Doors to the Future innovation grant brings employees' ideas to life

Innovation at Immanuel starts with ideas that make life better for the people we serve. That’s the purpose behind Doors to the Future, a new employee-driven grant program created to turn creative concepts into practical solutions. The program’s first milestone? A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched bold ideas designed to improve experiences across our communities.

Twenty-two employee submissions were received for the inaugural year of the program. This fall, we hosted our first Spark Tank event (our own spin on Shark Tank) where seven finalists representing four proposals were chosen to pitch their proposals to a panel of judges. Each concept reflected the heart of Immanuel’s mission. 

“This process reminded us that innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about mission,” says Pastor Brian Maas, Vice President of Mission & Spiritual Care. “It’s about finding new ways to live out compassion and dignity every day.”

After careful deliberation, the judges selected Manny’s Mobile Market as the winners of this pitch event. The idea was developed by Scott Wiese, Tara Witty, and Rob Hill, all members of the Home Office Culinary Team.

It’s simple yet powerful: a market truck stocked with essentials that visits Immanuel communities and Immanuel Pathways centers, bringing convenience and dignity to residents and participants who can’t easily get to a physical store. The team calls it “Hospitality in Motion,” a way to meet people where they are and tailor offerings to their needs.

The next step is a feasibility study to determine start-up costs, followed by a review for funding by the Immanuel Board of Directors. It’s an exciting milestone for Immanuel and for the team behind this innovative idea.

Other proposals in the Spark Tank included:

• No-interest microloans for PACE® participants facing urgent needs
• “Even Now,” a personalized experience for residents that reflects their passions
• Funding for an additional MATRADEE L, a fully autonomous food service robot (one is currently in use at The Lighthouse)

The judges were so impressed with the proposals; they unanimously endorsed all four finalist entries for further exploration.

“Doors to the Future is an investment in Immanuel’s long-term success,” says Julie Kaminski, Immanuel’s Chief Operating Officer. “By cultivating innovation from within, we’re not only improving day-to-day life for those we serve today, we’re building a foundation for future team members, residents, and participants. Programs like Doors to the Future ensure that our future is shaped by creativity, empowerment of those closest to our mission, compassion, and forward-thinking solutions.”

This event wasn’t just about selecting a winner, Brian says, it was about sparking ideas that can transform retirement living and senior care. Every proposal demonstrated how deeply Immanuel employees care about creating meaningful experiences for residents and participants. 

“That’s the true power of innovation,” Brian says, “when it grows from mission and compassion, it changes lives.”