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A Promise of Security
By Robert Beckum
As an extension ministry of the South Georgia Annual Conference, Magnolia Manor first opened its doors in December of 1963 offering basic retirement living to 44 residents in one facility on one campus located in Americus. It is amazing to see how God’s grace has enabled this ministry to grow in response to the growing needs of older adults. Today, some 1,500 employees offer multi-leveled daily care for 2,000 residents in 24 facilities on eight campuses across South Georgia. These campuses are located in Americus, Buena Vista, Columbus, Macon, Moultrie, Richmond Hill, St. Simons Island and St. Marys. Through these eight campuses, our dedicated staff members offer senior adults across the annual conference retirement living options which include: independent living, licensed assisted care, skilled nursing care and specialized Alzheimer’s care. It is the mission of Magnolia Manor to create Christ-centered communities of care for senior adults across South Georgia.
Like all ministries of the church, Magnolia Manor depends on the compassion and generosity of our financial supporters to fulfill the mission to which God has called us. At the heart of our ministry is The League of the Good Samaritan, which was formed when our ministry began. Donations help to secure the promise made at our founding: “No one will ever have to leave the care of Magnolia Manor due to their inability to fully pay for the cost of care.” This promise is a promise of security addressing one of the greatest fears of older adults: “What will become of me if I outlive my financial resources in retirement?” This promise has been the source of greatest comfort and hope to thousands of older adults through our 48 years of ministry.
Initially, the promise could be kept at a modest cost. Last year, however, it cost some $1,340,000 to keep the promise for 200 of our most vulnerable residents. Each year the numbers and the care needs of older adults have increased dramatically. Only through the generous support of local churches and individuals is it possible to continue offering this important promise of security. We all know the difficult economic days in which we are living and older adults have been hit especially hard. Many, through no fault of their own, have seen their retirement income reduced significantly. The need for compassionate assistance is greater now than at any other time in our history.
The South Georgia Annual Conference has designated Mother’s Day, May 8, for a Magnolia Manor Day Offering. All the funds from this offering go to The League of the Good Samaritan supporting residents in need of compassionate assistance. Let me encourage each local church to give its members the opportunity to share in this ministry of love and care. As you share, you will give more than money. Your gift will help secure the promise, a promise that brings hope and joy to the lives of many older adults.
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Rev. Robert Beckum is Vice President of Church Relations and Development for Magnolia Manor. He can be reached at rbeckum@magnoliamanor.com.
