POMPANO BEACH –2/12/2016 – When the mother of a Henderson Behavioral Health executive was admitted to our Health Center, a relationship was rekindled between John Knox Village and the Fort Lauderdale-based health services provider.

Nanette Olson, Executive Director of John Knox Village’s Foundation, reconnected with Suzanne Higgins, Henderson’s Director of Development, when Suzanne was on the campus visiting her mom.

“Suzanne and I started talking and trying to figure out ways (John Knox Village’s) Sharing and Caring program could help out Henderson,” Nanette said. Suzanne informed her that a residential treatment apartment complex called The Summit was a mere four blocks south of John Knox Village.

“The Summit residents live there independently and receive various therapeutic support services,” Nanette said. “These are folks who might otherwise fall through the cracks. I knew then this was a program we could get behind. Nearly immediately I asked how we could work with them.”

With Nanette enlisting the help of our Building and Grounds Maintenance Managers, Bill Moll and Jim Witt, an improvement plan quickly took shape.

In short order, an outdoor concrete patio slab was laid, the entire complex was re-painted with help from nearly 20 staff members, and a Tower Garden growing system was donated for residents to cultivate their own fruits, vegetables and herbs.

“Henderson Behavioral Health is extremely grateful to the John Knox Village Sharing and Caring Committee for partnering with us to help beautify The Summit Apartments, one of our many residential treatment homes,” said Suzanne. “With limited resources, we could not have made the wonderful improvements to our apartments without their generosity. The residents who live here are so appreciative and happy with their newly improved home – fresh paint, tower gardens, paver patio and new patio furniture.”

For its efforts, John Knox Village is being honored Saturday, March 12, as a “Henderson Hero” at the organization’s black-tie optional Annual Mind, Body & Soul-utions Wellness Gala in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

“This is quite an honor and thrill,” Nanette said. “I am glad we’ve been able to help Henderson and look forward to continuing our relationship.”

About Sharing and Caring:

Since 2008, John Knox Village’s Sharing and Caring Program has brought residents, staff and the community together in a powerful way. The social accountability initiative continues to follow its mission of making vital connections to social organizations in the community.

These organizations depend on our financial and volunteer support to keep their programs running. Support services are provided to a wide variety of recipients, including: Seniors struggling to provide in-home care to loved ones; sports programs geared to teaching leadership skills to our youth; international efforts; and those who are homeless, hurting and hopeless in the community.

The vital outreach also shares the mission of John Knox Village – “…to provide an environment of whole person wellness in which the people we serve thrive.”

In 2013, the program received the “Best Practices Award” from LeadingAge Florida, which is given to an individual or group that showcases excellence, innovation and creative ideas at work.

The Sharing and Caring Committee is comprised of staff members from all areas of John Knox Village. Residents and employees are given an opportunity to offer suggestions to the Committee where our community may serve and to participate in the projects. Organizations wishing to be considered for assistance should contact Nanette Olson at (954) 784-4757.

About Henderson Behavioral Health:

Henderson Behavioral Health is the oldest and largest, community-based not-for-profit behavioral healthcare system in South Florida. Since 1953 Henderson has helped hundreds of thousands of children, adults and families.  Henderson Behavioral Health’s mission is to serve as the premier provider of accessible, cost effective, and quality behavioral healthcare services to the people of South Florida.

Last year Henderson helped over 30,000 individuals, 8,000 of whom are children. Henderson maintains the highest level of CARF (Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation, and has done so, continuously for over 20 years.  Visit Henderson at (www.hendersonbh.org).

About John Knox Village:

John Knox Village is a not-for-profit Life Plan Retirement Community that provides a full range of life-care services for those aged 62 and greater. The Village is located at 651 S.W. 6th Street in Pompano Beach, just east of I-95 and south of Atlantic Boulevard. For more information, contact our Marketing Department, at (954) 783-4040, or visit us at www.johnknoxvillage.com.