September 29, 2017
The Manor at Northgate Terrace will hold a 30th anniversary dinner and celebration to raise funds for the independent living facility managed by Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC).
The Manor at Northgate Terrace is located at Northgate Terrace, 4301 Whittle Springs Rd. in Northwest Knoxville.
“The Manor’s 30th Anniversary Celebration” will take place Thursday, Oct. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Ave., in Knoxville. Prominent Knoxville businessman and longtime philanthropist Bo Shafer will be the event speaker, and Rebecca Sweet of WBIR Channel 10 will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Home Federal Bank is the presenting sponsor.
“We help senior citizens be able to remain as independent as they can, while ensuring that basic everyday needs are addressed, such as regular nutrition and safety,” said Teresa Lawson, supportive services coordinator for The Manor at Northgate Terrace. “But the most valuable service we provide is being there for them. It’s a concrete difference because you’re providing them food, but you make the biggest difference because they know someone cares about them.”
There is no charge to attend the 30th anniversary event, but donations will be accepted. Supporters wanting to attend should RSVP to Lawson by Sept. 28 by calling 865-403-1410, ext. 1411, or emailing [email protected].
More than 40 residents ages 60 and older currently live at the high-rise building, which is located in North Knoxville. The Manor residents occupy the second and third floors and are provided breakfast and dinner delivered daily to their apartments, daily safety checks, specialized case management, emergency call pendants, laundry service, housekeeping and social activities for an affordable fixed rent price. The October anniversary celebration will help raise funds to defray the costs for providing these services.
Dorothy “Dot” Johnson, a 70-year-old resident, will speak at the celebration. Johnson, an advocate for The Manor and its services, will explain the importance of the facility for senior citizens.
“Being at the Manor is the best of both worlds for me,” Johnson said. “I can live on my own, but I also know that people are here when I need some help and company. The staff here become like family, and I can’t thank them enough for what they do for me and every other resident every single day.”
As the population ages and costs escalate for long-term care, The Manor seeks to fill an important gap by offering affordable housing options for seniors. The U.S. population of those 65 and over has increased from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010 and is projected to increase to 55 million in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Providing affordable housing with basic services for this growing segment of the population is paramount.
“The Manor at Northgate Terrace helps fulfill a very important part of KCDC’s mission,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “We help seniors maintain their independence and ensure that they receive assessments for physical and mental health. The staff at The Manor sees every day how basic services and social interaction enrich the daily lives of our residents.”
Lawson, who has worked at The Manor for 19 years, has witnessed remarkable transformations among residents. One elderly resident was brought to The Manor by the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ Adult Protective Services unit because of neglect and lack of any family to help her. One person she trusted rarely came to the house and was taking a portion of what little money she received from Social Security benefits.
“The first weekend she was with us she had our staff in tears,” Lawson said. “When they brought the first few meals she would ask, ‘Is this for me, do I owe you money, do I get meals every day, will I see you every day?’ She cried because she felt cared about; they cried because it confirmed why they do their job.
“What we do creates a sense of: ‘I can make a difference in their lives.’ We are celebrating reaching our 30-year milestone and also asking for support to ensure that we can offer these services to senior citizens for years to come.”
Supporters who cannot attend the celebration may make donations by mail. Tax-deductible donations by check should be made payable to Greater Knoxville Sertoma Club, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) that supports The Manor, with “Manor’s 30th Anniversary” in the memo line and mailed to The Manor at Northgate, 4301 Whittle Springs Road, No. 209, Knoxville, TN 37917.
About Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing high-quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit https://www.kcdc.org.
