Throughout Mosaic’s history, countless women have served tirelessly. Without their work, the organization may not have survived well into its second century. This comes from Mosaic’s  centennial book (published in 2013), “The Reason We Exist, Stories of Mosaic’s Call to Serve”:

“If it were not for the women on staff, Bethphage and Martin Luther Home would not have survived. This was especially true during the staff shortages of World War II as workers were needed in war industries. Harvest season added additional challenges because it also meant canning season, when all hands were needed both at home and at Bethpage and MLH. Tireless dedication in the face of hard work defined the workers’ attitudes.”

While many have been known only to those they served and their coworkers, others have almost legendary status and were written about by others over the years. One such is Sr. Aurora Swanberg, the first sister admitted to the Bethphage Diaconate. Bethphage’s founder wrote this about Sr. Aurora:

“She is not afraid of work but rather seems to love it. From early morn she is at work – in the sick wards, in the kitchen, the drug room, and the laundry; yes, even the little farm is the subject for her warm interest. At times she is out in the neighborhood buying cows and chickens, then she is found in the smithy making sure that the horses are properly shod, or again making arrangements for the purchase of hay and corn.”

We have fewer historical records from the other side of Mosaic’s history, Martin Luther Home. Yet, no doubt there would be similar stories of the hard-working women who kept that mission alive.

When looking at the organization’s history, it has been commented, “Men of vision and the women who made it happen.”

While no women are listed among the organization’s founders, their wives surely gave of themselves as well. As an example, Martha Moehl, the wife of one of the listed MLH founders, first provided care to several people in her own home because the building was ready to go. One of the earliest photos from Bethphage shows the founder standing in front of the home and three women on the porch providing care.

Today, women outnumber men more than four to one in the positions that provide direct support and care for people Mosaic serves, and after existing for 105 years, the first woman—Linda Timmons—was installed as President and CEO in 2008 and still holds that position today.