The Georgia United Methodist Foundation celebrates its ministry partners by helping to advance their missions through socially responsible, faith-based financial solutions. A strong example of the impact that purposeful giving, strong vision and philanthropy can have on our community is the Wesley Woods Foundation.
As the only non-profit senior living organization providing housing, wellness programs and pastoral care in Georgia, it’s easy to see why the Wesley Woods Foundation has gained such a prestigious reputation in the 70 years since its founding. While the mission of providing affordable housing for older adults was fairly novel at its conception in 1953, the North Georgia United Methodist Conference has remained committed to their sustainability as the need has grown. And with their support and many others like it, Wesley Woods has expanded tremendously and shows no signs of slowing down.
President of the Wesley Woods Foundation, Diane Vaughan, spoke of the “wonderful mission” of Wesley Woods as the “only non-profit senior living organization for residents who have outlived their resources.” Vaughan spoke passionately on the three central offerings of each Wesley Woods community which provide “financial assistance for housing and meals, wellness programming and wellness nurses, and pastoral care through on-site chaplains.” She said proudly of their facilities, “People can afford to live here.” Adding, “It is our mission to never ask a resident to leave their home because they can’t afford to live there.”
While the 10 Wesley Woods communities vary in size, location and available levels of care, they all have a few things in common. One of the most important similarities is their commitment to having an on-site, full time chaplain at each location. Wesley Woods Director of Pastoral Care, Karen Kagiyama, puts great emphasis on the power of connection that their chaplains bring into the community. By providing a “ministry of presence” Wesley Woods chaplains facilitate prayer groups, bible studies and worship services as well as in-home visits and individual spiritual life needs. This community faith leader imparts residents with a sense that “they are not alone”, providing a tangible representation of “God’s grace and God’s love” in a time of their lives where they can feel forgotten or undervalued.
The impact of Wesley Woods programming on its residents is a powerful testament to the work they do on a daily basis. With sights set on expanding their wellness offerings and eventually opening new facilities, they are one of the Georgia United Methodist Foundation’s most treasured partners. Vaughan reflected on the partnership of Wesley Woods with the GUMF by saying, “We love being in partnership with the GUMF. We are headed in the same direction.” And as the Wesley Woods Foundation looks to the future, they know that the GUMF’s purpose will continue to be in support of their mission.
By: Carolyn Jones
