SEBASTIAN — More than 100 guests attended an introductory Wine and Cheese Party at By the River, the low-income, assisted living community on Roseland Road in Sebastian that opened its doors this past November. Guests had been invited to help promote the facility and attract new residents. As a non-profit organization, they are also encouraging sponsors and donors to contribute to the success of their mission. “We have 13 residents in place now and have 28 more places to fill,” said Patti Rooney, By the River’s Chief Financial Officer.
Residents are housed in four attractively designed buildings on a lush five-acre piece of property adjacent to the St. Sebastian River. ADA compliant and eco-friendly, each building contains shared kitchens and communal rooms as well as individual bedrooms.
“We’re a demonstration project with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, showing how people living together are living longer, healthier lives,” said Rooney. “They become more independent and less of a drain on society. People are really thriving.”
The spacious and airy great room was filled with representatives from the various community partners affiliated with By the River, including the Visiting Nurses Association, Senior Resources Association and Alzheimer & Parkinson’s Association, County Commissioners Bob Solari, Wesley Davis and Peter O’Bryan, and numerous other community leaders.
Board members and staff of By the River were also on hand, such as Oncologist Dr. Henra Rao, who joined the board in 2005.
“I love the project,” said Rao. “I see many of my senior citizen patients get so very lonely after treatment. This is a very loving environment. People live as independently as they can and share their wisdom with us as a community.”
Stressing its emphasis on communal living, Rao added, “What is most important is that this is geared towards empowering them, and having them teach each other.”
Joe Coakley, By the River’s new Director of Charitable Giving, thanked everyone for visiting and said he became involved after Father Murphy at Holy Cross Church reminded his congregation that we have a tendency to help children but tend to forget the seniors.
Coakley introduced CEO Durga Das Hutner, who has worked on the project from its inception 10 years ago. “This is a dream come true; a labor of love. Our goal and mission is to not have anyone go alone.”
A video, produced by Bob Barber, highlighted several of the residents and reiterated that even with limited resources; seniors can live vibrant, healthy lives. {igallery 220}
