Fall 2011 - Presbyterian Homes & Services

Bayport advanced their initiative in 1956
by incorporating the committee as the
Washington County Association for
Senior Citizens. The Association
researched Wisconsin and Minnesota
retirement communities, including the
original campus of Presbyterian Homes
& Services (PHS) in Arden Hills, MN.
Step-by-step the resourceful women
continued to lay plans. Research was
followed by fundraising. They asked
themselves, “What did we know about
fundraising?” remembers Jean Jacobson
who was a member of the Association
with Kitty Andersen. Without hesitation
they sought help from trusted financial
experts in their community, including
Earl Swanson and Bob Davis. Many
individuals donated money, as did the
Bayport Foundation, and in the fall of
1961 Croixdale opened debt-free.
The one-story, flat-roofed building was
designed for 50 residents in a homey
atmosphere. The aging population could
remain in Bayport and be vitally involved
in the community. Jacobson, also a
charter member of the Croixdale board
of directors, recalled early participation
of local churches, Girl Scouts and other
willing volunteers. “It wasn’t hard to get
people involved” she said.
By the mid-1990’s Croixdale recognized
once again, the need to update its
property and operations. However
financial resources were a pressing
concern. In response, Croixdale affiliated
with PHS and Lakeview Hospital in 1998,
and plans were developed. Another
capital campaign resulted in contributions
totaling $12 million that enabled a
complete campus renovation.
Rene Roeser, Croixdale’s administrator,
who has worked for PHS for more than
twenty-five years, transferred to Croixdale
in 2001. She was welcomed for her
leadership, expertise and natural rapport
with all the staff. Rene took responsibility
not only for the staff but also the
construction project details and design.
The new building was completed in
18 months. Its wrap around style of
architecture expresses the warmth you
find inside and outside. Its wooded hillside
location is inviting to the wildlife that visit
the campus all year. A gazebo furnished
with chairs and a small picturesque bridge
over the pond add to its natural beauty.
On entering the building, you immediately
feel it reaching out to greet you.
(Continued on p. 16)
A plan to add an apartment building
for seniors arose in March 1978 and
fundraising began again. A four-story,
41-unit building was financed entirely
by donations from area individuals,
foundations and businesses. The
$2 million project was celebrated with
an open house in 1981.
Jean Jacobson (left), charter Croixdale
board member, greets Dagne
Christensen, current resident who
worked as a nurse at Croixdale from
1975 to 1995, at the 50th Anniversary
kick-off dinner in January 2011.
perspectives 15