Twenty-five second graders from Merriman Park Elementary School in Lake Highlands brought an evening of Christmas warmth and joy to 45 residents of Juliette Fowler Communities in Lake Highlands.

The students worked hard practicing their songs in advance and prepared handmade Christmas cards that they handed out to all the residents that evening. The children called the Bingo game and partnered with the seniors as “Bingo buddies” during the games! There were lots of smiles and joy among everyone in the room as the children engaged with the residents.

The joy that resulted from these magical moments of the children interacting with the residents was in line with Juliette Fowler Communities’ goals of creating an intergenerational community, which provides many health benefits and increases quality of life.

What made this evening even more special? Two sets of grandparents, the Marr family and the Worrall family, were in the crowd, witnessing the joyous performances of their beloved grandchildren.

Laura Porting, development manager at Juliette Fowler added, “This was a particularly joyful occasion for several former DISD teachers and one DISD librarian in the crowd of our seniors. These individuals served our schools for so many years and loved having the children there to perform. It brought back wonderful memories of their beloved teaching days.” 

The students enjoyed preparing for this event, singing, handing out their homemade cards, calling Bingo and interacting with the seniors. At ages 7 and 8, this was one of their first volunteer experiences. It was a memorable and joyful evening for all.

McKinley’s legacy ranges from the rebranding of Fowler to the launch of dementia friendly programs (both internal and external), new fundraising events and programs, and the preservation and sharing of Fowler’s history

Juliette Fowler Communities, a 130-year-old faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages, announces the retirement of Chief Advancement Officer Ann McKinley, who has left a legacy that elevated the nonprofit internally and externally while sharing its rich history and working to preserve it for future generations. During her 10-year tenure at Fowler, she has been instrumental in raising $18 million for the programs at Fowler Communities. This includes Fowler’s most recent development, The Peak, which is helping address the growing crisis in America for affordable and safe housing for senior adults with limited-to-moderate monetary resources.

McKinley brought the I’m Still Here® program, a nationally recognized engagement philosophy through the Hearthstone Institute, to Juliette Fowler Communities in 2018, making JFC the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in North Texas and one of only two in Texas. The program employs evidence-based techniques to adapt experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths for purposeful engagement. She was also instrumental in the launch of Dementia Friendly Dallas, creating a greater awareness and understanding of dementia across the city.

Additionally, she spearheaded the development of a logo and rebranded Juliette Fowler Communities, bringing the story of Juliette Fowler into today’s time frame with new messaging, showing its relevance today.

“The Fowler brand is as fresh and relevant today as it was 130 years ago,” said Ann McKinley. “Juliette’s story still inspires us to care for the young and older in our community. Just as our founder Juliette recognized the needs of her day, we still respond to the needs of today.  We can all utilize our gifts for the greater good by being ‘a Juliette.’”

Passionate about the history of Fowler, McKinley worked diligently researching successful ways to preserve Fowler’s extensive collection of records and documents, including Peak family letters dating back to the 1860s and many other artifacts. She plans to return to Fowler following her retirement to continue her work on this effort alongside a group of dedicated volunteers.

“I’ve spent significant time researching how other organizations have preserved their history,” added McKinley. “Ours is not only the history of Fowler, but also of the greater Dallas community. Every time I read a document, I find another interesting story connecting us to another organization, historical event, or Dallas leader. We want to capture these stories with the goal of having them digitized, preserved and accessible for the greater community.”

Often invited to speak outside of Fowler for other groups, McKinley looks forward to finding additional stories to tell.

“Ann’s knowledge of the history of Juliette Fowler Communities is invaluable,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO, Juliette Fowler Communities. “She can tell you about each photograph on the walls and the history of each building on a walk across our 21-acre campus. We are beyond thrilled that she will be able to continue to help us as we work to organize and preserve 130 years of history!”

McKinley also spearheaded the Visionary Women Luncheon for Fowler, a fundraiser which created a greater awareness of the nonprofit. She began Artful Awakenings, an art class program launched in 2017 in partnership with Junior League of Dallas (JLD) for residents experiencing every progression of memory loss, from very early stages of mild cognition loss to advanced dementia. It is now a signature JLD project and a highlight for residents each week. In 2022, she learned about an international program called Mural Mosaics and submitted to be chosen as the Southwest Regional Site (first and only in this region to date) for the 2023 Mural Mosaics Global Roots Project, “America Connects.” Residents, staff, and others from across the Southwest participated in making a personal art tile for the mural, which was installed and is visible on the south wall of Fowler’s Pearl Nordan Care Center, facing Fulton Street. Additionally, more art installations are coming soon to Fowler due to Ann’s desire to keep the arts alive for residents across the campus.

“Ann has a genuine interest in people and knows how to bring them together,” added Gann. “It’s her superpower. She knows how to recognize and cultivate others’ interests and talents to help them serve in meaningful ways. Her servant’s heart and love have been immeasurable to Juliette Fowler Communities.”

McKinley first came to Fowler after working for Presbyterian Communities and Services, now known as Forefront Living, where she served as vice president of marketing. She describes starting at Juliette Fowler Communities as the cornerstone of her career.

“I feel honored and blessed to have served at Juliette Fowler Communities,” added McKinley. “When you look at all of the history of this 130-year-old organization and think about all that has happened here, it’s truly amazing to have had a snippet of time here.”

McKinley is looking forward to spending more time with her family, which includes her husband, three children and five grandchildren, who all live in the area.

“True to her spirit, Ann is not taking a breath,” added Gann. “She is planning ‘Grann Camp’ for the summer while continuing her work on our history!”

Ashley Brown, vice president of development at JFC, has been named the new chief advancement officer for Juliette Fowler Communities. Previously, Brown worked as director of regional development for Texas Christian University. No stranger to Juliette Fowler Communities, Brown also served as development director at Fowler Communities, 2015-2019, and has museum/curatorial support experience from The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Rienzi Center for European Decorative Arts and Museum of Fine Arts, both in Houston.

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Juliette Fowler Communities is a unique faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages. Located on 21 picturesque acres, Juliette Fowler Communities provides independent and assisted living, a Five-Star Quality Rated skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, memory care and affordable senior housing.  As the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in North Texas and one of only two in Texas, Fowler’s program employs evidence-based techniques to adapt experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths. Children, youth, and family services at Fowler include a residential program for women ages 18-24 at risk for homelessness due to neglect, abuse, and aging out of the foster care system, and a Youth Support Center. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.  

Artists, including Juliette Fowler residents and staff as well as individuals from Arlington and San Antonio, gathered on Wednesday, March 29, at Juliette Fowler Communities in East Dallas for the unveiling of the 2023 Southwest Region Mural, a project of Mural Mosaics Global Roots Project, “America Connects.” The mural, now on display for the community to see at 1234 Abrams Rd., consists of individual tiles of artwork placed in the shape of a tree. The unique tiles were painted by 1,500 artists from across the Southwest, including 50 residents and staff of Juliette Fowler Communities. A QR code on the bottom right of the mural links to a list of each artist name and city.

Juliette Fowler Communities was chosen as the 2023 Southwest Regional mural site because of its focus on community and connection as well as art and creativity. This Southwest site joins only four other American sites for the project including the West (Escondido, Calif.), Midwest (Port Washington, Wis.), Southeast (Fort Myers, Fla.), and the Northeast (Bronx, N.Y.)

Mural Mosaic Artist Lewis Lavoie and Co-Producer Paul Lavoie, brothers, from Mural Mosaic, traveled to Fowler Communities for the unveiling.

“Paul and I are traveling across America for five mural unveilings featuring the work of over 10,000 artists,” said Lewis Lavoie, a visual artist from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, who invented the Mural Mosaic concept uniting artists together through their artwork into one unified image. “I chose a tree for this year’s theme, as the symbol of connection for the American Connects project. Each individual painting was placed into a proper place that ties to the painting next to it. The works of many artists come together to make one beautiful painting.”

“At Juliette Fowler Communities, we have seen the power of art to heal and transform and to create connections and spaces where people thrive,” added Nicole Gann, president and CEO, Juliette Fowler Communities. “We are thrilled to be the Southwest site for this incredible project and excited to see our Fowler Communities' tile creations come together with others from throughout the country to form a beautiful mural - a perfect display of diversity and unity!"

Since 2003, Mural Mosaic has been creating art that celebrates unity and diversity through awe inspiring mosaic productions. Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots, which kicked off its first national mural with Canada Connects in April 2021, is a unique initiative that aims to bring people from around the world together through the power of art. Mosaics produced throughout North America are placed in settings accessible for artists who travel throughout the country to view them. Projects for spring of 2023 unveilings are also taking place internationally in Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.

“We want to thank all the artists, including those who traveled from other areas in the Southwest, to join in today’s unveiling as well as the many people who came together to make this day and location perfect, including the landscapers, who planted beneath the mural colorful plants representative of those found in the Southwest!” added Gann. "We invite the community to come by and see this extraordinary mural!"

Participants in this project include Fowler’s Grandfriends group – youth and older adults who gather monthly to learn, create, and relate bringing the ages together and reducing the stigma of ageism; Fowler’s Artful Awakenings art group – residents with dementia who participate in a weekly art class in collaboration with the Junior League of Dallas - a Junior League of Dallas signature project; seniors who live throughout Fowler in various life stages; Fowler team members; and Fowler’s grief group.

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Juliette Fowler Communities is a unique faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages. Located on 20 picturesque acres, Juliette Fowler Communities provides independent and assisted living, a Five-Star Quality Rated skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, memory care and affordable senior housing.  As the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in North Texas and one of only two in Texas, Fowler’s program employs evidence-based techniques to adapt experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths. It has also been named a Great Place to Work in the Aging Services Industry in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Children, youth, and family services at Fowler include foster and adoption services, a residential program for women ages 18-24 at risk for homelessness due to neglect, abuse, and aging out of the foster care system, and a new Youth Support Center – a one-stop location to help Dallas youth, both boys and girls ages 12-24, escape or avoid human trafficking and exploitation. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.  

ALL PHOTOS ARE BY KIM RITZENHALER LEESON

The Peak at Fowler will help address the growing crisis in America for affordable and safe housing for senior adults with limited-to-moderate monetary resources

Sunny skies set the tone for a perfect celebration on November 17 as more than 125 guests gathered for a monumental celebration at Juliette Fowler Communities: the 130^th anniversary of the beloved housing community in East Dallas and the dedication of its newest building, The Peak, a $24 million, 144-unit, three-story independent living senior housing community. The Peak addresses a national crisis – housing for the “forgotten middle” senior, who can neither afford higher-priced apartments nor qualify for lower-income housing. It is estimated that the middle-income senior population is expected to double by 2029 to 14.35 million (all 75+), with only 46 percent able to afford any form of senior housing. The Peak will provide residents a welcoming neighborhood of friends and the many benefits of living in a community.

Juliette Fowler Communities President and CEO Nicole Gann kicked off the festivities welcoming guests to the tented affair complete with fried chicken picnic basket lunches as was done for Fowler’s very first building dedication in 1905. JFC received its state charter in 1892, and before construction began on the Fowler’s East Dallas property, its first building, Faith Cottage, was in Grand Prairie.

“Our first newly constructed building was called Faith Cottage because our organization at that time chose to build when all they had was faith in God and faith in the generosity of His people,” said Nicole Gann. “Like our predecessors, we have been moving forward for 130 years in faith, with the knowledge and charge to care for God’s people.”

Guests were invited to take home two items as keepsakes of this momentous occasion: the picnic baskets as well as their seat cushions containing picnic blankets. Following a blessing from The Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum, regional minister for Christian Church of the Southwest, guests enjoyed lunch, be followed by the program, dedication service, and tours of The Peak.

Gann returned to the podium to thank those in the room, each of whom has made a contribution “as a friend, neighbor, donor, board member or as a Peak partner.”  Special thanks were given to the event underwriters: USI Southwest, Luther King Capital Management, Robert Holt, East Dallas Christian Church, Regions Bank, Spring Valley Construction, and Northway Christian Church.

JFC Board Chair Ben Brooks then welcomed Max Sanchez, council liaison & policy advisor for District 14 from the Mayor and City of Dallas Council Office, who presented a proclamation declaring November 17 as Juliette Fowler Communities Day to the applause and cheers of the guests. Brooks then thanked the Dallas City Council. “Without their endorsement of our application for a state tax credit, we would not have The Peak and would not be sitting here today,” said Brooks. “For years we dreamed of what to do with our seven undeveloped acres trying to determine what was the greatest need for the community.”

He continued by recognizing the board, including beloved late board member Roland Bandy whose leadership was instrumental in this success as well as many other successes over the years. He recognized the partners who have worked with Fowler for many years to make this dream a reality: ARX Advantage Consulting, CA Partners, Caltech, Cole Engineering, Digital Way Services, Direct Supply, Intervest, Katus Design Group, Locke & Lord, Lument, Mason Joseph Company, National Equity Fund, NCS, Robinette & Associates, Shepherd Food Equipment, and Spring Valley Construction.

Robbie Meyer of ARX Advantage presented a gift to Fowler team members Nicole Gann, COO Billie Collins, and CFO Scott Martinez to acknowledge the success of completing The Peak. Engraved on the crystal was “Dreams Do Come True,” as Fowler referred to that land for many years as its field of dreams.

Brooks thanked the Frame the Future Capital Campaign Committee, who led the charge to raise the funds: Chair Carol Maxwell, Roland Bandy, Ken Hubbell, Gray Powers, Cindy Wabner, Lacey Young, Nicole Gann, and Ann McKinley. He highlighted the fact that the 2019 Dallas tornado played a role in Fowler’s ability to build the Peak. “This act of nature opened a door for this part of North Texas enabling Fowler to apply for a specific type of funding to build housing for an underserved community, fast forwarding the vision of The Peak. We give thanks for the blessing that grew from this tragedy.”

Nicole Gann recognized former presidents of Fowler who were in attendance: Cindy Dowell, wife of former president, the late Ed Dowell; Former President Kay Ellis; and Former President Sabrina Porter.  She then explained why the building is called The Peak.

“Historically, our namesake, Juliette Fowler was a member of the Peak family,” added Gann. “Peak was her maiden name. The Peak family members were Dallas pioneers, and many streets of East Dallas are named for her siblings. Naming the building The Peak was a nod to our past, our pioneering history, and it also represents our vision, our hopes for those who will live here – to have moments of elevation that rise above the everyday – moments of engagement, joy, and motivation – the peaks.”

Gann recognized one of The Peak’s first donors, Annie Jones, who lives on the campus in Fowler Christian Apartments. Jones, a pioneer herself, is a well-known advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

“Annie is someone who inspires us daily with her love for all people and her unquestionable generosity,” added Gann. Gann continued, due to Annie’s love for frogs, “we have commissioned an artist to fashion a frog that will be at Fowler in perpetuity in your honor.”

Before inviting Rev. Vanessa Harmel to lead the dedication service, Gann added that a Bible had also been buried in the porte cochere to symbolize our “foundational faith.” Following the dedication, guests were invited to “take a peek at The Peak,” and take a tour. Every unit is dedicated to housing for the “forgotten middle” senior with no market-rate apartments offered, making The Peak a unique Dallas living community focused on addressing a national housing crisis of affordable senior housing and supportive services for this population.

Amenities include a library, fitness program and gym, business center, courtyard, and access to an onsite chaplain, chapel, art room, pool, community gardens, and walking trails. Additionally, an onsite service coordinator will be available to assist with transportation, food, and other needs, including aging support and navigation of healthcare. The first resident is scheduled to move in this month.

Attendees included Evelyn Amaya and Brenda Martinez Del Rio, on behalf of Dallas Councilmember Jesse Moreno; Karen Roberts, Mount Auburn Neighborhood Association; Emily Somerville, President of the Junior League of Dallas; Kimberly Taliaferro, vice president, Regions Bank; and Steve Bruszer, Spring Valley Construction Co. Lead.

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Juliette Fowler Communities is a unique faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life stages. Located on 20 picturesque acres, Juliette Fowler Communities provides independent and assisted living, a Five-Star Quality Rated skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, memory care, and affordable senior housing. As the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in North Texas and one of only two in Texas, Fowler’s program employs evidence-based techniques to adapt experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths. JFC has also been named a Great Place to Work in the Aging Services Industry in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Children, youth, and family services at Fowler include foster and adoption services, a residential program for women ages 18-24 at risk for homelessness due to neglect, abuse, and aging out of the foster care system, and a new Youth Support Center – a one-stop location to help Dallas youth, both boys and girls ages 12-24, escape or avoid human trafficking and exploitation. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.

PHOTOS BY KIM LEESON

Over 70 Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC) board members, residents, volunteers, and supporters gathered at the University Park home of Katie and Bret Pedigo to kick off the 130^th Anniversary Celebration of JFC, an intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages, located on 20 picturesque acres in East Dallas and the fourth oldest nonprofit in Dallas. The event was organized by JFC’s One Heart Society, a membership group that supports the nonprofit’s mission through volunteerism, community awareness and fundraising.

Nicole Gann, president and CEO of JFC, welcomed guests to this milestone birthday party for Fowler and thanked One Heart Society, whom she referred to as the “hands and feet” of Fowler for their ongoing support as volunteers and donors. Through philanthropic efforts, The One Heart Fund provides $1.1 million in benevolent care and services supporting both older adults and youth programs. Gann recognized the group’s chair, Natalie Morin, as well as her husband, Mike Morin, for their commitment to JFC and then began highlighting JFC’s plans for the anniversary year.

“Juliette Fowler Communities has an exciting fall planned in our 130^th year with a monumental grand opening happening on our campus in November,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO, JFC. “The Peak, a $24 million, 144-unit, affordable housing development with supportive services for the ‘forgotten-middle’ seniors – those who are unable to pay market rate for apartments and do not qualify for low-income housing – will address a looming national crisis for this population, expected to double on a national level by 2029. In a city like Dallas, pricing for housing and rent have been escalating and gentrification is forcing seniors who have lived in areas for 40 or 50 years to move. We know that seniors want to stay in their communities, and we have had 400 interested applicants for our 144 units and have already pre-leased two of the available income levels. This will be the largest building on our campus and the first of its kind living community in the Dallas area!”

JFC team members are planning an invitation-only grand opening event in November to thank friends and supporters of JFC and The Peak, including a picnic basket lunch and remarks from special guests as well as tours. In line with the nonprofit’s 130th anniversary, the picnic basket lunch represents a tradition of such gatherings and special occasions in the early days, including the opening of Fowler’s first building in 1892.

Gann also highlighted the upcoming North Texas Giving Day and the tremendous need the nonprofit has for a new bus to provide critical transportation for its residents. For this reason, a “Get on the Bus and Give” Campaign is in full swing with a $50,000 matching gift.

“Our residents depend on us for transportation to doctors’ appointments as well as for grocery store runs and other occasions, so it is our hope to raise all monies needed to purchase a $100,000,

14-passenger bus,” added Gann. “We hope the community will ‘Get on the Bus and Give’ to support this important fundraising effort.”

“An additional focus during our 130^th year is our continued work in the area of dementia care,” added Gann. “We know that approximately 5.5 million are living in the United States with cognitive impairment, and JFC is helping to foster Dementia Friendly Dallas, a movement for a more compassionate city. Within the vision of Dementia Friendly America, we are stepping into a more engaged community for individuals living with dementia and those who care for them. We are expanding what we do and looking at strategic partnerships that can make an impact for the greater community.”

Gann continued with additional thanks to the One Heart Society by highlighting the group’s help with a variety of supportive services for residents.

“We had some residents come to us with concerns about some other residents they noticed had been skipping meals or not utilizing the grocery runs,” said Gann. “Fowler has started a new benevolent fund called Friends Helping Friends, a true grassroots effort now subsidizing food needs at $70,000 a year! Additionally, One Heart Society’s volunteer and fundraising efforts also benefit the youth on our campus. For the young women who reside with us, life is not easy, and they need basic life skills and healing. Additionally, JFC supports youth who have been or could possibly become victims of sex trafficking. The One Heart Fund nourishes their souls and provides healing through supportive services, providing hope.”

“Without question, this is a historic year for Juliette Fowler Communities,” added Gann. “With the opening of The Peak, JFC continues the tradition of its founder, Juliette Peak Fowler – Dallas’s first philanthropist – by seeking innovative solutions for problems in the community. We have also upheld Juliette’s original mission of caring for widows and orphans 130 years ago by adapting it to a modern-day version of caring for seniors through all levels of care as well as children and youth. We care for children through foster and adoption services; youth working to escape or avoid human trafficking or exploitation; and young women at risk for homelessness due to neglect, abuse, or aging out of the foster care system.”

Gann concluded, “We know that we would not be celebrating 130 years without so many people consistently coming together with servants’ hearts. We invite the community to learn more about our history, mission, and programs or join our One Heart Society as we strive to make an impact not only by helping all age groups thrive and age successfully, but also by bringing serious community issues to light.”

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Juliette Fowler Communities is a unique faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages. Located on 20 picturesque acres, Juliette Fowler Communities provides independent and assisted living, a Five-Star Quality Rated skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, memory care and affordable senior housing. As the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in Dallas and one of only three in Texas, Fowler’s program employs evidence-based techniques to adapt experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths. It has also been named a Great Place to Work in the Aging Services Industry in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Additionally, on the grounds is The Ebby House, a residence for young women, ages 18-24, at risk for homelessness due to neglect, abuse, and aging out of the foster care system. The Ebby House program instills life skills and provides mentoring, health care, education, career guidance and job training. Additional services of Juliette Fowler Communities include foster and adoption services. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.