20 Oct Wesley Haven Villa, Inc. dba Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida

Posted at 09:50h in 2025, Family, Nonprofit, Wesley Haven Villa, Inc. dba Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida by

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Rolling With a Purpose: Connecting Seniors to Care & Community

Grant Year: 2025 | Focus Area: Family| Grant Amount: $103,500 Grant Status: In progress

Formed as a 501(c)(3) in 1956, Methodist Homes began their journey as an innovator in senior housing and geriatric care. In 2002, the nonprofit competed statewide in Florida for an affordable assisted living demonstration project and was awarded $3 million from the Florida Housing Finance Authority as the top qualifier. Opening in 2005, this project became known as Wesley Haven Villa and has earned a reputation in the Pensacola community for financial stability, steady leadership, and deep commitment to resident well-being. For more than 20 years, it has demonstrated resilience through challenging times with a mission to enrich the lives of older adults and all those who serve them in faith-based communities. Wesley Haven Villa serves up to 55 residents, offering Independent Living and Assisted Living, each designed to support the unique needs and preferences of older adults. Residents enjoy private apartments that provide the comfort, privacy, and dignity they deserve. Compassionate staff are available to assist with activities of daily living, ensuring support without compromising independence. Weekly outings invite residents to experience the Pensacola community, while regular on-site events bring the community to them. 

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

At Wesley Haven Villa, transportation is more than a convenience—it's a lifeline. Many residents no longer drive, and their access to essential services, healthcare, and community life depends entirely on the transportation provided. This project is a transportation initiative designed to enhance resident mobility, safety, and independence. IMPACT 100 funds will be used for the purchase of a converted Toyota Sienna van with a wheelchair lift, a six-person street-legal golf cart, and the replacement of the aging lift on a 14-passenger community bus. The van will offer safer, more efficient transportation for individual medical appointments and errands, particularly in tight clinic parking areas. The golf cart will provide convenient access to nearby downtown Pensacola amenities for small groups, encouraging social and spiritual engagement. Replacing the well-worn lift on the existing bus—used nearly daily for seven years—will ensure its continued reliability for larger group excursions. Together, these improvements will expand transportation options, ease family concerns, and help residents stay connected to the people, places, and experiences that enrich their lives. 

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

This transportation initiative is designed to ease the burden on families by ensuring their loved ones at Wesley Haven Villa have safe, reliable access to essential services and meaningful experiences. Wesley Haven Villa serves 54 seniors today. Some residents originally chose to move to Pensacola to be near family, while others are lifelong residents of Escambia County or Santa Rosa County. The median age of current residents at Wesley Haven Villa is 89, and age by average is 85. With the proposed mobility tools, the pressure on families to provide transportation or worry about missed appointments is alleviated, while ensuring comfort and safety for every trip. Residents will enjoy greater independence, accessing doctor visits, worship services, and local attractions with ease. For families in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, this project offers peace of mind—knowing their loved ones are supported, connected, and thriving in a community that values their well-being. 

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