It might be hard to imagine living for 100 years, but many of the residents that choose Good Samaritan Society for rehabilitation services, assisted living or long term care have achieved that milestone. Some are even living independently in our senior apartments and casitas, making the most of each day surrounded by great neighbors and supportive staff.
We’re also proud to share that this year, on September 29, 2022, we’ll be celebrating our own 100th birthday. Starting from humble beginnings in Arthur, North Dakota, the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society has grown offer an array of healthcare and senior living services across the country. It’s amazing what can happen with help and support of a community that believes in your mission.
In the early 1920s, the Reverend August “Dad” Hoeger worked as a parish pastor in North Dakota. At the time, a fellow minister was raising money to help a young boy with polio. His fundraising exceeded its goal by $2,000. The Rev. Hoeger suggested the extra money be used to help people with disabilities.
Though it was founded as a center for those with physical and mental disabilities, the Society soon found it needed to expand its services. Shortly after the home opened, an elderly man on crutches came to the Rev. Hoeger and asked to be admitted. It was later discovered that he didn’t need crutches but had pretended so he would have a place to stay. This incident demonstrated to the Rev. Hoeger and others the need for services for the elderly, in addition to those with disabilities.
Our story in this community parallels the Rev. Hoeger’s story. Seven local churches determined need for a Christian-based retirement center and nursing home in Prescott. In 1972, approximately 33 percent of the population in Prescott was 62 or older.
A quartet of influential, determined women set a goal of raising $550,000. In two-person teams, they went door-to-door in Prescott to share the mission and need for a retirement and nursing home in Prescott. By 1976, they had exceeded the goal and were able to purchase 9.1 acres of land and cover costs for building what was a $2.5 million Senior Living apartments and Long Term Care named Prescott Samaritan Village.
Since then, we’ve continued to grow our service lines and build our footprint in this community, adding Senior Living with services in both Prescott and Prescott Valley, Assisted Living, Home Health, Hospice, Outpatient and Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy, Long Term Care services and the Marley House Hospice In-Patient Unit.
We are proud of reaching this milestone and look forward to serving the quad city community for many decades to come. If you’d like to learn more about our century of service and how our faith-based, non-profit can help you or a loved one, please call us at 928-713-2292 or visit our website at www.good-sam.com.