Site Plan of St. Francis Manor with areas marked for expansion and renovation at St. Francis Manor. Areas include: Renovated Social Center that is connected to New Kitchen, New Assisted Dining Area, New Physical Therapy Addition, New Transitional/Skilled Care Unit, Renovated Front Entrance and Lounge, Old Kitchen converted into Nursing Offices, Two renovated Nurse Stations, Beauty Salon and New Administrative Offices.

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St. Francis Manor in Grinnell announces a $1 million dollar fundraising campaign to finalize funds for $4 million expansion

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           St. Francis Manor’s first public appeal for assistance

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               Click Here for Complete Renovation Floor Plans 

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Grinnell, IA (June 15, 2010) – St. Francis Manor in Grinnell has announced a $1 million dollar fundraising campaign to supplement other funding sources for a planned $4 million expansion and renovation program.

Since opening in 1977 as a 51-bed nursing facility, St. Francis Manor has steadily grown and diversified.  Today St. Francis Manor has grown to 78 beds and is highly rated through Medicare.  The adjacent Seeland Park is now the largest retirement community in Poweshiek County.  Comprehensive Physical Therapy programs are available to residents and in homes throughout the area.  Community Services of St. Francis currently provides home health assistance to more than 50 families.  Respite Care supports care-givers who may need a short-term break from family care-giving.  Meal deliveries sustain the homebound with regular access to nutritious meals.  A wide range of social events and activities are coordinated with skilled staff and volunteers.

Executive Administrator Dion Schrack explained that the board of directors completed a master plan last year, which calls for a substantial expansion and an overall refurbishment of existing facilities at St. Francis Manor. “Our mission focuses on wellness and well-being at every stage of life, keeping our facilities up-to-date and fully functional is a key part of this mission,” comments Schrack.

“About three-quarters of the total project cost will be funded through grants and low-interest federal loans,” Schrack said.  “We are seeking an additional $1 million in supplemental support from individuals, businesses and foundations in our area.”  He added that this is the first time that St. Francis Manor has made a public appeal for assistance

The master plan calls for refurbishment of all resident rooms, a transitional and skilled care unit, added space and equipment for physical therapy programs, a new dining area and kitchen, expanded visiting areas, and updated interior finishes throughout.  More efficient administrative and staff work spaces are planned in a new 3,200-sq. ft. office addition.  Another key component will be a complete renovation of the Social Center, with a new audiovisual system and new multi-function seating.

“The Social Center has long been a strong link with area business, social and civic groups,” Schrack said.  “Besides the steady use by St. Francis Manor and Seeland Park residents, our Social Center regularly hosts groups from 10 to 150 from Grinnell and surrounding communities.”  Some examples given were Grinnell High School, the Medical Center, Grinnell’s Senior Chamber of Commerce, Sonora Grange and many churches.  Other events include funeral visitation dinners, business-hosted holiday parties, piano recitals, graduation gatherings and baby showers.  Schrack said that, although donations are accepted for Social Center use, St. Francis Manor is committed to keeping the facility open to the community without charge.

The St. Francis Manor Foundation was organized in 2009 to help ensure the future financial security of St. Francis Manor.  The Foundation, chaired by Tom Lacina of Grinnell, will oversee coordination of this special appeal.  A collaborative partnership has been arranged with the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, which will assist the campaign with administrative services.

“So many people in this area have had very positive relationships with St. Francis Manor over the years,” Lacina said.  “Some have had parents or other loved ones as residents here; others have had first-hand experience with outpatient services.  Still others have volunteered their time and talents for social events, activities or other programs.  St. Francis Manor has a wide and active network of friends in the greater Poweshiek area.”

A number of special giving opportunities have been identified.  For a gift or pledge in the appropriate amount, donors can choose to name a room or program area in memory of or in honor of a group, a business, family members or other loved ones.  Both Dion Schrack and Tom Lacina would welcome a confidential conversation about special giving interests or opportunities.  Dion Schrack can be reached at (641) 236-7592 or dschrack@stfrancismanor.com and Tom Lacina can be reached at (641) 236-4545 or tom.lacina@gmail.com.

Since both St. Francis Manor and the St. Francis Manor Foundation are non-profit corporations, all gifts made to the building fund are deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.  Contributions should be made payable to the St. Francis Manor Foundation.  Please add in the memo field “Building Fund”.  Checks or pledges may be dropped off at St. Francis Manor or mailed to the St. Francis Manor Foundation, Post Office Box 455, Grinnell IA 50112-0455.

About St. Francis Manor

St. Francis Manor is a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Grinnell, Iowa – situated on a 27-acre campus, they provide a wide range of living options and services including Seeland Park, a senior housing community; St. Francis Manor, a long-term skilled care facility and Community Services that includes home healthcare, physical, occupational and speech therapy among many other conveniences. The nearly 33 year old campus is also home to the St. Francis Manor Foundation, a public charity with the purpose to support St. Francis Manor, Inc. and charitable purposes. For more information, please visit www.stfrancismanor.com.

Grinnell Chamber of Commerce