IN THE EARLY 1960’s, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends appointed a Committee on Aging to study the challenges presented by the increasing numbers of older people in society. The committee succeeded in securing a number of substantial bequests in support of this concern, and subsequently granted $300,000 to the group seeking to establish Kendal at Longwood.

THOSE INVOLVED IN THE BEGINNING of that first Kendal community set a tone of generosity—a spirit, of time and talent, and of resources. The first board was mindful of future residents who would not be able to afford Kendal and of those who, through no fault of their own, might outlive their resources.

A year before opening, donations already were being received to answer these potential needs. Moreover, a true spirit of community led the first residents to pool their resources through a managed health care program. Their generosity signaled the willingness of the community to protect each individual member from potentially devastating costs.  This culture of generosity continues to characterize Kendal’s life, manifesting itself in these ways gathered as examples from various communities.

Resident/Community support
Resident/Member Assistance * Capital Improvements * Endowments * Charitable Reserves * Internships

Staff Support
Scholarships * Emergencies * Holiday gifts * Child Care * Employee Appreciation

Special Programs
Horticultural Therapy * Pet Therapy * Symposia Publications * Concerts * Helping Hands (a community service)

Kendal Outreach
Pennsylvania Restraint Reduction Initiative * Untie the elderly® * COLLAGE, The Art and Science of Healthy Aging * Pennsylvania and Ohio Best Practices Initiatives

Volunteer Work
Tens of thousands of hours yearly from hundreds of Kendal residents and staff with Kendal communities, in wider local areas, nationwide, and abroad.