Tanglewood Park, the home of a unique collaboration of four senior serving agencies---the first of its kind in the country-- opened to the public on Saturday, October 4, 2008. No other facility in the country offers as many services for older adults under one roof!
It all began in late 2006, when Porter Hills Retirement Communities & Services obtained permission from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) to develop a Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Muskegon and Ottawa counties. They sought partner agencies to create a new non-profit agency to implement PACE called LifeCircles. Both Senior Resources and Mercy Health Partners joined this effort. The former D&W grocery store at 560 Seminole Road (between Tanglewood and Park streets) was selected as the ideal location for a PACE. However, LifeCircles only needed half of the available space. Senior Resources suggested that the other half of the facility house additional senior-serving agencies thus achieving cost-efficiencies and create a convenient one-stop shop for seniors.
In addition to LifeCircles, Tanglewood Park, houses Senior Resources, AgeWell Services (formerly Nutritional Services/Meals on Wheels) and CALL-2-1-1. Through collaboration, these agencies will save money by combining resources, therefore using more dollars for services and programs for the elderly. This center is truly one of a kind in the nation because it includes a PACE program and a 2-1-1 Call Center in addition to the typical array of services and activities found in a multi-purpose senior center. One of the other unique features is the Tanglewood Park café and coffee shop which offers older adults a wonderful environment for dining and socializing, while also serving as a solid revenue source for the Meals on Wheels program.
It took nearly $4 million in modifications to revamp the building and make it a welcoming place for seniors---for the frail elderly receiving care at LifeCircles to the active elderly that gather at Tanglewood Park to socialize, exercise, learn or seek respite from the demands of care giving. Over 1,800 seniors benefit from the center's services on a daily basis!
That is why back in March 2007, I agreed to chair the Tanglewood Park Capital Campaign and with a team of volunteers set a community fundraising goal of $1.8million. I am pleased to announce that over $1.6 million has been raised in the initial Founding Members Drive August 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008. I am so grateful for the generosity displayed in the West Michigan area and have every confidence that the remaining funds will come through grants, corporate donations, legacy gifts and individual donors by the end of 2009! Anyone interested in contributing may contact the Tanglewood Park Fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI, 49440, (231) 722-43538 or www. cffmc.org
There is simply no downside to this unique collaborative endeavor that will demonstrate impressive cost efficiencies and improve service delivery in a seamless continuum of care to meet the needs of every stage and phase of aging—from fitness and lifelong learning activities for the active retiree to long-term care options and services for the frail elderly and their caregivers. I invite you to tour this beautiful facility and learn more about the variety of services and programs available for older adults and their families. Welcome to Tanglewood Park!
Best Regards,
Larry W. Hines, President
HINES Corporation
Tanglewood Park Capital Campaign Chair
