Attendees of the Juliette Fowler Communities anniversary celebration speak outside Katie Pedigo’s home.
Over 70 residents and supporters of Juliette Fowler Communities gathered to celebrate the nonprofit’s 130th anniversary over the weekend.
Juliette Fowler Communities, located on 20 acres in East Dallas, provides senior living options for people of various needs, from independent living to nursing and memory care. Additionally, JFC operates a youth support center and a transitional living program for young women. The celebration was held at the home of Katie Pedigo, the transitional living program’s public relations director, and CEO Nicole Gann told attendees about JFC’s upcoming plans.
This November, JFC will open a new apartment building, The Peak, that is designed for seniors with “modest” incomes. At the celebration, Gann said the apartments are intended for “those who are unable to pay market rate for apartments and do not qualify for low-income housing.”
According to a study published by the University of Chicago, by 2033, an expected 16 million people aged 75 and older will be too wealthy to qualify for Medicaid but not wealthy enough to afford senior care. Three-quarters of these so-called “forgotten middle” seniors will be unable to afford any sort of living assistance.
“In a city like Dallas, pricing for housing and rent have been escalating and gentrification is forcing seniors who have lived in areas for 40 or 50 years to move,” Gann said. The Peak is intended to be an affordable alternative to allow seniors to stay in the Dallas area.
In addition to the new apartment building, Gann also boosted other initiatives, including a new food subsidy program for residents and plans to buy a new bus.
“Without question, this is a historic year for Juliette Fowler Communities,” added Gann. “With the opening of The Peak, JFC continues the tradition of its founder, Juliette Peak Fowler – Dallas’s first philanthropist – by seeking innovative solutions for problems in the community.”
