Print Issue: November 14, 2002

Annual Appeal Funds Help Support Catholic Personal Care Homes

Jean Coate, standing left, introduces her son James of Osage, Ark., to her fellow residents during a picnic at St. Thomas Manor, East Point, last spring. (Photo by Michael Alexander)

ATLANTA - For more than a decade, Catholic Personal Care Homes have received funds from the archdiocesan Annual Appeal. The homes - Marian Manor on the campus of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Atlanta, St. Thomas Manor in East Point and St. Teresa Manor in Riverdale have served as assisted living facilities for individuals who want to live independently, but like the security of a group home setting.

Marian Manor has been in operation since 1984; St. Thomas opened in 1988, and St. Teresa's in 1989.

Each home can serve 15 elderly residents.

"We pride ourselves in keeping a home-like environment," said Regina Harris, director of Catholic Senior Housing Services.

Residents need to be 55 years or older and be self-sufficient, she said. "We are watchful care and protective oversight. We do housekeeping and laundry, (and provide meals) but do not do one-on-one nursing or medical care," she explained.

The average age of a CPCH resident is 82 years old, she said.

Rent is $1,565 a month which covers housing and food. The homes have regular events, inviting family members and volunteers to join them, such as an annual picnic in the spring, and a Thanksgiving buffet, and a Mardi Gras party.

Harris noted that the homes are often flooded with calls during the holidays from students seeking to fulfill their community service obligations before year's end. While those volunteers are appreciated, she said that the residents would love seeing visitors year round - not just during the holidays.

In addition to the support from the annual appeal, Harris runs an annual fund-raiser every spring to help support the homes, which cost more than the rent total to operate.