Post Fire Chronology

Feb 09, 2018

January 29, 2018 Renewal is Barclay Friends’ focus, as it has been for more than two months since the tragic fire. Today demolition of the Woolman personal care building began. We anticipate that the remnants of the building will be removed and that site work will be done over the coming days. Completion of this […]

Flood of Donations Pours in to Aid Displaced Barclay Friends Residents

Nov 20, 2017

The generosity of citizens in West Chester and surrounding communities nearly overwhelmed volunteers Sunday who gathered at Good Will Fire Company. Trucks2, a volunteer group that collects and delivers items in times of need, organized the event, while Good Will provided the space. We also owe a special ‘thank-you’ to Good Will Fire Company President […]

Family Members Invited to Pick Up Supplies for Displaced Residents

Nov 19, 2017

Nov. 19, 2017—FAMILY MEMBERS of Barclay Friends residents are invited to come to the Good Will Fire Company both TODAY until 6 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20, to pick up clothing and other supplies needed for their loved ones. The Good Will Fire Company is located at 552 E. […]

Tragic Fire at Barclay Friends

Nov 17, 2017

Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 Dear Friends, We are so, so sad to report that last night there was a tragic fire at Barclay Friends, a Kendal Affiliate in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Despite a swift, effective, and compassionate response by first responders, along with Barclay Friends staff and so many volunteers, the physical loss is devastating […]

Good Turn: Therapy Dog Volunteer Shares Her Experience

Nov 14, 2017

The companionship of a beloved pet can be enjoyed at any age, and while animals may not speak using words, their compassionate presence can be healing to the mind and body. Recently, the Daily Local ran an article highlighting the benefits of therapy animals in assisted living. Kathy Cross, a therapy dog volunteer at Barclay […]

Flu Shot Timing

Nov 13, 2017

While some might think there is a “best time” to get a flu shot, waiting for the perfect moment may cause you to put it off and miss out on the vaccine’s benefits. The flu season generally begins around early October and usually extends from December to March. In the preceding two flu seasons, flu […]

Local West Chester Gardeners Share Inspiration

Oct 30, 2017

The 13th Annual Secret Gardens Tour of West Chester held Saturday, Sept. 9, was the most successful garden tour yet! The tour and plant sale raised $18,118, with more than 378 tickets sold in support of horticultural therapy for residents. The tour gave a fun peek into the gardens of 15 local West Chester garden […]

Welcome Linda M. Sterthous

Oct 16, 2017

What a warm welcome I have received during my first couple of months at Barclay Friends! Since I arrived in July, I’ve been spending time in the Woolman and Cotter neighborhoods saying hello to staff, residents and family members and learning about their hopes and dreams for Barclay Friends. I’ve also been meeting with board […]

Vanguard Visits for United Way Day of Caring

Oct 02, 2017

Thank you to our Vanguard friends who visited for their annual United Way Day of Caring. Volunteers worked with residents to make biodegradable bird feeders using sunflower seeds, cracked corn and coconut oil. After the mixture was molded using cookie cutters—and hardened in the refrigerator—we used jute twine to hangs them in Anne’s Garden for the birds […]

Residents, Staff Support Hurricane Relief Effort

Sep 14, 2017

Humans may age, but the inclination to reach out and help others, especially in a time of crisis, remains strong. Working with Recreation staff, residents of Barclay Friends Continuing Care Community demonstrated their altruism by creating and selling pins to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, and now also Irma. Pins featured the […]