Senate Concurrent Resolution 527

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF THE HOME PLACE NONPROFIT CHARITABLE HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN MADISON, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, The Home Place in Madison, Mississippi, is rejoicing and celebrating in its century-old roots. For 100 years, the spirit, dedication and service in caring for the state's elderly defined what everyone in Madison knows now as The Home Place; and

WHEREAS, what started in 1914 as the Old Men's Home in Jackson has evolved through name and site changes and the acceptance of women to maintain its purpose: ensuring a safe, loving home environment that provides a place for retirees to settle; and

WHEREAS, "We provide as dignified a lifestyle as can be afforded," Administrator Lucille Nichols said. "When you walk in the door, you feel the home-like atmosphere. We have 100 years of caring for our elderly." For almost half of the home's 100 years, Ms. Nichols has welcomed residents and tended to their well-being through her personalized touch. In 1968, she and her husband, Thomas, came from Tennessee to Madison at the request of a friend, Cecil Travis, the Chairman of the home's Board of Directors. The couple was only supposed to help out for three months while the board looked for a new Administrator; and

WHEREAS, the home is the only nonprofit charitable home licensed by the State Department of Health. The home was chartered on December 30, 1914, to a corporation of Jackson civic and philanthropic leaders to provide a place for elderly men unable to care or provide for themselves. The Home Place is an Assisted Living Community. Assisted Living care offers an independent living experience with the personal care and health services as needed. Assisted Living communities are designed to provide residents with assistance with basic activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, grooming, dressing and more. Assisted Living is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Residents have as much independence as they want with the knowledge that personal care and support services are available if they need them; and

WHEREAS, the first Old Men's Home was located in West Jackson. In 1936, a $10,000.00 bequest was used to purchase a site on Raymond Road known as the Old Army Concentration Camp. The home was there until 1945 when a fire destroyed most of the buildings, forcing residents to live in the still standing recreation hall. A new board of directors, which included State Welfare Director Willard F. Bond, initiated the move to the site on Old Canton Road where pilots trained and lived during World War II. The 25 acres, which included the old barracks, was purchased for $63,500.00. In 1963, 10.5 acres of adjoining land was added and in 1967 the decision was made to admit women. That move led to a name change, the Willard F. Bond Home. In recent years, the name changed to The Home Place to reflect its environment; and

WHEREAS, the average age of the 120 residents is 87. The monthly calendar is filled with daily activities, like Bible Study, bingo, ice cream socials, movies, choir practice and craft time. They have a 20-member choir that entertains at other nursing homes. They are in great demand, and we always have a big crowd at Bible Study and prayer meetings on Tuesday nights. There is something for everybody; and

WHEREAS, The Home Place doesn't receive government subsidies but, throughout its 100-year history, it has depended on the generosity of its donors. The facility has a massive fundraising letter drive each November; and

WHEREAS, it speaks to the commitment of the people of Mississippi that this home could exist to care for their elderly. There is strong community support in Madison, and we join the City of Madison in commending a wonderful example of service and dedication to the community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the community service and dedication of The Home Place nonprofit charitable home for the elderly in Madison, Mississippi, on the occasion if its Centennial Anniversary and extend the best wishes of the Legislature on this auspicious landmark.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to The Home Place Administrator Lucille Nichols, forwarded to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Madison, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.