THE HEART OF ACTS: HOW ACTS LEGACY FOUNDATION GIVES BACK

The Acts Legacy Foundation is essential to Acts’ mission as a non-profit, and instrumental in its success as a leader in continuing care retirement services. In the spirit of Loving-Kindness, the Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors by helping to fund community projects and enhancements for residents to maintain a vibrant, active lifestyle; and assisting residents in need to fulfill Acts’ promise of financial security for a worry-free retirement.

One of Acts Legacy Foundation’s most charitable and residentsupported endeavors is the Acts Samaritan Fund. Because Acts’ lifestyle promotes healthier aging, residents live longer, more fulfilling lives, and may unexpectedly find their personal resources dissipate, through no fault of their own. In these instances, residents can receive direct fee assistance through the Samaritan Fund, so they can continue to live at their Acts community.*

“We have a due diligence process to ensure people don’t take advantage of the Samaritan Fund that is available for anyone genuinely needing assistance,” said Ray Boyle, Managing Director of Acts Legacy Foundation. “Part of the benefit of Acts maintaining our charitable status is to assure residents that we will financially work with them in the future.”

Residents Embrace the Giving Mission

“Charity begins at home,” said Bonnie Hurd, a resident of Brittany Pointe Estates who supports the Samaritan Fund. “As the years progress and you are living longer, you wonder if there is enough to carry you through. The Samaritan Fund can help assure that.”

Residents embrace this giving spirit, and actively pursue opportunities to benefit their fellow neighbors, with delightful fundraising galas, silent auctions, and other resident-led, charitable events. This not only helps individuals and families in need but strengthens the sense of community by fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion.

Last year, generous donors provided more than $4.3 million in charitable gifts to the Acts Legacy Foundation, with nearly $2 million fulfilling its resident benevolence assistance programs. “Some residents give individually, some include the community’s Samaritan Fund in their wills, life insurance or IRAs, and many participate in resident-centered fundraising activities,” Boyle said. The Wonder Store, a popular resident-run thrift store at St. Andrews Estates, donated $25,000 to its community’s Samaritan Fund last year. Carlene Starace, the store manager and volunteer, sees first-hand how residents and their families support the shop, donating or purchasing items, knowing their contributions will help support fellow residents.

“Residents, staff and friends of our community, all visit the Wonder Store to socialize and leave with a treasure at a reasonable price,” Starace said. “The store has 31 resident volunteers and it’s a real pleasure to give to the Samaritan Fund.”

Similar shops supporting the Foundation’s charitable funds operate at Azalea Trace, Country House, Manor House, and Matthews Glen.

Residents who volunteer also find it fulfilling to make a positive impact and give back to their communities. Volunteering is also a wonderful way for residents to meet neighbors and make connections, which builds longlasting friendships.

Granite Farms Estates’ new car charging station was made possible with a generous donation from residents Bruce and Shing Mei Hwang. Shown here with Executive Director Brian Levesque, along with resident Jane Young and Michael Martin from the Acts Legacy Foundation.

Reinvesting with Community Enhancements

As a non-profit organization, Acts is mission-driven, which means decisions are made with the best interests of residents in mind, rather than the bottom line. On the contrary, profits are reinvested into Acts communities to make a significant impact on all residents’ quality of life.

Last year, the Acts Legacy Foundation released $5.5 million in donor-supported funding for community enhancements, resident care, and wellness incentives. This is an amazing benefit for residents who can enjoy high-quality amenities and services without having to pay exorbitant fees.

“Residents are giving gifts to benefit Willowbrooke Court, our skilled nursing center, as well as memory care and wellness programs,” Boyle said. “They are also raising funds to beautify campus grounds and gardens.”

Community enrichment projects are consistently underway at various Acts communities, in part with funding from Acts Legacy Foundation. Residents of Magnolia Trace in Huntsville, Alabama, enjoy a beautiful new canopy-covered courtyard, bocce courts, and an entertainment area with night lighting, made possible by donor funds. At Granite Farms Estates, in Media, Pennsylvania, residents supported funds to build a beautiful stone, natural gas firepit in one of the community’s courtyards, as well as a new electrical car charging station on campus.

“At Fairhaven, located in the scenic mountains of Sykesville, Maryland, donor funds are being used for a composting toilet requested by residents who enjoy hiking the extensive nature trails around it,” Boyle said. The possibilities are endless, if there is a need, Acts’ charitable foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those it serves.

Supporting Staff to Provide Outstanding Care

In addition to charitable donations for resident-centered projects, Acts Legacy Foundation also supports employees through emergency assistance, educational scholarships, and Acts Corporate University.

Acts Corporate University provides education and professional development programs to staff throughout the organization, promoting career growth opportunities, advancing industry knowledge and skills, and ultimately delivering the highest level of service to residents.

“There has been a greater interest, among residents post-COVID, in developing scholarship funds for employees to improve themselves and advance in their careers,” Boyle added. “The Legacy Foundation supports 15 community-based employee scholarships, helping employees continue their education, including financial assistance for graduating high school seniors in our culinary departments.”

With the support of the Acts Legacy Foundation, residents can rest easy knowing today’s needs as well as future needs will always be met, so they can enjoy a rich and rewarding retirement.

For more information or to donate, visit ActsLegacyFoundation.org