By Pauline Novick
As a church we have dedicated some of our resources to supporting the mission of the Fairport Baptist Homes Foundation. This program provides seniors with a number of services and living facilities that include Senior Apartments, Deland Acres, Roselawn, and Woodland Apartments. Services include assisted living, rehab, and skilled nursing in the Main Building.
The Fairport Baptist Homes was founded in 1904 by local American Baptist Churches lead by Dr. Marcena Ricker (who happened to be Susan B. Anthony's physician). It was originally run by the Women's Board of Managers which evolved into the Women's Service Board. A few years ago the Service Board was open to men as well.
Two members of Webster Baptist Church currently sit on the board. Nancy Johnson is one of the co-chairs, and I have served on the board for over 20 years. I joined when my mother was a resident. We meet monthly except for July and August and provide services to enhance the lives of the residents. We lead special activities such as a Centenarian Tea, events for Assisted Living residents and holidays. We sing for World Day of Prayer, Good Friday, and Christmas Eve services. Several of us have been working with retired Administrator, Reverend Garth Brokow on archives. We staff the gift shop, provide newspapers, offer visitations to residents, and transport them to events. We also give gifts to the home such as furnishings for the Hospice Room, televisions, and medical equipment as requested.
For many years some of our funding came from our Annual Plain and Fancy Sale. Now we put on smaller events such as the upcoming Treasure and Trinket and Baked Food Sale (with raffle baskets). Donations to the Service Board Family Fund are a big help too. We also support Foundation events such as the Step Up for Seniors Walk and the Golf Tournament.
We are always looking for volunteers to join us in our mission work.
If your heart is leading you to this kind of service work please contact myself, Nancy Johnson, the Service Board or the Foundation. We would love to share our mission with you.
Our mission as a church is to support the Kingdom of God on Earth. One of the many ways we do that is by providing support to organizations that do the work of God's Kingdom in our local communities and throughout the world. As you are able please consider joining us in our mission work.