Dogwood Village In Depth By Ellen Coyne, Communications Department Intern
In 1965, a front porch conversation changed Orange County forever. Two Board of Supervisors ’ members, Lindsay Gordon and Monroe Waugh, were discussing how to assist the community and make Orange County accommodating to the growing elderly population. With the words, “ We need to build ourselves a nursing home, ” Dogwood Village was born. The Board of Supervisors approved the Orange County nursing home in 1967, and in 1970, the 51 - bed facility began operation. The original facility has expanded and has since established an assisted living facility. Supervisor Jim White describes Dogwood Village as “… a resource for the community which is made to serve the community. ” The Board of Supervisors, Health Center Commission, staff, and the community ’ s years of dedication to senior healthcare helped Dogwood Village to be named “ One of America ’ s Best Nursing Homes in 2021.” Dogwood Village is unique because it is a quasi - government owned organization. As a non - profit, Dogwood Village relies on community donations and funds from their separate foundation to enhance the facility. The foundation has supported projects including a healing garden, a facility bus, and assists staff through nursing scholarships for those interested in pursuing careers as LPNs and RNs.
Last year was quite a year for Dogwood Village. Not only was it their 50 - year celebration, but the COVID - 19 pandemic had vast impacts on nursing homes. Older populations were the most vulnerable—meaning the Health Center Commission had to rapidly reimagine how it would provide services to keep residents and staff safe. The Health Center Commission set a goal of remaining COVID free throughout the pandemic. Supervisor White acknowledged the incredible sacrifice the staff had to make in order to ensure the safety of Dogwood Village residents. Most of the residents and staff are vaccinated, and the facility has kept their goal of being COVID free. Supervisor White says that Dogwood Village is special because of the plethora of opportunities for citizens to get involved. “ In some cases, there are volunteers that come in and spend time with people that may not have visitors. Visitors can read, talk, and help individuals get interested in new subjects. Time is the biggest sacrifice that the community can give to the non - profit. ” Mr. White did state that if residents have less time, they can donate to the foundation. “ There are endless opportunities to help and the community can seek involvement in big or small tasks. ” If residents are interested in volunteering, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator, Brenda Hutchinson, through the Dogwood Village website at https:// www.dogwoodvillageocva.org/. Despite the challenges over the past year, Dogwood Village has remained the “ Best place to live, and the best place to work. ” Dogwood Village should be celebrated for its uniqueness and positive impact on Orange County and the surrounding communities.
Page 7 | August, 2021
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