WINONA LAKE — Kosciusko County nonprofit Grace Village Retirement Community announced this week that it is nearing its fundraising goal for a new resident care center for its healthcare facility. The resident care center will serve as a central hub from which nursing staff, physicians and therapists can serve the needs of patients in the skilled nursing facility. The resident care center is a completely new design from the previous nurses’ station, making it easier for staff and residents to have visual contact and opening up hallway space for safer movement within the facility.

“Our number one priority in designing the new resident care center has been patient safety,” states Tammy Smith, Grace Village’s director of advancement. “The new open-concept layout has lower countertops to make it easier for staff to see patients and respond immediately to their needs. The new footprint also provides wider hallways, improving traffic flow and reducing the risk of falls. Upgrading from the former nurses’ station to the resident care center is part of an overall remodeling of the Healthcare Facility, providing a comfortable, home-like setting for our residents who require the highest level of care.”

Grace Village has raised over $52,000 of its target of $67,000 for the project. Major donors include the Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation, $20,000; resident Jack Meier in memory of his wife, Faye, $5,000; and The Kosciusko County Community Foundation, $2,500. More than $25,000 has been raised through contributions to the Healthcare Special Projects Fund from friends of Grace Village and golf outing sponsors.

With only $14,500 left to reach their goal, Smith is appealing to the community. “We welcome donations to help with this vital project for our most vulnerable residents requiring round-the-clock care. Persons wishing to contribute may contact me at [email protected].”

“We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of our donors and sponsors,” shares Smith. “As the only nonprofit retirement community in Kosciusko County, we rely on their support to pursue our mission to enable older adults to live to their fullest potential in the security of a Christian environment.”