Growth heralds bright future for Our Lady of Angels “The progress during the past year at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home is almost hard to realize,” said Chief Executive Officer Maria Pesavento, O.S.F. “Only a year ago we had just broken ground on the OLA Village. We were hardly at the mid-point of renovation for the Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Now both projects are a reality, and 2008 promises to continue as a year of amazing progress.” According to Kathy Calahan, director of nursing, two floors in the south wing of the OLA building were completely renovated into Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The goal of this state-of-the-art center is to provide treatment, care and rehabilitation therapy services to patients following a stay in the hospital. “After a hospital stay, most people just want to get home,” Calahan said. “We will provide the specialized care and therapies needed to transform from hospital care to previous living arrangements, and we offer them in our comfortable and home-like setting.” The first phase of the Village is nearing completion on construction of 28 duplex-style cottage homes for independent living at OLA. The two-bedroom cottage homes will each include an attached garage. A model home will open in February, and the first “pioneer” residents will move in to several of the new homes. “We’re eager to show off our beautiful homes,” said Holly Lee, sales manager for the Village. “We can offer a wonderful lifestyle for those who want to move away from the chores that go along with owning a house, but still want the convenience of single family living. Instead of being tied to a house, our residents will enjoy the benefits of maintenance, housekeeping and many other conveniences that come along with Village life.” The second phase of Village construction will begin this summer and feature a community building with 51 apartment homes and resident service areas. “The community building will be the heart of OLA Village for all our residents,” Lee said. “It will house a fitness center, our Wellness programs, activity, social, dining, and meeting areas.” Apartment homes will offer a choice of one or two bedrooms. A final phase will build an additional 30 cottage homes, completing the project. “One of the most important aspects for all our residents is the daily Mass held in our beautiful chapel,” said Sr. Pesavento. “OLA is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, so spirituality has always been part of OLA life. In addition to the daily Mass, services can be held for residents of other faiths. We truly have always been a faith-based community.” “OLA has changed from a retirement home that served the community for more than 45 years into Joliet’s first faith-based continuing care senior living community,” added Administrator Michelle Hart-Carlson. “Residents know that all the resources to support their lifestyle are available without leaving the OLA campus. Independent homes and apartments, assisted living and nursing care are all here along with the amenities and quality reputation that is OLA .” Final check Decorating is part of the fun in a new home. Elizabeth Joutras (left), of Shorewood, says she enjoys the process of planning her new cottage home in Our Lady of Angels Village. In anticipation of being one of the first residents of the new development, Joutras looks through carpet samples with Village Administrator Sr. Maria Pesavento. Rooftops are rising! The construction of the 28 duplex-style cottage homes is nearing completion, and the model home will open in mid-February