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Morning Pointe Foundation, Dalton State announce clinical and social work scholarship partnership
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Left to right: Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living Co-Founder and CEO; Doug Brown, Morning Pointe Foundation Board Member; Josh Wilson, Development Coordinator for the Dalton State Foundation; Miranda Perez, Morning Pointe Foundation Executive Director; and David Elrod, Director of the Dalton State Foundation
The Morning Pointe Foundation has added Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia as a partner college as it works to provide scholarship support for more students in North Georgia.
The Morning Pointe Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living. Founded in 2014, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides nursing scholarship opportunities, forms community partnerships and supports caregivers in its mission to advance the care of seniors.
As a result of the partnership with Dalton State, the Foundation will fund two nursing scholarships at the college (one for the 2023-2024 school year and one for the 2024-2025 school year), as well as a social work scholarship for each year. The latter is the first social work scholarship ever presented by the Morning Pointe Foundation and marks an expansion from clinical-only support.
“Partners like Dalton State College are critical to the success of the Foundation as we strive to provide financial support for students pursuing a career in senior care,” said Miranda Perez, executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “We have been focused on nursing scholarships since the Foundation was started, and we are still committed to contributing to helping rebuild the nursing workforce. After seeing the social work program at Dalton State, it was evident how the Foundation can also enrich the social work program at the college. There is a huge need for social workers in the region, and we are excited to be able to remove barriers for students wishing to pursue that career path.”
Watch the scholarships video to meet some of the Foundation’s past recipients…
David Elrod, director of the Dalton State Foundation, shared: “We are honored that a company with the reach and reputation of Morning Pointe would make this kind of investment in our students at Dalton State. We know this relationship will pay dividends for the future of our community when these students graduate and become productive citizens and professionals. The quality of our nursing and social work programs make this partnership a natural fit. We are grateful for the Morning Pointe Foundation’s philanthropy.”
Greg A. Vital, co-founder and president of Morning Pointe Senior Living, added, “Especially in our post-pandemic environment, skilled professionals like our Morning Pointe Foundation scholars are an incredibly precious resource. It is our privilege to assist in bringing new and passionate nurses and social workers into the field.”
Since its inception, the Morning Pointe Foundation has funded over 75 nursing scholarships at partner community colleges.
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living owns and operates 37 assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states. Morning Pointe Senior Living currently manages one in Georgia, Morning Pointe of Calhoun Assisted Living and Memory Care, and a second, Morning Pointe at Happy Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care, is slated to open in Walker County in late 2023.
Morning Pointe celebrates new renovation, 25 years of service to the Calhoun community
Friday, May 13, 2022
Morning Pointe of Calhoun Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility, located at 660 Jolly Road, held a 25th Anniversary Celebration and Open House for their newly remodeled facility on Thursday, May 12.
“With the application of $1.5 million in upgrades and enhancements, we are investing in the commitment to excellence that Morning Pointe Senior Living is known for throughout the region. We want to welcome in the greatest generation to come live their best years at Morning Pointe of Calhoun,” said Greg Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living.
At this time, Morning Pointe consists of 36 properties, with a 37th on the way soon. The company began in the mid-90’s, founded by Vital and co-founder Franklin Farrow.
At Thursday’s ceremony, Farrow explained how Morning Pointe came to the Calhoun community.
“Back in 1999, in the early infancy of this company, we acquired this building that had been built by some local folks who had come together after deciding to serve local senior citizens by creating Regal Residence,” said Farrow. “They did a great job getting this property up and running, and then we came along in 1999 with an acquisition and formally launched it as Morning Pointe Senior Living. This is one of the early buildings that we had in our portfolio and the Lord continually blessed us as we continued to grow. We based ourselves in Chattanooga, and we’ve grown into one of the area’s largest providers. We’re blessed with our growth and we’re blessed to be here serving our seniors in the Southeast.”
Tracy Clements, executive director of Morning Pointe of Calhoun, said it’s one of her greatest pleasures to get to go to work at Morning Pointe each day.
“It’s a joy to be with these residents; to hear their stories, to hear their advice, because they have lots of advice to give. With age comes knowledge,” said Clements. “I love to take in everything they tell me, and use it.”
Clements also introduced her staff, saying they are very dedicated to Morning Pointe. Staff members introduced included: Director of Nursing, Beverly Shaw; Community Relations Director, Virginia Smith; Food Services Director, Nina Keiser; Activities Director, Keisha Cox; Business Office Manager, Rebecca Williams; Maintenance Director, Bruce Harkins; Lantern Program Coordinator, Rose.
Calhoun Mayor Jimmy Palmer read a little of a proclamation from five years prior, at Morning Pointe of Calhoun’s 20th anniversary celebration, saying the company has the mission of serving seniors through a positive corporate culture and reflects Christian values.
“(The founders) shared one vision, to change the senior care industry,” said Palmer. “Morning Pointe of Calhoun is committed to providing services that enhance the wellness, lifestyle and enjoyment of senior living in a secure environment that promotes hospitality, dignity, independence and quality of life. Morning Pointe Senior Living has become what it is today because of the trust that families placed in them, their compassionate associates and the countless number of volunteers that help them exceed expectations and by providing exceptional senior living and Alzheimer’s care. I thank them for their commitment to our community and I appreciate what they have done; many of us have family or friends at this facility and we know the value they bring to our community. I congratulate them on 25 years.”
Eddie Brannon, owner of Max Brannon Funeral Home, spoke of his experience with Morning Pointe of Calhoun after his father, Max, the founder of the funeral home, was placed in care at the senior living facility.
“I am a self-appointed ambassador for Morning Pointe Senior Living and the Lantern, and I’ve been an ambassador for them for quite a few years,” said Brannon. “I saw the work they did here and became a part of it; my wife called BINGO and I always came with her. My dad was here for three-and-a-half years. I tried to keep dad at home, and with me working 24/7…I couldn’t give him the care he so desperately deserved and so desperately needed. So I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, where my first call was going to be, and it was here at Morning Pointe. Dad loved it here and I loved coming up here. Dad was so peaceful (here). I’m glad to be a part of the Morning Pointe family. I appreciate everything they are doing here; the remodel is beautiful. Remember, if you have a loved one that needs the kind of care that’s being give here, Morning Pointe is the place to go.”
Retired Calhoun City Schools administrator Kay Baxter, who is now a resident of Morning Pointe, spoke of the wonderful atmosphere that makes Morning Pointe home to her and her fellow residents.
“My husband was here at The Lantern for two years and he was treated with great skill, and kindness and understanding by everyone who was there,” said Baxter. “The motto at Morning Pointe is, ‘This is your home,’ and (the staff) asks ‘how can we assist you?’ I cannot think, at our age, for a better home. Thank you, Morning Pointe, for hiring the wonderful people (who work here).”
In addition to speakers and a ribbon cutting, the Calhoun High School Trio and Quartet performed several selections of music, and the Gordon Central High School JROTC presented a Flag Ceremony, while Morning Pointe of Calhoun resident Raymond Goza, veteran of the U.S. Army and Air Force Reserves, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Small, guided group tours were offered, along with chef-prepared specialty desserts for those in attendance.
For more information on Morning Pointe, visit morningpointe.com or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MorningPointeofCalhoun. You can also call them at 706-629-0777.
Morning Pointe of Calhoun to hold grand reopening celebration on May 12
Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Memory Care community recently completed $1.5M renovation
Friday, April 29, 2022
Morning Pointe of Calhoun Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Memory Care campus will celebrate its recent $1.5 million renovation with a public Grand Reopening on May 12 at 3:30 pm at the campus located at 660 Jolly Road NW. Local dignitaries and special guests from the Gordon County area will be in attendance, including Calhoun City Mayor Jimmy Palmer, the Calhoun High School Trio, the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, and other well-known friends of Morning Pointe. Founded in 1997 by Tennessee healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living owns and operates 36 assisted living, personal care, and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states.
“We can’t wait to show you how beautiful and functional
the new interior of Morning Pointe of Calhoun is,” said longtime Calhoun native and Executive Director, Traci Clements. “Don’t just take my word for it, ask the residents. They love the newly updated colors and furnishings. Now it feels even more comfortable and just like home!”
Morning Pointe of Calhoun is one of the first buildings that Morning Pointe purchased in the early 2000s when co-founders Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow first began operating senior living communities. Over the years, ownership has invested in periodic upgrades to the facility—including the addition of a memory care wing—but this is the first major renovation of this magnitude.
“I am so excited. They’ve done a great job doing all this and making these decisions,” said Maureen Grizzle, who has been a resident at Morning Pointe of Calhoun for over four years.
Morning Pointe of Calhoun offers one-level living with 61 spacious apartments, including a secure wing specially designed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory care needs. Uniquely designed layouts were planned with seniors in mind, including a comfortable home-like environment with a team of associates and medical partners dedicated to serving residents. Amenities like a library, exercise room, and sitting nooks offer solace and encourage socialization among friends. Beautiful, secure courtyards showcase walking paths, sitting areas, and gathering spots for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Morning Pointe’s purposeful programming fosters independence and support with a strong focus on clinical care including physical and occupational therapies, life enrichment and wellness offerings. Farm-to-Table fresh dining and intergenerational activities help residents live their best.
For more information on Morning Pointe of Calhoun, visit morningpointe.com/locations/calhoun.
Morning Pointe of Calhoun nearing completion of $1.5 million renovation
Major upgrades to all interior surfaces and finishes at the Georgia senior living campus
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021
Morning Pointe of Calhoun is nearing completion of a $1.5 million interior renovation of its Assisted Living and Memory Care community. Every major surface and finish will be completely new when construction is completed later this month, including carpeting, flooring, interior furniture, fresh paint, and more.
“Our home has ‘uniquely southern’ charm, and when the residents walk in the door here—I want them to say, ‘This is beautiful, but I can relax here,” said Traci Clements, executive director of Morning Pointe of Calhoun. “When you walk down our halls, you’ll notice all the new elements that have been upgraded, from the dining room, to the hallways, and everything in between. We are so excited to show it off!”
Morning Pointe of Calhoun is one of the first buildings that Morning Pointe purchased in the early 2000s when co-founders Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow first began
Morning Pointe of Calhoun, located on Jolly Road in Calhoun, is nearing completion of a $1.5 million renovation project.
operating senior living communities. Over the years, ownership has invested in periodic upgrades to the facility—including the addition of a memory care wing—but this is the first major renovation since that time. Nearing its 25 year anniversary, Morning Pointe Senior Living now owns and operates 35 assisted living, personal care, and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states.
“We knew we wanted to serve residents and their families in the North Georgia area when we first began operating Morning Pointe Senior Living, and through the years, this has been a wonderful place for seniors to call home,” said Greg Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living. “With the application of $1.5 million in upgrades and enhancements, we are investing in the commitment to excellence that Morning Pointe Senior Living is known for throughout the region. We want to welcome in the greatest generation to come live their best years at Morning Pointe of Calhoun.”
Morning Pointe of Calhoun Executive Director Traci Clements shows some of the changes made to the interior of the facility during the recent renovation.
Residents are thrilled that their home is being remodeled. “I am so excited. They’ve done a great job doing all this and making these decisions,” said Maureen Grizzle, who has been a resident at Morning Pointe of Calhoun for over four years.
“As you walk down the hallway, you’re going to notice all the beautiful new furnishings and fixtures,” said executive director Clements. “Everywhere you look there are new and exciting upgrades—it’s all coming together! Come see all we have to offer here at Morning Pointe of Calhoun.”
For more information on Morning Pointe of Calhoun, find us on Facebook, call 706-629-0777, or visit morningpointe.com.
ABOVE: The main living room at Morning Pointe has a unique, Southern charm feel.
BELOW : A sitting area in the main living room and a hallway that has been remodeled.
Morning Pointe of Calhoun Maintenance Director Bruce Harkins shows new appliances that are part of the renovation project at the facility..
A table and chairs in the newly renovated dining area; a resident enjoying a scrumptious meal at Morning Pointe.