PHOTO GALLERIES | GERALD T. PARKS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

On June 9, 2008, The William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center (Columbia, SC) received a donation in the amount of $21,000 from the Gerald T. Parks Memorial Foundation. The funds are earmarked for the new Community Living Center. The Community Living Center is designed to provide a "home like atmosphere" for the veteran residents. Funds will be use to provide "home like" furnishings, art work and a Baby Grande Piano for the "mall" area.

Each unit will be designed as a neighborhood. Veteran residents will have a porch attached to the "front" door to their residence. The center will also house a barber shop, ice cream parlor, Laundromat, fix-it shop, and library. A large eat in kitchen with a bay window is designed so that the veterans may gather and absorb the aroma and atmosphere of foods being prepared while visiting with their neighbors.

Mr. Lucky (a cat) and a beautiful new Avery currently located on 3-S will be moving with the residents once the area is completed. The location of the newly renovated CLC will likely be a home to other pets as well.

A home-like environment, resident-centered care, and a place of caring and love are all hallmarks of the culture change transformation in long term care. The Dorn VA CLC is very grateful for the generosity of the Gerald T. Parks Memorial Foundation.

Thank you,

Priscilla S. Creamer
View Veterans Affairs Documentation