2025: A Year Made Possible by People
December 17, 2025 | From the CEO, General, Kline Galland Staff, Volunteer
As we reflect on 2025, one truth stands out: Everything we accomplished this year happened because of a remarkable community of staff, volunteers, partners, and donors. We want to applaud and celebrate those who ensure that exceptional care remains Kline Galland’s guiding promise, every day, in every way, for everyone.
Staff: the heart of our work
Kline Galland’s strength begins with its staff. Our dedicated employees continued to rise to the moment with resilience and purpose. Whether supporting long-term residents, guiding families through transitions, navigating rising care needs, or facing industry-wide challenges, their steady presence continued to be the heartbeat of our mission.
“Our exceptional staff are at the core of all that is the beauty of Kline Galland. They care beyond the ordinary and are what makes our services so special and unique. The relationships between our staff, patients, residents and families are meaningful and strong and the outcome brings peace of mind to those experiencing our services.”
-Shelly Ryan, Chief of Human Resources
To show our appreciation for the team members who give so much of themselves, we opened our new Staff Garden in June. Made possible by a generous donation from Betsy and Jeff Cohen, this peaceful outdoor space has already become a favorite place for staff to reflect, recharge, and take well-deserved moments of rest.
In fact, turnover across many areas of Kline Galland continues to remain low – a rare and meaningful indicator in today’s healthcare environment. It reflects both the depth of dedication among our team and the strong support systems that help people stay, grow, and thrive here.
One of our extraordinary team leaders, Dr. Jon Younger, was named a Health Care Hero by the Puget Sound Business Journal in 2025. His work establishing the region’s first on-site hospice unit at Kline Galland Home and his commitment to staff mentorship have shaped a culture of excellence and compassion. As Dr. Younger prepares to retire, we honor his legacy of innovation and humanity that will continue influencing our care for years to come.
Volunteers and community partners: bringing connection
Our volunteers and partners helped bring joy, meaning, and connection into everyday life across our campuses. Their presence reminded all of us that community is not just something we serve; it is something we build together.
One highlight of 2025 was the intergenerational visits with the Seattle Jewish Community School, featured on KIRO 7 News. Seniors and students connected through art with curiosity and creativity. The projects warmed hearts and promoted a sense of well-being for everyone involved.
Our continued partnership with the UW Landscape Architecture program meant the realization of additional beautiful public spaces. After winning an award for designing Kline Galland’s Quint Family Sensory Garden, the UW students came back to transform more outdoor areas into places of movement, peace, and delight. We are so grateful for how they blend creativity, accessibility, and natural beauty for thoughtful designs. We look forward to the students returning for the next garden project—kicking off this spring.
Of course, our year-round volunteers are the ones who make a deep difference in Kline Galland. These individuals show up each week to offer companionship, lead activities, support spiritual care, or simply sit with someone who needs a listening ear.
Donors: fueling progress and possibility
Kline Galland’s donors are the visionaries who help carry our mission into the future. This year, we celebrated a major achievement. Thanks to the lead gift and support of honorary campaign co-chairs Karen and Gary Schwartz, the Campaign Cabinet chaired by Brian Quint, and the generosity of many additional supporters, we have reached our $30 million capital campaign goal. Reaching this goal strengthens our ability to provide a true continuum of care for generations to come.
Building on this success, we are extending the campaign into 2026 to further fortify our reserves. Stability, readiness, and financial capacity are of the highest priority as we continue meeting rising needs with excellence.
“Our campaign success shows how deeply our community values the work that we do. We are so grateful to our donors who stepped up so generously to support the next generation of care.
As we face significant cuts in healthcare reimbursement over the next few years, the decision to extend the campaign allows us to continue building our reserves and ensuring the level of personalized care that defines Kline Galland.”
Jeff Cohen, CEO
Learn more about on ongoing Capital Campaign here.
Donor generosity also makes possible our Margin of Excellence services. This program covers services essential to quality of life but that are beyond what insurance will cover. Specialized therapies, spiritual care, music and art programs, transportation, and so many more offerings are often the difference between care that is sufficient and care that is exceptional.
We appreciate all our donors for the long-term donor trust, ongoing engagement, and continued belief in our mission and our future.
Looking ahead to 2026
As we move into the new year, Kline Galland remains deeply committed to growth centered on dignity, connection, and exceptional care. Planned upgrades and renovations across both the Kline Galland campus and The Summit will enhance comfort, accessibility, and the overall resident experience.
Most importantly, our focus remains on people: the individuals who call our communities home, the families who trust us, and the staff, volunteers, and supporters who make our mission possible. With their partnership, we look forward to another year of strengthening our family of services and advancing the values that have guided us for more than a century.
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Sources: Kline Galland
