"For thousands of years, elders have been held in high esteem and involved in the community," says Steve McAlilly, CEO of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services. As the world shifted and the role of elders changed, Steve sought a way to bring them back to a place of reverence and respect. 15 years ago, Steve courageously led the Board of Directors of Traceway Retirement Community to open the first Green House® home in Tupelo, Mississippi, effectively building a home where elders could live full and meaningful lives, "Within hours of moving in, a peace came over the home," Steve remarks.

Not only do these homes positively effect the elders who live in them, but also the direct care staff who take on expanded roles to become the managers of the home. The skills that they learn in The Green House® homes affect every area of their lives, "I've watched team members grow and thrive in the Green House®" says Michelle Daniel, VP of Philanthropy & Strategic Implementation. Mississippi Methodist Senior Services currently has 19 Green House® homes on four separate campuses. Ten homes offering skilled nursing are located at Traceway as well as six homes at Martha Coker in Yazoo City. Memory Support is provided through Assisted Living Green House® Homes at Riggs Manor in Raymond (two homes) and Seashore Highlands in Gulfport (one home).

Returning the elders to a place of esteem, honor and respect is an investment in the quality of life of the entire community. "It's really an investment in your whole future and community," said McAlilly.

This 15 year milestone began with the vision of Dr. Bill Thomas and was embraced by Steve McAlilly's
leadership. Thanks to the support of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this radically simple innovation has become a proven movement that continues to grow with integrity and sustainability. Now with Green House® homes open and operating in 33 states, small house nursing homes are a trend addressing many of the challenges in healthcare. The Green House® model is demonstrating that the status quo is not good enough and that there is a better way. Thank you to Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, and all of The Green House® partners who have opened their doors in the past 15 years. Together we are fostering environments of empowerment, dignity and respect, and a world where every individual can anticipate a hopeful future.

By Rachel Scher McLean / Reprinted with Permission & Edits; Originally Posted on The Green House Project Blog, May 14th, 2018