Avielle Haven

01/03/2026

I went to Danny’s service with the intention of getting up to speak. I had some words prepared, but when the moment came, I couldn’t do it without becoming very emotional. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to share them out loud, especially with Danny’s family there. So, I would like to share them here…

I had the privilege of meeting Danny and his family a little over two years ago. As a registered nurse and the owner of the home where Danny lived during his final years, it was truly an honor to be part of his care and to get to know Danette, Kim, Dean, and Mike and many of Danny’s grandchildren, extended family and friends.

What stood out to me most was the love in this family. They didn’t always say the perfect thing, and they didn’t always see eye to eye—but they kept showing up for one another. There was a role reversal that came with Danny’s health changes. Danette and Kim became the caregivers and Danny became the one needing care. I saw first hand how hard that was on everyone. Even in the difficult moments, their love and commitment to each other was stronger than the struggles. It was beautiful to witness.

One Danny memory that will stay with me forever: he loved to walk. That’s how he worked through his anxiety—pacing back and forth all day, even wearing through the bottoms of his socks. And Danny had a way of always being right in the middle of whatever was happening—tours, ambulance visits, gatherings—you could count on him strolling through like it was his personal runway. I truly think he enjoyed being in people’s way a little. That was Danny—determined, persistent, and completely himself.

These memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for trusting us with Danny’s care. He mattered to us, and he will be deeply missed.

Sending love to the family today and always.

💗Cari

View Danny "Dan" E. Lamping's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/23/2025

Dear Christmas Angels,

A kind reminder that tomorrow is the final day to get presents to Avielle Haven.

Thank you again to all who have volunteered their time, money, and love to ensure our residents have a bright Christmas!

Lots of love and thanks from us all. 🎄♥️🙏🏻

🎄 Sponsor a Resident This Christmas! 🎁

Hello friends!

We are reaching out with a special holiday request. We have 11 wonderful residents who would love to be included in a Christmas Angel Gift Tree this year. We’re hoping to find generous sponsors who can “adopt” a resident and help make their holiday a little brighter.

Each sponsor will receive a resident’s wish list with simple, meaningful items that bring comfort and joy during the season. ❤️

If you’re interested in sponsoring one of our residents—or would like more details—please comment below or send a direct message.

Your kindness truly makes a difference!

Thank you for helping us spread love and holiday cheer to our beloved residents!
🎄❄️🙏🏻

12/19/2025

Thank you to everyone who signed up to be a Christmas Angel!!
Friendly reminder: wrapped and labelled gifts are due by December 23rd. These can be dropped off at Avielle Haven.
We can coordinate pickup for those that cannot make it to us in Midland. Please message if this is the case.
Thanks so much again for sponsoring our residents.
They are going to be so elated and surprised on Christmas! 🩷🎄

🎄 Sponsor a Resident This Christmas! 🎁

Hello friends!

We are reaching out with a special holiday request. We have 11 wonderful residents who would love to be included in a Christmas Angel Gift Tree this year. We’re hoping to find generous sponsors who can “adopt” a resident and help make their holiday a little brighter.

Each sponsor will receive a resident’s wish list with simple, meaningful items that bring comfort and joy during the season. ❤️

If you’re interested in sponsoring one of our residents—or would like more details—please comment below or send a direct message.

Your kindness truly makes a difference!

Thank you for helping us spread love and holiday cheer to our beloved residents!
🎄❄️🙏🏻

12/15/2025

Only 1 resident left to sponsor!
Please message us if you'd like to be a Christmas Angel. 🎄❄️♥️

🎄 Sponsor a Resident This Christmas! 🎁

Hello friends!

We are reaching out with a special holiday request. We have 11 wonderful residents who would love to be included in a Christmas Angel Gift Tree this year. We’re hoping to find generous sponsors who can “adopt” a resident and help make their holiday a little brighter.

Each sponsor will receive a resident’s wish list with simple, meaningful items that bring comfort and joy during the season. ❤️

If you’re interested in sponsoring one of our residents—or would like more details—please comment below or send a direct message.

Your kindness truly makes a difference!

Thank you for helping us spread love and holiday cheer to our beloved residents!
🎄❄️🙏🏻

12/12/2025

🎄 Sponsor a Resident This Christmas! 🎁

Hello friends!

We are reaching out with a special holiday request. We have 11 wonderful residents who would love to be included in a Christmas Angel Gift Tree this year. We’re hoping to find generous sponsors who can “adopt” a resident and help make their holiday a little brighter.

Each sponsor will receive a resident’s wish list with simple, meaningful items that bring comfort and joy during the season. ❤️

If you’re interested in sponsoring one of our residents—or would like more details—please comment below or send a direct message.

Your kindness truly makes a difference!

Thank you for helping us spread love and holiday cheer to our beloved residents!
🎄❄️🙏🏻

11/29/2025

I’ve always said yes to the cases labeled “too hard.” Not because I’m fearless, but because those clients have been my greatest teachers. They’ve shown me that “difficult” is often “different,” that behind complex situations are ordinary hearts longing for connection, and that saying yes expands your capacity—and your circle of trusted experts and friends.

This week, we’re celebrating the birthday of Jeannette, a resident we lost earlier this year. She was a gift to me. Her life was not easy—she walked through trials many would not survive. She didn’t just survive; she thrived. And she taught me:

- See the person before the problem. When I met Jeannette as Jeannette, the care plan made sense.
- Different, not difficult. Honoring her rhythms and preferences turned “impossible” into doable.
- Small things are sacred. A favorite song, a warm blanket, a piece of chocolate—tiny bridges on hard days.
- Build the village. Specialists, nurses, family, and staff—together we guarded her quality of life.
- Choose dignity every time. Offering choices gave her voice when illness tried to take it.
- Grace carries us. God met us in the messy middle with strength we didn’t have on our own.
- Joy is medicine. Her “magical”sparkle reminded us to celebrate every good moment.

Because of residents like Jeannette, I am a stronger nurse, a steadier leader, and a more tender caregiver. Our community is better because of the way she let us love her—and the way she loved us back.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Jeannette! You are missed dearly. Keep being “magical”!

Much love,
Cari

10/16/2025

💛 Happy Boss’s Day to three of the best! 💛

Today we’re celebrating the incredible leaders who keep Avielle Haven running with so much heart — Cari, Chris, and Michelle.

They juggle countless tasks every single day, yet still find time to guide, support, and care. Their dedication, patience, and leadership mean the world to the staff and residents alike.

Thank you for all the behind-the-scenes work, the encouragement, and the way you always lead by example, ladies.

Avielle Haven truly shines because of you! 💐

10/15/2025

💜Wednesday Wisdom💜

👥Creating a Caregiving Support Network👥

Caregiving is a demanding job, and you don’t have to — and shouldn’t — do it alone. Many caregivers feel isolated or hesitate to ask for help because they don’t want to be a bother or feel guilty. Building a support team is a practical and essential part of being a good caregiver.

Try this simple exercise:
- Sit down and list the five people in your life who are most important to you right now.
- For each person, briefly explain what you’re doing as a caregiver — emotionally, physically, and spiritually — so they understand the situation.
- Brainstorm specific ways they might help now and as your loved one’s needs change.

Concrete ways people can help:
- Prepare meals or organize meal deliveries
- Run errands or pick up prescriptions
- Help with household chores or yard work
- Provide respite care so you can rest
- Offer companionship, phone check-ins, or outings
- Assist with transportation, appointments, or paperwork
- Join you for an exercise class or walks to support your wellbeing

Make a list of who can help and what they can do, then have open conversations to set expectations. This planning supports both you and your loved one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. You don’t have to do this alone — small offers of help can make a big difference.

And a huge thank you to all our special caregivers for everything, everyday.

Much love, 💗
Cari
Owner of Avielle Haven/RN

10/08/2025

Chris, Stepfanie, and I had an excellent day at the Senior Expo in the Midland Mall! We met a lot of really great people in our community.

10/07/2025

🥳 Wishing a very happy birthday to our lovely, Jodi Meyer!
Not only does she make the best meals for us, cares immensely for our residents, but she also makes residents and staff laugh and smile until their cheeks hurt.
Hope you've had the best day, Jodi! 🎉💐🥳

10/06/2025

Every month, we will be showcasing an incredible person that makes Avielle Haven what it is. 💖

Today, meet a luminary, a visionary... our extraordinary owner, Cari Foerster.👋🏻👋🏻

"My name is Cari Foerster. I’m a registered nurse, the eldest of three, and I’ve been married to my husband Jason for 26 years. We have two daughters: Avery, 21, a senior at Grand Valley State University, and Elliot, 12, a 7th grader at Freeland Middle School. When I’m not working I enjoy being with family and close friends, singing, cheering for the Detroit Tigers, and exploring creative pursuits — lately I’ve been trying my hand at writing.

I spent more than a decade in the travel industry before deciding in my early 30s to pursue nursing because I wanted to make a meaningful difference. Family experiences — my mother’s battle with multiple sclerosis and my grandmother’s brain cancer — drew me to the nervous system and to neurocritical care. My first nursing role was in a Neuro/Trauma ICU. Although I learned a great deal, I realized after about two years that that intense hospital environment wasn’t the right fit for me.

What followed felt uncertain at the time, but those roles ultimately prepared me for a new path. In 2015 a fellow nurse and I began renovating and opening an assisted living facility (completed in 2016). Over the next decade I spent countless hours with our residents — my own living classroom — developing and testing approaches to care and the environment. I studied how different spaces, personalities, and family dynamics affected wellbeing and used those insights to improve each person’s experience.

That work revealed my true passion: serving older adults. Where many see sadness, I see beautiful, authentic souls preparing for their next chapter. Stripped of ego, they still crave love and connection. My purpose is to create environments and relationships that honor humanity and help older adults thrive.

I believe every interaction is an opportunity to honor dignity, foster meaningful connection, and bring a little more joy into someone’s day. I am committed to compassionate leadership, thoughtful environments, and continual learning so residents and their families feel seen, supported, and celebrated. I welcome conversations with families and colleagues who share a desire to make senior living warm, respectful, and full of life.

Avielle Haven has been such a success that we are expanding. We’re completing a major 4,600-square-foot addition that includes eight private suites with en-suite bathrooms and a commercial kitchen, and we are adding a small secured memory care unit. This expansion will be opening in the coming weeks — please stay tuned for our ribbon-cutting ceremony and Grand Opening festivities. We look forward to celebrating with our community and welcoming new residents and families."

10/04/2025

🍂🎃 Fall fun is in full swing here at Avielle Haven!

Our residents spent the day making beautiful flower-pressed pumpkins. Each pumpkin turned out unique—just like the wonderful people who made them.

Arts and crafts aren’t just about making something pretty; they bring joy, spark creativity, and encourage self-expression. 💛

We love celebrating the season with activities that warm both the heart and the home. 🍁