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Florissant, Others Honor RHF’s 55th Year
With Programs at St. Catherine and DeSmet
By Bob Lindsey
Officials from Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) came to the two Florissant retirement centers last week to join with residents, staff and local officials to help celebrate the company’s 55th year at two separate luncheons.
Laverne R. Joseph, president and CEO of RHF was the opening speaker June 19 at St. Catherine Retirement Community in Florissant and also appeared at DeSmet Retirement Community in Florissant at a luau June 21 celebrating the company’s 55th year serving seniors nationwide. RHF serves 22,000 people in 194 housing communities in 29 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Dr. Joseph outlined the mission of RHF, which is a non-profit organization providing various housing options and services for older adults, lower income families and persons with disabilities “in an environment which enhances their quality of life—physically, mentally and spiritually.”
Joseph noted that their mission “is faith-based and mission driven,” and their roots date back to their relationship with the United Church of Christ. RHF’s philosophy honors faith and traditions of every religion and the non-religious.
He told the story of the company’s logo, often referred to as “the snowflake.” What appears to be a snowflake is actually a grouping of four houses and four apartment buildings joined together by a cross, “representing our Christian tradition, and the motivating force of RHF’s mission.” The diamond shape represents “our sense of community,” the houses have open doors symbolizing availability for those who need housing. The logo points in all four directions, “signifying our geographic diversity and inclusiveness.”
Three pastors and two priests were present at the St. Catherine luncheon offering the invocation, prayers, the blessing of the food and the benediction. Two other clergy spoke at the DeSmet gathering June 21.
Mayor Tom Schneider, accompanied by Florissant Councilman Robert Parson presented the RHF leaders with a resolution and a plaque from the city at St. Catherine. The mayor and Police Chief Tim Lowery spoke and presented a proclamation at the DeSmet luncheon. Mayor Schneider, in his brief remarks, noted that the city consistently gets high marks for its senior services putting Florissant at the top or near the top in several surveys on senior housing needs and services. Proclamations were also presented to both Florissant RHF retirement facilities from Sen. Claire McCaskill’s office.
Before lunch was served, the St. Catherine Kitchen Sink Band performed a few songs.
At the DeSmet luncheon, the Hawaiian theme featured singer and hula dancers performed for the visitors and residents.
