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In 1983, Magnolia Manor entered
into partnership with area Methodists to build a community of loving care for
older adults in Macon. Since this wonderful ministry opened its doors, literally
hundreds of seniors have found a caring place to call their home on the campus
of Magnolia Manor of Macon. Area United Methodists have always been vital
supporters of this venture, and we can all be proud of the quality care that
characterizes our ministry for older adults throughout Middle Georgia.
In the last twenty-five years, however, the
numbers and needs of older adults have grown tremendously. Today, many families
are realizing that their older loved ones need more assistance to continue
living securely with as much independence as possible. Unfortunately, these
same families are discovering that such assistance, at an affordable rate, is
increasingly difficult to find in Macon and Middle Georgia.
In response to this growing need among older
adults, Magnolia Manor of Macon is building on its legacy of love in order to
offer the caring assistance so many seniors need today. Construction of the
center for assisted care, currently underway in Macon, will equip Magnolia Manor
with the ability to offer twenty-four apartments of "assisted care" to lower-
and moderate-income older adults. What difference will this make? To those
older adults who need additional assistance with meal preparation, with
housekeeping, and with medication oversight in order to continue living with
dignity and as much independence as possible, it will make all the difference in
the world!
Two United Methodist leaders in the Macon
community led the steering committee which oversaw the capital campaign bringing
us to the point of construction. Mr. George Youmans, Magnolia Manor Board of
Trustees member and a member of Vineville UMC, chaired the steering committee,
and Mr. A.V. Elliott, a member of Forest Hills UMC, served as the vice
co-chair. "If I had not experienced directly the care Magnolia Manor gives to
older loved ones, I would probably not be as involved as I am in this effort,"
said Youmans, explaining his motivation for leading the committee. "But I have
seen that care given to my own family," he continued, "and I would like to see
other families experience that same care for their loved ones." A.V. Elliott
explained, "Every group in society has an advocate except older adults and their
needs. Being advocates for the needs of seniors is what this project is all
about."
This new venture invites everyone to become active
advocates for the needs of senior adults. By adding assisted care to the
Macon campus of Magnolia Manor, we can all participate in extending the loving
care we seek for our own older loved ones to many families across Middle
Georgia.
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Left to Right: Albert Reichart, Tom Bass, RoseMary McKelvey, Steering
Committee; Robert Beckum, Vice President of Church Relations and
Development; and Lynn Leacroy, Administrator of the Macon Campus.
RoseMary McKelvey is receiving a check from the Linda H. Lane Charitable
Fund. |
