For Ebenezer team members, caring for others often becomes something more. For one family, it has grown into a shared purpose, carried across three generations and lived out in four distinct roles.
From a woman who first stepped into senior care as a young nursing assistant, to a daughter supporting teams behind the scenes, and finally to a granddaughter and soon to be daughter-in-law building connections with residents, the Matthys/Hopson family story reflects the many ways care shows up across Ebenezer.
Each of them holds a different role. But listen closely, and a common thread emerges: relationships, purpose, and a deep respect for the people they serve.
Where It All Began
For Amy Matthys, the first in the family to be an Ebenezer team member, that connection started early. “I grew up near the Martin Luther campus. My sister and I would walk there to visit the residents, bring them treats, and play games with them,” she shared.
That early exposure led to a lifelong career in nursing and education which began at Ebenezer, then moved into the Fairview system as an LPN and RN. Eventually, Amy returned to Ebenezer as a Corporate Float Nurse Educator. It’s in this role that Amy sees her impact ripple outward.
“The most rewarding part of my work is hearing how our training has helped prepare new employees to begin providing safe care and support to our residents.”
From left to right: Eva Miller, Amy Matthys, Ellen Hopson, Abigail Hopson
Different Roles, Shared Purpose
Amy’s daughter, Ellen Hopson, has experienced Ebenezer from multiple angles. Each one has deepened her understanding of the organization’s impact.
After initially joining the Education team, where she supported nurse educators and gained insight into the clinical side of care, Ellen has since transitioned into a role in Development. Today, she helps support new communities and the Estoria Cooperatives brand, working behind the scenes to support the creation of spaces where older adults can thrive.
“Supporting the education team gave me insight into the clinical side of Ebenezer… In my current role… it’s been great to understand more of the business and sales side of things,” she shared.
That range—from supporting caregivers to helping shape new communities—has given her a unique perspective on how every part of the organization connects. “It’s not just sales and marketing. It’s actually creating healthy communities for people to continue their story… and that matters.”
No matter the role, one thing has stayed consistent. “There’s a sense of kindness and professionalism with everyone I’ve met,” Ellen said. “Whether in accounting, sales, caregivers, or the executive team, the mission of care and making a difference are present.”
And for Ellen, sharing that experience with her family has made the work even more meaningful, connecting what happens behind the scenes to the moments her daughter experiences directly with residents each day.
Care in Everyday Moments
That connection becomes even more tangible in the work of the next generation.
As a Culinary Assistant at The Fountains at Hosanna in Lakeville, Abbey Hopson experiences resident interaction in some of the most everyday, but meaningful, ways. “The most rewarding part of the job is those tidbits of time… that I get to chat with the residents. They have so much to say and… give me fresh perspective and insight.”
She sees firsthand how something as simple as a shared meal can shape daily life. “I think dining might be one of the most important activities for the residents! It’s a beautiful way to spend time with friends.”
And like her mother and grandmother, she’s found something deeper than just a job. “The more I learned about Ebenezer, the more I fell in love with the company and its values.”
A Broader View of Care
Soon-to-be family member and Ellen’s future daughter-in-law Eva Miller adds yet another perspective. As a Resident Assistant at Arbor Lane in Burnsville, she works directly with residents on their daily care and well-being. “What I find most rewarding is forming connections with residents and being able to make a positive impact on their day-to-day experience.”
Her role is fast-paced and sometimes challenging but grounded in purpose. “Even on the harder days, I know I’m making a positive impact on someone’s health and impacting their quality of life, and that makes it worth it.”
A Family Bond Strengthened by Work
For this family, working at Ebenezer doesn’t just mean shared employment, it means shared stories. “We love talking about work and exchanging fun stories,” Abbey said.
Amy agrees, noting the pride she feels watching each family member contribute in their own way. “They all have unique, yet important roles in serving our residents and their families.”
Together, their experiences offer a fuller picture of what it takes to create a supportive, thriving community for older adults: from education and development, to dining and direct care.
One Mission, Many Paths
Whether teaching, planning, serving, or caregiving, each of these women contribute to the same goal: making life better for the people who call Ebenezer home. If you ask each of them what ties it all together, their answers are similar: connection, purpose, and care that spans generations.