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The John Knox Village Foundation
The John Knox Village Foundation was established in 1983 to allow residents and friends to make tax-deductible contributions to further the ideals of John Knox Village and its service to the older adults of society.
The Foundation annually provides between $200,000 and $500,000 for building renovation, financial assistance for residents, and other program support. The Foundation helped fund the renovation of the Village’s Fitness Center, computer center and a sunroom in the Villager facility. It has also provided the funds to re-locate and renovate a campus hair salon, provide start-up funding for a new Hospice Program, and to construct two specially-designed Hospice Rooms at the Village Care Center (completed in August 2003).
The Foundation raised $350,000 for the renovation of the Chapel, which was dedicated in December 2004. Additionally, the Foundation has funded over $150,000 for financial assistance to residents who need help paying their monthly fee.
The Village Care Center
The 420-bed Village Care Center was opened in 1988, with an additional ten beds licensed in 1991, making a total of 430 beds. Private funds were raised to add an Alzheimer’s Unit. The Care Center was the first new construction at the Village since the original buildings were built.
The Village received its first accreditation from the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission of the American Association of Homes for the Aging in 1988. The most recent five-year accreditation was awarded in December 2003 by CARF-CCAC. CCAC merged with CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) in 2003.
Valley View Assisted Living
Valley View, the Village’s first residential care facility of 60 beds, opened in 1991. An additional 30 beds were added in 1992. In July 1998, fourteen additional units were converted on the first floor of Astoria, making a total of 105 beds in this facility. Then again, in February 2002, 14 apartments were added on the second floor of Astoria, increasing the units to 119.
The Children’s Village
The Russell C. Flake Child Development Center (The Children’s Village), a child day care center, was established at the Village in 1992 through funds donated by a former resident. Effective May 31, 1998, John Knox Village formally took over the management of the center. In March 2002, the child day care center received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
New independent living development
Although the Village had been refurbishing and renovating independent living units to make them more salable for some time, the first actual construction of new independent living units began in 1993 with the Hope Lane Project, consisting of two triplexes with basements and garages. During 1997-1998, the Rose Court Villa project consisting of 16 units was completed.
Strategic planning
The Village’s first long-range, strategic-planning process, Vision 2000, was launched in 1991, which included input from selected community leaders, board members, residents and staff.
A second Strategic Plan was approved in October 1994 to be accomplished over a five-year period. The Board authorized the development of a campus master plan to identify and recommend solutions to major land use issues at the Village. Initial emphasis is directed to the development of 16 Chipman Road independent living units, creation of a main entrance at Jacob Drive, and an attractive perimeter treatment along Chipman and Murray Roads.
A strategic planning retreat was held in September 1996 where the board made recommendations for future strategic planning for the Village. The Strategic Plan and action steps were ultimately approved in January 1997. It is continually reviewed and revised, as appropriate.
In January 2003, the board approved the Fiscal Year 2004-06 Strategic Plan directing the Village to implement selected phases of campus development and improvements that support the long-range vision of the campus master plan. Selected new housing projects will be financed and developed. A program of renovation and improvement of the existing campus will continue, including significant renovation of selected apartment buildings. The Village will continue to invest in the health service continuum by developing projects that serve the diverse needs of seniors.
Leadership
After 17 years with the Village, President Herman Spahr announced his retirement. An extensive search of possible candidates for the position was conducted both outside and within the Village. Dan Rexroth, former Vice President of Health Services at the Village, was selected to serve as President and CEO and officially began his duties on March 1, 2001.
On May 1, 2003, a new organizational change became effective. The Vice President of Sales and Land Development responsibilities expanded to include new construction and renovation. The Resident Relations, Operations and Health Services Division were combined into Resident Services led by the Vice Presidents of Health and Resident Services and Resident Relations. A new position of Director of Independent Living was created.
Business and campus development
Effective May 1, 1999, the Village acquired the Barr Home Health Agency located in North Kansas City and Nursing 2000 in Leavenworth, Kansas in early 2000. These acquisitions allow JKV the opportunity to expand the John Knox Village Home Health Agency services into the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, including the state of Kansas.
In July 1999, the Board approved a $1.9 million project that included the modernization and beautification of the Joy Place area by creating larger, more up-to-date units, which are more in demand by current retirees
Because the Village was well prepared for Y2K problems, the new millennium arrived with few difficulties at the Village. The year 2000 did usher in the Village’s 30th anniversary and we hosted several community events in celebration of this achievement.
In July 2001, the Board approved authorization to proceed in acquiring parcels of property along Pryor Road and Chipman Road for expansion. The Board authorized JKV management in September 2001 to begin the Hospice Program initially serving patients in the Village Care Center and then expanding services to the community.
In January 2003, the board approved $850,000 for the renovation of the Lakeside Dining project to include the restaurant, new beauty salon, waiting room and improved food delivery system. In July 2003, the board approved the additional funding of $111,000 for Lakeside Dining Project.
In July 2003, the board authorized management to proceed with the redevelopment plan for Project Courtyards. The specific building project will be approved on a building-by-building basis over a 14-year redevelopment cycle. In July 2003, the board also authorized management to proceed with a floor-by-floor renovation of the Courtyards apartment building.
In July 2006, the Courtyard Commons area was opened. The new resident living areas include a library, gift shop, art studio, hair salon, the Courtyard Café and Sweete Shoppe and the Courtyard Community Center. The following month, Valley View Assisted Living Special Care admitted its first patient. The unit has a capacity of 22 residents and was designed for those with impaired memory or Alzheimer’s disease who can live in an assisted living setting.
Later that year, John Knox Village unveiled plans for a $68 million expansion that includes 122 apartments and 32 villa homes. Known as Forest Lake, the “pre-retirement” community will be located on 30 acres of land west of Pryor Road and south of the Village Care Center. It is the Village’s biggest expansion since it was established in 1970.
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