Crown Center 2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Our ability to provide essential services for older adult relies on a variety of revenue sources.

Crown Center maintains relationships with local and national organizations that are guided by similar missions of enabling older adults to live independently and with dignity.

Special Funds at Crown Center Chused Cultural Arts Fund

Jean Sloofman Payuk Fund

Gloria Cohen Volunteer Fund

Myla Rosenblum Learning Fund

Saul & Marilyn Dien Program Fund

Steven Rosenblum Fund

Birdie Fischer Fund

Lillian Samet Social Work Fund

Goldman-Prince Charitable Fund

The Silk Foundation Technology Fund

Nikki Goldstein Resident Needs Fund Lopata Fitness Fund

Benjamin & Ida Tallin Fund Martin & Ethel Wishnuff Birthday Fund

Neal Novack Music Fund

Supporting Foundations, Corporate Gifts & Grants Aging Well Healthcare

Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Royal Banks of Missouri

Aging Ahead

Jossem Fund, a supporting fund of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Rehab Professionals, Inc.

Ameren Missouri Anonymous

Kahn Foundation of Temple Israel

Berger Memorial Ephraim Block Charitable Trust

Albert and Ruth Kopolow

Boeing Employees Community Fund

Edward and Thea Lawton Foundation

Gladys K. Crown Foundation

Lopata Charitable Foundation

Cruse Charitable Trust

Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Max & Drew Erlich Charitable Trust The FS Foundation, Inc. Ruth Greenberg Memorial Trust of the St. Louis Community Foundation

Marillac Mission Fund Meals on Wheels America

Sidney & Bobette Guller Family Foundation

The Pinkerton Foundation

JCA Charitable Foundation

Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel

Regional Business Council

Services Revenue Charitable Foundations

=Contracts =Individual Donors =Program/Cafe Fees

St. Louis Jewish Light The Martin Silk Foundation Staenberg Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis The Trio Foundation of St. Louis Veterans United Foundation Waxman Associates Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Housing Revenue Sources $1.77 M

$1.28 M

= Grants and

Russell HBD

27% 32% 22% 19%

=Tenants =HUD Subsidy

35% 65%

As we reflect on the past year we are filled with gratitude for the progress and achievements that have shaped our journey. In 2023, Crown Center embraced change, celebrated milestones, and continued to prioritize our mission of serving older adults with dedication and compassion.

Andy Thorp Executive Director

Here are some highlights from the year:

MOVIN G TOWARDS THE FUTURE We successfully relocated 32 residents from the Tallin Building to our new building. This transition allowed us to enhance their living experience and create a more vibrant community. We welcomed 30 new residents during 2023 and early 2024. Our staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that these new residents felt at home from day one.

FARE W ELL TO NIKKI GOLDS TEIN We bid a fond farewell to Nikki Goldstein, who retired after 23 years of dedicated service. Nikki’s Mark Rubin Board President

impact on Crown Center has been immeasurable, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the esteemed Council of Life.

CLIENT- CENTRIC APPROACH Throughout 2023, our focus remained on our residents. We continued to provide healthy meals, supportive services, and high-quality programming. Our community thrives because of the warmth and inclusivity that each person contributes. Crown Center remains a welcoming place for all.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who makes Crown Center a remarkable place. Together, we continue to build a future where compassion, community, and care intersect.

CROWN CENTER

Social Services and Meal Program Crown’s dedicated team of social work professionals remains committed to supporting our clients as they navigate the complexities of aging. Our services encompass a range of support, from the provision of kosher Meals on Wheels to offering case management, counseling, crisis intervention, aid in accessing benefits, and facilitating connections with community resources.

19,744

1,801

120

180

kosher meals were prepared and delivered to clients.

residents and 70 community seniors rely on Meals on Wheels for their daily nutritional needs.

social work contacts were made.

residents and 41 non-residents utilized services provided by Crown’s social services staff.

1,548

volunteer hours were spent preparing and delivering meals.

MA X ’S S TORY

Nourishing Connection through Crown Center’s Meals on Wheels program When Max and his wife purchased their home, they were determined to live there forever. Despite the passage of time and the challenges they faced as they aged, Max took pride in maintaining their home while caring for his wife.

was having with shopping and meal preparation, they shared information on qualifying for the program.

The program considered their struggles with shopping and meal preparation, factors that weighed heavily on Max.

When Max discovered Crown Center’s kosher Meals on Wheels program, he reached out, hopeful that it could provide much-needed support for him and his wife. When Crown’s social workers heard about the struggles that Max

Shortly after reaching out, Max and his wife found themselves greeted at their doorstep by a volunteer with ten freshly prepared, nutritious meals. Initially hesitant to accept help, Max was pleasantly surprised

by how much they looked forward to the deliveries, as they discovered a new source of joy: their compassionate meal delivery person. Their interactions blossomed into a genuine friendship, and Max and his wife eagerly anticipated each visit.

Through Crown’s kosher Meals on Wheels program, they found a sense of belonging and connection, experiencing firsthand the warmth and support that Crown Center extends to all of its clients.

POLINA’S JOURNEY

Finding Home and Community at Crown Center When Polina first arrived at Crown Center in 1996, she embarked on a new chapter in her life, supported by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ efforts to assist Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

Despite the challenges she faced, Polina found solace and belonging within the welcoming community of Crown Center. Here, surrounded by fellow immigrants who shared similar experiences, she quickly formed bonds that felt like family.

Nearly three decades later, Polina reflects on her journey.

Although her family is nearby, she cherishes her independence.

Living in the same apartment she moved into years ago, Polina has noticed a shift in what she had become accustomed to.

The community she once knew so well has changed, and while many things have improved, it sometimes leaves her feeling somewhat disconnected. Even with the weekly Russian translator’s assistance, navigating daily

life has become more challenging.

Yet, Polina remains resilient.

She finds comfort and joy in the programming offered at Crown Center, particularly the celebrations of Jewish holidays, Klezmer concerts, and the monthly Russian/ Yiddish language sing-a-longs.

Despite the shrinking of her social circle, Polina finds that Crown Center continues to provide her with the best quality of life, for which she is deeply grateful.

CROWN CENTER

Resident Engagement Resident engagement is a cornerstone of community living, particularly in senior settings. These opportunities not only enrich the lives of residents, but also foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose. By participating in the resident’s council, volunteering at Crown’s welcome desk and enjoying time with other residents at the Friday morning coffee gatherings, residents have the chance to connect with one another, give of their time and enjoy life at Crown Center.

26

Jewish life experiences were offered – holiday, music, eduction and cultural events.

60

hands-on creative experiences were offered including writing, cooking, acting, art and gardening.

155

individuals experienced visual, theater, dance and musical performances.

40

were non-residents.

654

volunteer hours were contributed by residents within the Crown community.

CROWN CENTER

Program Opportunities Engaging programming tailored for senior adults plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for Crown residents and neighbors. By offering programs that cater to their interests and abilities, seniors are provided with opportunities for social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and physical activity. These programs foster a sense of belonging and purpose, encouraging those who attend to remain active and involved in their community. Whether it’s art classes, fitness sessions, educational workshops, or cultural outings, Crown offers the highest quality programs.

100

unique participants per month attended and participated in Crown Center programs.

30

were non-residents.

49

outings to local restaurants, performances, and cultural events hosted in nearby venues.

34

trips were to essential destinations such as the grocery store.

FR AN CINE ’S S TORY

A Place to Discover Friendship Returning to her childhood home in U City after living in another state for most of her adult life was a humbling experience for Francine. She realized the importance of being close to family as she aged but had unfortunately lost touch with most of her childhood friends. While happy to be back in U City, she hoped to find a new community with similar interests.

As a social person, Francine looked for ways to stay active and remembered Crown Center from when her aunt

lived there. After exploring Crown’s website and seeing the wide range of programs, she decided to try a Forever Fitness class.

Despite initial concerns about being the only non-resident in the class, she felt welcomed from the start and met attendees who lived at Crown and in the surrounding neighborhood.

Now, these new friends have all decided to attend a Crown Center bus trip to a jazz concert at a local performance venue. These opportunities

have helped Francine befriend both Crown residents and neighbors.

And as Francine considers the challenges of managing her own home, she decided to apply for an apartment at Crown Center. Knowing she already felt a connection there provided a sense of reassurance for her future.

Crown Center Phase I and The Staenberg Commons Targeted for Summer 2024, the new Crown Center Phase 1 apartment building (52 units) and the Staenberg Commons will be completed. Included will be a community room, art studio, culinary kitchen, fitness center, seating areas, outdoor patios, gardens, and both management and resource offices.

Throughout the entire community, new artwork and donor signage will be installed and the parking lot and new front entrance to Crown Center will be completed.

Planning for the future...Crown Center Phase II Looking ahead, Phase II is on the horizon. This phase involves the construction of a new apartment building (68 units), covered parking as well as extensive renovations of the existing Weinberg Building. When combined with Phase I and the Weinberg Building, Crown Center will have a total of 238 affordable apartments. To achieve this vision, Crown will rely not only on Federal Low-Income Tax Credits but also on additional philanthropic support.

Crown Center for Senior Living 8350 Delcrest Drive St. Louis, MO 63124 crowncenterstl.org 314-991-2055

MISSION Crown Center is 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 Jewish values and traditions.

CROWN CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COUNCIL OF LIFE MEMBERS

Mark Rubin President

Les Borowsky

Andy Thorp Executive Director Sally Altman Amy Bender-Levy Scott Bernstein Emily Caine Dan Cohen Pamela Dern Todd Goldenhersh Sheldon Harber Josh Hutkins Alvah Levine Estelle Rochman Darryl Sagel Erin Schuver Michelle Schwerin Ann Spector Clifford Tager Jody Waldman Cindy Lander Wallach

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