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Wesley Woods Announces Success of “Community of Caring” Campaign and
Unveils Wellness and Safety Improvements for Residents
ATLANTA - September 10, 2015 - Wesley Woods - a nationally recognized leader in assuring quality, affordable residential services for older Georgians, of all income levels - will celebrate the success of a multi-million dollar capital campaign with an event and tour on September 30 at its Asbury Harris Epworth Towers community. Through its “Community of Caring” campaign and other fundraising efforts, the Foundation of Wesley Woods supports philanthropic needs across the nine Wesley Woods residential communities that support over 1,500 older adults each year. Asbury Harris, which serves predominantly African-Americans living below the poverty line, is located in Southwest Atlanta.
“Exceeding our $9.8M goal is a testimony to the dedication and leadership of our campaign chairs and board and to the generosity and engagement of our supporters,” said Tracy L. Crump, Executive Director. “All are dedicated to ensuring North Georgia’s older adults have the homes and communities they deserve: safe, attractive, and affordable and surrounded by the necessary services and wellness programming that keeps them living independently. The longer an older adult can live independently, the higher quality of life they enjoy and subsequently, the longer they can live in good health – so critical to them, their families, and our entire community.”
Residents have enthusiastically welcomed the changes to the new Wellness Center, recreation rooms, fitness studio, classroom and warming kitchen, with one commenting, “Everything looks so much brighter and (more) cheery in the building!” Terry L. Barcroft, VP of Operations for Wesley Woods, has been pleased with the residents’ reception to the improvements. “I have not seen this level of engagement at Asbury Harris Epworth Towers in years. We are making our buildings more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate while improving the overall safety and wellness of our residents. From stove burners that won’t catch fire to emergency call pendants, the improvements made possible by this campaign ensure that our residents are safer. We are also able to implement a Wellness Program, which will help members of all nine of our communities maintain good health and remain living independently longer,” stated Ms. Barcroft.
The celebration for donors and volunteers kicks off at 9:00 a.m.; in addition to highlighting improvements to common areas, it will also showcase energy-efficient improvements to residences, such as ENERGY STARⓇ-qualified appliances, as well as refurbishments to the arts and crafts room, multi-purpose room, library, administrative offices, lounge area, lobby and reception area, all designed to make the building more welcoming for residents and visiting friends and family.
Capital improvements to address safety, security, energy efficiency and other updates to common areas and residences are also underway at Wesley Woods’ eight other communities in Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Newnan and Blairsville.
About the Foundation of Wesley Woods
The mission of Wesley Woods is to help people age with grace by providing residential communities where older adults can live independently, with good health, in supportive communities for as long as possible. In its nine residential communities in Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Blairsville and Newnan, Wesley Woods provides safe and affordable housing, support services, resident-centered quality care and a safety net when it is needed for over 1,500 adults each year. More than a third of Wesley Woods’ residents live below the poverty line, and two-thirds of all residents need financial assistance at some point. These needs will increase exponentially as the population of older adults continues to grow in Georgia. Wesley Woods plays an important leadership role in assuring quality, affordable services for older adults. The Foundation’s signature annual event, Heroes, Saints and Legends, is scheduled for March 31, 2016 at the St. Regis in Buckhead. For more information on the Foundation or to donate, please visit www.wesleywoods.org.