Three community leaders recently joined the Christian Health Care Center (CHCC), board of directors. Bill Bode Jr., Karen Kooy and Marcia Wilcox joined the nursing facility’s 11-member volunteer board that offers support and direction to the nonprofit corporation.

Bode is a retired partner of Lynden-based Aslum & Bode Furniture and former Lynden Chamber of Commerce board member. He currently has a family member receiving care at CHCC.

“I have witnessed firsthand the love, care and compassion the staff provide and have been impressed with the facility,” he said in a press release. “Being asked to serve on this board is truly an honor.”

Karen Kooy joined the group with an understanding of the needs of senior citizens, and experience working with nonprofit organizations. She was the former activities director for Sumas Senior Center and is now working with a non-profit group that lends support to Christian ministries in India.

As a three-time survivor of cancer, published author and vocal member of the groups Kings Men of Song and New Generation, Marcia Wilcox brings a wealth of personal experiences and compassion to the board.

“It gives me great pleasure to be a part of a team that works to keep staff and residents in this facility happy,” Wilcox said in a press release.

Bode, Kooy and Wilcox join fellow board members Kevin DeVries, Herm Fransen, Ron Hendricks, Ed Hubbard, Gary Kamps, David Kreps, Howard Vande Kieft, and Ron Wiersma. The board, along with CHCC’s management team, is facing significant challenges in 2011 due to proposed cuts in Washington State’s healthcare services for the elder population.

Christian Health Care Center provides nursing and rehabilitation services to 142 senior citizens throughout Whatcom County.

For more information, visit www.chcclynden.org.