2025_Phase II_Case Statement_final

A Place to Call Home: Phase II of the Campaign for Crown Center

vcha hbpn ,rsvu oue, /iez hbp Rise before the aged and honor the presence of elders.

Dear Friends of Crown Center For nearly six decades, Crown Center for Senior Living has been a cornerstone of support and connection for older adults in the St. Louis region. What began in 1967 as a single building with a simple yet profound mission—to provide affordable housing for older adults—has grown into a vibrant community unlike any other. Today, we proudly serve seniors of all income levels through affordable housing, open, welcoming and innovative programs that combat isolation and foster well-being.

As we look to the future, we are inspired by the vision of our founders and the growing needs of our diverse community. The completion of Phase I of our building project, including the new Staenberg Commons and 52 apartments, was a monumental milestone. Yet, our work is far from over.

We are now embarking on Phase II of our building project, which includes the construction of a new 68-unit apartment building and essential renovations to our Weinberg Building. Additional priorities include growing our endowment to ensure long-term sustainability and enhancing our Café to better serve our residents and the community.

To achieve these goals, we have launched the $6 million A Place to Call Home Campaign that will further transform our community and the lives of those we serve. Your support is essential to making this vision a reality. With your generosity, we will continue to empower older adults, reduce isolation, and create a thriving, inclusive community where all seniors can flourish.

Please join us in carrying forward this remarkable legacy.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lauren Sagel Campaign Co-Chair

Darryl Sagel Campaign Co-Chair

Lauren & Darryl Sagel Campaign Co-Chairs

Meeting the Mission structure, sustainability, and growing community

PRIORITY ONE: Phase II Construction of Affordable Apartments:

needs call for $6 million in philanthropy to

To supplement construction costs of 68 new

Crown Center’s mission is to cultivate a space where older adults can thrive. Our physical

support Crown Center now and in the future.

$4,500,000

affordable apartments and extensive renovations of the existing Weinberg Building’s 118 apartments for older adults in need.

“Ever since moving to Crown, friends have commented on how well I look. I tell everyone that it is the apartment and building that have made me well. People are so nice — staff and social workers. The meals are so good.” — Ruth F.

PRIORITY TWO: Café and Kitchen Improvements:

PRIORITY THREE: Endowment: $500,000

$1,000,000

To grow a permanent source of financial security

To provide enhancements and necessary kitchen

and support for core programs and services,

upgrades to support our kosher Circle@Crown

which enable our clients to live with dignity.

Café and nutrition program, which nourishes our community, connects neighbors, and protects against food insecurity.

PRIORITY ONE:

Phase II Construction Project MORE AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS Crown Center stands as a model for what

Phase II includes the construction of a new

affordable housing should be — a place where

68-unit apartment building and renovations

older adults can thrive in spaces designed for

to the existing Weinberg Building. Combined,

their needs, comfort, and sense of belonging,

when Phase II is complete, Crown Center will

regardless of financial circumstances.

offer a total of 238 affordable apartments.

Given the completion of the Phase I building

The total cost to complete Phase II of the

project with $6.6 million in philanthropy

project is $24 million. With $14.2 million in

secured, 100% occupancy rate, and lengthy

Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits

waitlists for affordable housing, the time is

already secured, the funding will be completed

right for further investment in Crown’s physical

through $4.5 million in private support, and the

infrastructure.

remaining generated through borrowed funds.

“My apartment is roomy, bright, welcoming and includes all the amenities that make it possible for me to live here safely and comfortably as long as possible.

I wish everyone could have a home like Crown Center.” — Shirley A.

A $24 million investment in construction will: • Build affordable, high-

• Create accessible units for

• Offer safety for our

quality apartments to ensure

residents with mobility and

community by updating

that more seniors can age in

sensory limitations

energy efficiency, seismic

place with dignity

durability, and obsolete systems

PRIORITY TWO: $500,000

Circle@Crown Cafe Improvements The kosher Circle@Crown Cafe is a community

Resident and community clients rely on these

hub that serves Crown Center clients and the

meals and the staff and volunteers who deliver

neighboring community. Crown Center partners

to nourish them, physically and socially.

with Aging Ahead as a senior center and meal site to prepare and deliver more than 19,000 meals annually through Meals on Wheels.

In addition, the Café is a gathering place for socializing with neighbors and friends, making it possible for many clients to experience the joy and dignity of hosting “at home.” With resident discounts and discreet social work support when indicated, the Café is affordable even for those with difficult financial circumstances. It plays a unique role in University City – open to the community and offering fresh and delicious kosher food for dine in or carry out service.

“We so appreciate the meal service at Crown Center. Both my husband and I are losing strength and after several recent medical procedures, the meals have been a real blessing. They help us take a break and not have to worry so much because we know we have a great meal from Crown!” — Aileen O.

A philanthropic investment of $500,000 will create: • Additional space for meal preparation to meet the growing demands for nutrition support • Enhanced functionality of the kitchen, including the purchase of new appliances and equipment • Interior updates necessitated by wear and tear since the Café opening in 2015.

PRIORITY THREE: $1,000,000

Endowment: Long-Term Financial Stability Crown Center is committed to those who

Jewish value of “b’tzelem Elohim” – recognizing

reside in our apartment buildings as well as

that all people should be treated with dignity, as

older adults living in the surrounding area.

we are all “created in the image of G-d.”

We welcome them all to use Crown as a community center and resource. Our work is rooted in a faith tradition that calls for equity, inclusion, and care. We seek to employ the

By growing our endowment from $3.4M to $4.4M, Crown Center can continue to meet the demands of today, and ensure that we can continue to fulfill our mission for years to come.

“We are thankful for the programs and classes at Crown. They are inspirational and keep us in good spirits, making us feel younger and energetic. These programs work better than any medicine; they are a source of energy that keeps us going.

Spasibo!” — Lina M.

Annual income generated by $1 million in endowment funds will support a strong financial foundation by: • Enabling Crown Center to continue responding to urgent needs, including unexpected community demands.

• Enhancing salaries for staff who manage vital programs and services.

• Helping respond to unforeseen facility maintenance issues to ensure the highest quality environment for our clients.

Join us and create more places to to call home.

With your support, older adults can live,

Together, we can honor Jewish values and

learn, and connect in a caring environment.

tradition by providing affordable, high-quality

Thanks to our caring, generous friends,

living and services. We can enable residents to

Crown Center enjoys a strong track record

flourish independently; and create inspiring

and excellent reputation with its clients and

programming for seniors to maintain an active

in the community.

and healthy lifestyle.

“Pondering my present lifestyle, I believe Crown Center living is and has been the best situation in my lifetime!” — Arthur P.

We are grateful for the generosity and partnership of past donors and will build on their investment and Crown’s success.

Achieving A Place to Call Home Campaign overall goal of $6 million will provide even more affordable living places for older adults, enhance our Café and kitchen to better serve residents and the community, and grow our endowment to ensure sustainability. It will bring us closer to a community where all seniors thrive.

2a Thank you for your consideration and support!

For more information, including eligibility and availability of tax credits, please contact: Andy Thorp, MPA

Katie Garland, MSW, MPH

Executive Director

Advancement and Partnerships Director

athorp@crowncenterstl.org

kgarland@crowncenterstl.org

(314) 991-2055

(314) 991-2055

Our programs “I was an aging man living alone. About nine months after reflect Jewish my wife passed away, I came to live at Crown Center. Now, my values and life is full. I can keep kosher and celebrate the Jewish holidays traditions. with my new friends.

Had I remained at home, I would be lonely. But here, with people of all backgrounds living around me, Crown Center is like a little village.

Living here, I feel honored as someone who has been on this earth a long time. My life is enriched by this community.”

– Charlie M.

8350 Delcrest Drive St. Louis, MO 63124-2166 phone: (314) 991-2055 e-mail: info@crowncenterstl.org CROWN CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COUNCIL OF LIFE MEMBERS

Mark Rubin

Les Borowsky Jeffrey Cohen Keith Cohen Ted Flom Betsy Garland Nikki Goldstein Randall Green Petie Karsh Joe Marchbein Merle Miller (z”l) Jeffrey Rosenblum Steven Rosenblum Richard Tallin Miriam Wilhelm

President

Andy Thorp Executive Director

Sally Altman Amy Bender-Levy Scott Bernstein Emily Caine Dan Cohen Pamela Dern Ava Ehrlich Todd Goldenhersh Sheldon Harber Josh Hutkins Alvah Levine Judy Mange Estelle Rochman Darryl Sagel Erin Schuver Michelle Schwerin Irl Scissors Ann Spector Clifford Tager Jody Waldman Cindy Lander Wallach

OUR MISSION

Crown Center is an organization dedicated to providing affordable, high quality living and services to enable residents to flourish independently, creating inspiring programming to enable both residents and other community seniors to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, and honoring our Jewish values and traditions.