Villages Celebrate Grand Opening
New complex opens to public on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1

Samaritan House’s current facility held its grand opening immediately following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, helping to bring hope to a somber community. It’s only fitting that the grand opening of the Villages at Samaritan House would commence on Friday, December 1st, World AIDS Day.
Once again, it’s an opportunity to shed a glimmer of hope amid a day of reflection and remembrance.

The Grand Opening festivities will take place from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The symbolism of the date is important since we are honoring the memory of those many lives lost to the disease, and at the same time celebrating the courage of persons still living with the disease, including families with children.

“I am thrilled to see the signs of the neighborhood we have created in The Villages,” says Steve Dutton, President and CEO of Samaritan House. “Watching the folks gather and get acquainted is very fulfilling.”

Sixty-six new one, two and three-bedroom apartments were first opened this summer and were fully leased in just 130 days, evidencing the growing need for service-enriched housing for low income persons living with special needs, including HIV/AIDS. Resident Councils review and maintain the rules of tenancy on the premises, ensuring that the property remains a safe and comfortable living community.

A new playground was recently completed, to the delight of more than a dozen children already living at The Villages. Activities are available for all ages in the Youngman Family Room, and volunteers are being sought to implement new ideas for programming.

The official World AIDS Day website reports that about forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world: a number that increases daily. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Call Chanell Thomas, Health & Education Coordinator, 817-332-6410, extension 197 for details about resident programs and related volunteer opportunities.

For more details about the Grand Opening event, please contact Aaron Siegel, Special Events Coordinator, at extension 165.