Bridge the Gap for Brian Berg's Care

Hello, my name is Ron Finney. My wife Colene and I live in Olalla, Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula, near Seattle. In January 2022, I became the court-appointed Guardian/Conservator for my long-time friend Brian Berg. Brian's crisis came to a head in late 2021 when Brian became a client of adult protective services. A restraining order was implemented by the court to protect our vulnerable friend from abuse and financial exploitation. In spite of the court’s intervention, all of Brian’s life savings had already been depleted, and events had conspired to cut him off from friends and family. If that were not punishment enough, Brian was subsequently billed over $13,000 in legal, court and guardianship fees... all of this happening prior to me becoming his lay guardian. Brian needs our help!

So, who is Brian Berg? I met my friend Brian 44 years ago at Puget Sound Christian College where he served for many years as manager of the College's "PSCC Litho" print shop. Also an extraordinary pianist, he served as accompanist and arranger for the College's tour group, “Sound Waves" and even taught music for a time at the college. Brian’s work was his ministry of excellence. While I was a student at the College, Brian hired me as a printer's apprentice at PSCC Litho! To me, Brian was more than a boss. He was a mentor, a friend and wise older brother.

My experience was not unique, because Brian was a mentor to many others. He served through agencies that paired caring adults with challenged youth. Amazingly, Brian continued his support of youth in need well into his 80's. Tragically, his generous, trusting spirit was devastatingly exploited. By the time concerned individuals were able to initiate a Vulnerable Adult Protective Order, Brian was traumatized and drained of his life savings. Though not rich, Brian had always saved and prepared for retirement most successfully. What a cruel injustice!

So after I met with Brian in November 2021, he agreed to come live with us at the "Finney Farm" in Olalla. Here, he’s had his own comfortable digs right next door in our ADU, which ironically, used to be my own print shop and studio. Serving as his lay guardian the last 2-1/2 years has been a demanding labor of love and joy. As an honorary member of the Finney family, Brian shares dinner with us each night, participates in family gatherings, attends church with us and senior citizens every Wednesday. Brian is adored by our eight-year-old grandson and two dogs, Maggie and Arlo.

Amazingly, we’ve achieved financial stability for Brian over the past two years and he's paid off all his legal fees. We’ve seen Brian’s physical health noticeably improve as we pursue healthy living together. Unfortunately, the one aspect of Brian’s health we are not able to control is his slow decline in memory and cognitive acuity. And so, Brian who still has his great sense of humor and love for life, is now needing greater support and socialization than my wife Colene and I, who both still work fulltime, are able to provide.

So last month, with Brian’s full support, we moved him to an awesome assisted living facility in the nearby town of Gig Harbor. Brian loves his new community and we are so happy for him to be in such a beautiful and caring environment.

As you can imagine, assisted living is incredibly expensive. But the good news is, Brian has an excellent long-term care insurance policy that will cover all his future expenses. The only catch is, Brian must pay 100% of his assisted living costs out-of-pocket for the first 100 days. After 100 days his insurance pays. The bare reality is, Brian’s modest Social Security income only covers about 1/3 of his expenses during this period. This means, Brian has a financial gap during this period of about $8,500.

With loving support from other friends and family, Brian has moved, over the past two and a half years, from a place of despair and isolation, to joy and belonging. It’s been a big job, requiring sacrifice of time and resources. But adding our older brother Brian to our family has been one of the most fulfilling projects Colene and I have undertaken—all for a kind and worthy man--our friend, Brian Berg. At this point we are stretched beyond what we can handle alone. And so I ask that you prayerfully consider helping us bridge the gap for Brian, in assuring this next chapter in his life, is an excellent one. All funds raised will go directly to his guardian account to cover his 100 day out of pocket living expenses and any future medical needs.

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,

The crawling locust, the consuming locust,

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,

And praise the name of the LORD your God,

And My people shall never be put to shame.

Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel:

I am the LORD your God, and there is no other.” Joel 2:25-27