.

That same passion infuses her efforts to create meaningful opportunities for her local residents to live with purpose and connect with their community. One of her special projects has been a blanket-making community group to give blankets to those in need.

She began with a modest goal of residents making 20 blankets to donate to a nonprofit serving people who are unhoused. Her enthusiasm was contagious and soon there were nearly 100 blankets!

One of the most moving moments occurred at the EverTrue Village at Mackenzie after the passing of resident Judy Ulrich, who was Reverend Serena’s Chaplain Assistant and an early champion of the project. At Judy’s memorial service, Reverend Serena placed Judy’s unfinished blanket on a table and residents gathered to complete it in her honor.

“Judy’s blanket is now keeping someone warm,” Rev. Serena shared.