In the summer of 2007, the greater Dowagiac community suffered a collective shock when news broke that the Dowagiac Nursing Home would be suddenly shutting down its doors.

The shutdown, caused when the state health department revoked the facility’s operating license due to massive debt and multiple state and federal violations, caused nearly 100 employees to lose their jobs — as well as displacing the 120 elderly patients residing there.

It was following this turmoil that Ohio-based Atrium Living Centers took on the challenge of rebuilding the ashes left in the wake of the Dowagiac Nursing Home’s fall. In taking over stewardship of the closed down nursing center, Atrium leadership were inheriting a troubled legacy as they began efforts to begin anew.

Advised by a group of dedicated volunteers from around the Dowagiac community, determined to not let this new care facility follow in the Dowagiac Nursing Home’s footsteps, the Ohio-based company set about renovating the city’s nursing center, to transform it into a space that would live up to residents’ expectations.

In the summer of 2010, Atrium’s work paid off, as they unveiled the fruit of their labor — the Timbers of Cass County.

On Wednesday, the Dowagiac nursing and rehabilitation celebrated its fifth year of operation, inviting the community to visit the facility on Colby Street for a special open house celebration. Nearly 75 people stopped by the Timbers that afternoon, including senior Atrium leadership and many members of the community advisory board.

The anniversary was indeed a cause for celebration. In just five short years of operation, Timbers staff have taken a dark mark on the city’s history and turned it into something that residents can be proud of.

With 240 staff members assisting 100 long and short-term patients, the facility serves an important role in providing Cass County’s elderly population with the care they need, with the dignity they deserve. They have already received several awards for their level of service, and administration say they are committed to improving on that.

With only one other assisted living center, The Cass County Medical Care Facility, located within the immediate area, the Timbers is an essential pillar of our business and medical community, so its great to see them thriving, especially in light of what happened just eight years ago.

We congratulate the Timbers on reaching this milestone in its lift, and hope that its staff continues to help the people of Cass County for many years to come.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.