A New Chapter of Connection, Storytelling, and Community Impact in Valley City

We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news: SMP Health – St. Raphael in Valley City, North Dakota will officially launch the Tellegacy Program at the beginning of 2026. This collaboration will bring together older adults, Valley City State University (VCSU) students, and local volunteers for meaningful conversations, weekly connection, and the creation of beautifully crafted legacy books that honor each participant’s life story.

This is the kind of partnership that reminds us why connection is powerful and why intergenerational relationships can strengthen a community in ways that nothing else can.

Why SMP Health – St. Raphael Is the Perfect Home for Tellegacy

SMP Health – St. Raphael is a place filled with heart. For more than 85 years, they have served Valley City and Barnes County through their faith-based mission of respect, compassion, healing hospitality, and person-centered care. Their commitment to honoring the dignity of every resident makes them a natural partner for Tellegacy.

They offer a full array of services—from skilled nursing and specialized dementia care to rehabilitation, spiritual care, and music therapy. Their values—relationships, environment, stewardship, people-directed care, ethical care, compassion, and teamwork—mirror the pillars that Tellegacy is built upon.

When a community holds those values close, storytelling becomes more than conversation. It becomes ministry. It becomes healing. It becomes legacy.

What the Program Will Look Like

Beginning in early 2026, VCSU students and volunteers will spend one hour each week meeting one-on-one with residents to:

  • Listen deeply to stories, memories, and personal reflections
  • Build genuine, lasting connections
  • Capture meaningful details that will shape each resident’s legacy book

Each legacy book is a personalized keepsake—something families cherish, something residents are proud of, and something future generations will appreciate. It is a tribute to a life lived with purpose.

This model has proven to enhance social connection, reduce loneliness, increase joy, and bring new energy into long-term care communities. And SMP Health – St. Raphael’s culture of compassion creates the ideal setting for these bonds to flourish.

A Win for Residents, Students, and the Community

Residents gain a trusted listener.
Students gain wisdom that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Families gain a treasured book capturing their loved one’s story.
And the community gains a bridge between generations—something rare and deeply needed.

The team at SMP Health – St. Raphael has already shown remarkable enthusiasm for welcoming Tellegacy, and the leadership’s commitment to building purposeful relationships ensures that this program will be both meaningful and sustainable.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to launch in early 2026, our excitement continues to grow. This partnership represents the best of what can happen when mission-driven organizations come together with a shared belief: every older adult deserves to be heard, seen, and valued.

We can’t wait to begin this journey with SMP Health – St. Raphael, Valley City State University, and the entire Valley City community. The stories waiting to be told will inspire all of us—and the legacy books created will carry those stories far into the future.

More updates coming soon. The best is absolutely ahead.