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Several 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations call Winchester their home. 

One in particular finds 2024 to be a year worth celebrating perhaps more than others. 

Rose Mary C. Brooks Place, which has long since been established in the community as a place offering assisted living and independent living homes, is celebrating its 20th year in business in 2024. 

“There aren’t very many local, non-profit assisted living [facilities],” said Tim Janes, the executive director of Rose Mary C. Brooks Place. “We’re not associated with the church. We’re not associated with the Masons. We’re kind of an independent [facility].”

“We’re associated with our community,.” added Ed Mesta, current and long-time board member. 

Officially begun in 2004, Rose Mary C. Brooks Place was thought of well before its official opening. 

“We were just a bunch of local citizens that were concerned about our community. We [had] this need and we [needed] to get together and talk about what we can do to meet this need,” Mesta added. “There wasn’t anything [in Winchester] of this type.” 

With that in mind, the concept that would eventually become Rose Mary C. Brooks was created. 

However, as might be expected, some snags were encountered. 

Yet many supporters – including Ralph Oliver and Gene Culton – made a large impact. 

While Culton has served as the CEO of Bypass Rental Center and Hardware on Bypass Road, Oliver had a long association with Traditional Bank and was able to provide financial support early on. 

“He’s the one who truly got caught up in this dream and was very good to us from the beginning,” Mesta said. 

George S. Brooks II and Betsy Brooks Bulleit had donated the 16 acres of land where the organization now sits, helping to make the dream a reality. 

In recognition of their contribution, the business was named after their mother – Rose Mary Codell Brooks – who played an instrumental role in developing the first public library in Winchester and was the first chairperson of the library’s board. 

“They were very strong about that,”said Zella Rosenthal, another long-time board member. 

At first, as the business established itself, some took time to grasp its mission. 

“Sometimes there was resistance coming here because it was so new. [People] didn’t understand what it was,” Rosenthal added.

However, with a dedicated staff – some of whom have worked for all 20 years of its existence – and a continual mission statement – the organization quickly became revered. 

“The mission was laid out to provide seniors in the community a place that could be good for them spiritually, physically, emotionally, and to provide those services and assistance…to keep them healthy and thriving in those years.” Janes said. “That’s still what we do!” 

Today, Rose Mary C. Brooks Place provides 44 apartments and 64 cottages. 

Among other perks, residents will find various utilities included, 24 hour staffing, various activities for entertainment, a daily meal special and full menu available seven days a week and much more. 

Outdoor needs such as exterior maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal are also provided. 

Such has added to a healthy environment for seniors to enjoy. 

Toward the future, with its mission statement remaining consistent, the organization looks to keep serving its target population. 

“[We want to] Go out there and build a relationship and talk and listen and have empathy and friendship,” Janes said. “At the end of the day, that’s what works.”