In 1887, Roxborough native Samuel Gorgas commissioned Philadelphia's most acclaimed architecture firm, Furness, Evans & Company, to design a home at 601 Leverington Avenue. But this would be no ordinary home...

Originally named the Roxborough Home for Widows and Indigent Women, the gracious Victorian mansion, on a sprawling lawn, was an act of philanthropy and compassion. The original trustees comprised a roll call of Philadelphia’s elite – Shipley, Rittenhouse, Levering, and Bunting.

Today, known as the Roxborough Home for Women, this Victorian gem continues to honor the mission of its founder as a nonprofit community providing personal care services for women in a nurturing, caring and homelike environment.

"We are one of three personal care homes in the area, along with Cathedral Village and Atria Lafayette Hill. However, we are the most affordable and fifty percent of our residents come from Roxborough," said Joan Kaczmar, Board President

"We are one of three personal care homes in the area, along with Cathedral Village and Atria Lafayette Hill. However, we are the most affordable and fifty percent of our residents come from Roxborough."

"We are a 501(c)3 private charitable foundation that depends entirely on our endowment and charitable giving,” she added. "We are always looking for community volunteers and business sponsors because the bulk of financial responsibility is on our home."

Kaczmar pointed out another factor that makes the Roxborough Home for Women unique. "Many older women, and aging persons in general, are at higher risk of isolation and loneliness.  Loss of hearing and vision, loss of their partner, family members, friends, home, work, ability to drive, and shop as in earlier years all may contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.  Relocating an older person into a care facility removed from one's community may further compound this issue."

"The women who lived in the community and have moved to Roxborough Home continue to stay in their community.  They have the ability to continue to walk the neighborhood streets, attend their church and social groups, keep their same health practitioner, develop new friendships, and may have their family and friends nearby, thereby mitigating some of the feelings of loss.”

"The women who lived in the community and have moved to Roxborough Home continue to stay in their community.  They have the ability to continue to walk the neighborhood streets, attend their church and social groups, keep their same health practitioner, develop new friendships, and may have their family and friends nearby, thereby mitigating some of the feelings of loss.”

In addition to a comfortable setting, the Home provides meals, activities, laundry services, transportation, and light housekeeping activities to its residents.

“This is a model that our nation should look at – affordable care that keeps seniors within their communities in a homey setting, rather than creating a sense of isolation,” said Kaczmar.

“This is a model that our nation should look at – affordable care that keeps seniors within their communities in a homey setting, rather than creating a sense of isolation."

The Roxborough Home for Women is currently accepting applications. Mature senior women, independently mobile, and capable of living in a personal care home with limited assistance are eligible to join the community. For more information, contact Gaby Anik, Administrator, at 215-482-6615.

Roxborough Home for Women

Website:

https://roxboroughhomeforwomen.com/

Phone number:

215-482-6615

Address:

601 Leverington Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19128