Meet Christie Hinrichs, the president and CEO at Tabitha (tabitha.org).
Tell us a little about your business. – As the state’s quality award-winning expert for older adults, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to love joyfully, age gratefully. Supporting families since 1886 across Nebraska, Tabitha offers a range of services, from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home home health care, innovative living communities, resourceful serious illness support and compassionate hospice services. Also in the Lincoln area, Tabitha Meals on Wheels delivers a hot meal to 500 recipients in Lincoln daily. Most recently, Tabitha has expanded its reach through a collaboration with Immanuel to provide hospice — and home health care to come — to the Omaha metro area. We have also been busy opening Tabitha at Prairie Commons in Grand Island, a new campus featuring independent and assisted living, memory care, and long-term/skilled nursing care options. In August, Tabitha will launch the first-of-its kind in the nation intergenerational community, S2age Living by Tabitha. Older adults, aged 55+ and Bryan College of Health Sciences students will call S2age home at the corner of S. 47th and ‘L’ Streets in Lincoln.
How did you get started in the business? – By accident. I wanted to be a probation officer, but God led me to Tabitha where I started my career as a hospice social worker. I am passionate about serving Seniors and their families and ensuring that they are empowered to live joyfully, age gratefully. Tabitha has given me so many growth opportunities!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – COVID was harrowing for those of us who are called to care for people, but our team stepped up to the challenge in heroic ways. I am so proud of them. Yesterday, today, and the days ahead are the most challenging in my career as the severity of the workforce shortage continues to grow. We are people caring for people; we need more people in the workforce to continue to ensure the future of high quality and loving care!
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband Matt is the backbone of our family. Our daughters, Jordan and Jaylee live nearby so we feel blessed about that. Our four-year-old grandson Kashdon is the light of our life. He brings so much joy to this world, especially ours. I am blessed that my parents are still living and healthy and we get to see them often.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love being on, in, or by the water. Spending time at the lake or the ocean brings me peace.
Who inspires you? – I am inspired by those that I am blessed to work with every day. They work tirelessly to care for others and ensure those that we are called to serve know love and compassion. I am inspired by those we serve who have so much wisdom to pass on.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Do the right thing for the right reason and you will always get the right outcome.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Jesus, CEO by Laurie Beth Jones is one of my all-time favorite books.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – I love Lazlo’s, Fireworks, The Venue, Piedmont Bistro, and Runza.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Maya Angelou. Her influence on life is profound.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – tabitha.org; (402) 486-8520.