Not only am I a donor but my parents are residents in the independent living section. They absolutely love it at Friendship Manor. They are so busy I often cannot reach them. They both volunteer some of their time to help out there and are very involved in all aspects of Friendship Manor. The food is wonderful - my parents rave about it often. There are so many activities, both inside and outside the walls, that they can participate in, I never worry about them sitting in their apartment being lonely or inactive. The whole community, from other residents, to staff, to administrators, is friendly and caring. Their is definitely a sense of belonging, community and family there. I feel like I am a part of that community as well. My husband has several relatives there, a former teacher of mine is there and other folks I know call the Manor home.
It is nice to know that if my parents should need it, the assisted living area is available, as is Silver Cross, should they need even more care. I can't tell you what that means to me as a daughter that they will be well cared for into their 80s, 90s and beyond.
As a donor, I appreciate the individualized thank you notes I receive for even a small donation. Sometimes when I donate to other charities, I never hear from them except when they want something. Friendship Manor makes me feel like what I gave them was a most important gift. And I always know where the money is going and what the gifts they receive are able to do for the residents.
Overall, I am pleased that my parents live there and that I can help whenever I am able.
Friendship Manor became home for my mother when she decided to move here from Florida. She stated many many times how she wished she'd made the move sooner. She enjoyed the many friends she made and the activities they all shared upon her arrival ...right from the beginning. I knew she was happy and "settled in" when I'd call and she would say that she'd have to call me back because she was on her way to a birthday party, card game, expecting a friend over or going to the cocktail party etc.. It made me smile to know that she was living independently as she always had and loving every minute of it.
When she became ill, my mother stayed in Silver Cross and again felt very comfortable and comforted due to the warmth and expertise of the staff as well as the convenience of knowing she was close to her apartment and friends who visited her every day. Friendship Manor was "home" in every sense of the word and as a result of her love of her surroundings it felt like home to me as well.
I'll always be grateful and thankful that she was so happy and comfortable there. Her friends became extended family to me and am very much a part of their lives.
Joan McWilliams Bollaert
Friendship Manor "Feels Like Home" because we make a faith-based, consistent effort to treat all of our residents, employees, guests and vendors with courtesy, compassion, competence and concern for their total health and well-being.
Our philosophy is based on traditional family values and teamwork to provide the most accommodating and pleasant atmosphere for our mothers and fathers who have earned the privilege of privacy, independence and wellness.
Come celebrate your retirement years with us in an environment of convenience, comfort & community!