Ground broken for fellowship center

Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s Give. Gather. Grow. campaign for the campus’ new fellowship center took a giant step forward Sept. 5 with the groundbreaking for the construction project, slated to be complete in the spring.

“There is no doubt that the Give Gather Grown campaign is a part of God’s bigger plan to enhance the mission of Farmington Presbyterian Manor, which is to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values,” said Bruce H. Shogren, PMMA’s president and CEO.

The 3,500 square foot fellowship center project came out of a desire to create more common space at the senior living community for residents to gather for worship, activities and enjoy family gatherings, as well as provide access to outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy fresh air and the therapeutic benefits of nature.

“The 55th anniversary and celebration was truly a spark that ignited all of us to come together for the common purpose of doing good for the residents,” said Nancy Sullivan, co-chair of the Give. Gather. Grow. steering committee. “We wanted to enhance the lives of the residents and staff.”

When Jane Hull, executive director, was approached by a donor seeking to support Farmington Presbyterian Manor, she immediately knew where those funds could be used. The anonymous gift of $1 million kick started the fellowship center project.

“The generous gift was the nudge of God to set us on this journey to Give. Gather. Grow,” said Sullivan.

With guidance from PMMA’s Department of Giving and the operations team, the dream of such a space began to take shape.

The Fellowship Center project went through several rounds of architectural revisions with Gravity Works Architecture. The 3,500 square-foot center will provide space for weekly worship services, anniversary parties, regular activities and exercise classes, and access to the outdoors where residents can reconnect with nature and enjoy the healing and therapeutic effects of fresh air and sunshine.

“This would not be possible without the support of the friends and family of Farmington Presbyterian Manor,” said Shogren. “The Mission Committee and Campaign Steering Committee are integral part of this project. We are grateful for their time, energy and resources they have invested to make this a reality.”

The total anticipated cost for the project is $1.25 million. The Give. Gather. Grow. campaign will raise the additional $250,000 needed to fund the project. Together, community staff pledged $25,000 toward the project, and with additional donations already received, the campaign has raised $134,000 toward its goal.

“We welcome any local business or organization to match this generous gift from our dedicated employees,” said Sullivan.

The new fellowship center will also serve as a legacy for the campus’ executive director and her family.

“Jane Hull has been a part of the PMMA family and living the mission for almost 40 years. She has demonstrated a commitment to success, built a reputation for quality and resident satisfaction, all the while maintaining a strong passion for seniors. She and her Farmington team put the residents and their families’ first every day. Today, we break ground for the Hull Family Fellowship Center,” Shogren said.

Hull’s children, Christie and Jonathon, and their families were present for the groundbreaking.

“We all know that behind a great leader is a family that supports and encourages,” Sullivan said. “I know that Jane’s late husband, Eddie, is also here in spirit, and we know he would be proud of Jane and the team’s accomplishment.”

Brockmiller Construction will be the general contractor for the project. It is anticipated the Hull Family Fellowship Center will open in spring 2020.

To learn more about the Give. Gather. Grow. fundraising campaign and how you can contribute, contact Patti Christen at 316-734-2275 or email pchristen@pmma.org.

PHOTOS: In both group photos at the top, left to right: Bruce Shogren (President/CEO of PMMA), Nancy Sullivan (Give. Gather. Grow. Steering Committee Co-Chair), Jane Hull (Executive Director) and Byron Taylor (Give. Gather. Grow. Steering Committee Co-Chair) turn the first shovels of dirt for the new fellowship center.

Bottom photo shows the entire Steering Committee. From left to right, back row: Jennifer McClanahand, Sarah Oenning, Kim Long, Matt Sebastian, Rev. John Goodwin, Byron Taylor. From left to right, front row: Patti Christen, Jon Cozean, Ph.D, Carol Willman, Ph.D., Jane Hull, Becky Panchot and Nancy Sullivan.

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