Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community

Programs: Founded by the fourth episcopal bishop of south carolina in 1850, bishop gadsden episcopal retirement community upholds the tradition of faith-based, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the well-being of those persons who, because of age, personal conditions, health and their express desire, choose to reside in a retirement community. Bishop gadsden is a mission-driven, not profit-driven, organization. It has a long-term obligation to its residents and is committed to removing financial barriers to residency. Its roots in the greater charleston community span over 165 years and, through the years, it has responded to specific needs of the greater community. It has long been open to all men and women without regard to race, creed, religions, sexual preference, or national origin. Retirement community bishop gadsden serves approximately 500 senior adults, 62 years of age and older, residing in four levels of care: independent community (260 units), assisted living (80 units), memory support (19 beds), and skilled nursing care (50 beds). Bishop gadsden operates to meet the primary needs of senior citizens by providing (1) residential facilities designed to meet physical, emotional, recreational, social, religious, and similar needs of the elderly, (2) access to healthcare services as needed, (3) assurance that the organization is run in a fiscally responsible manner, and (4) the commitment of financial security to any resident who runs out of money through no fault of his/her own.

resident assistance program: bishop christopher gadsden founded the home for orphans and widows in 1850 to assist those in need. His vision for a caring community is the heart and soul of the organization now called bishop gadsden. At the core of bishop gadsden is the belief and execution of the charitable mission. Since 1995, bishop gadsden's resident assistance fund has donated more than $4. 73 million in charitable care to residents facing financial difficulties. The resident assistance fund alleviates any anxieties residents and their families have by assuring them that they will continue to receive the care they need regardless of whether they can pay. Through the continued efforts of bishop gadsden residents, families, staff, and other organizations, the resident assistance fund continues to be a high priority. This imperative fund allows bishop gadsden to assist residents and future residents who, by no fault of their own, can no longer afford their continued care, while also suporting outside charitable organizations. All residents who are receiving financial support or assistance are between the ages of 73-98. They come from the greater charleston area, are both male and female, and cross all socioeconomic lines. Their qualifications range from having a past strong commitment to their church community-through volunteering time and talents. To residents who have made significant contributions to the charleston area. Their contributions may be of an artistic nature, one of public service, or the ability to have created a positive philosophical change. Bishop gadsden will continue to extend assistance to residents, acting on the firm belief that removing economic barriers to residency is part of its mission.

generous spirit outreach programs: throughout bishop gadsden's existence, a giving commitment has been on the forefront resulting in over $6,132,719 in charitable care and gifts being raised for and distributed to other non-profit organizations in our local community. The generous spirit sub commitiee, as part of the bishop gadsden's residents' council, chooses to support specific charitable organizations each year. Led by residents, with assistance from staff, the committee sets a fundraising goal and conducts all solicitations and appeals. In 2017, this important committee raised $212,210 in cash and $278,987 in-kind items. These funds were allocated as follows: hallie hill animal sanctuary ($34,000), walk to end alzheimer's ($2,000), my sister's house ($104,000), coastal crisis chaplaincy ($34,000), trident literacy ($2,120), windwood farms ($2,000), able life foundation ($34,000), sea island habitat for humanity and toys for tots - 250 toys. In addition to charitable causes that support outside organizations, residents and staff contribute to the strongheart employee education scholarship fund, with $54,000 being distributed to employees for education purposes. Residents and staff contribute to more than 1,000 local and national charitable organizations - bishop gadsden's culinary department donated 24,839 lbs of food, equaling a gift of $168,905, and 37,258 meals. The organization also provides other support to the local community, such as the free use of meeting space to local charities, student internships from local colleges, tutoring services to the neighboring middle school, space for after school activities, performance space for schools and other local groups, food donations to local food banks, the operation of a community festival to thank the local community and the local first responders, and other activities meant to cement the organization's relationship with the local community. Executive staff also sit on community boards such as roper st. Francis, sea island habitat for humanity, and leadingage sc.