History of Rest Haven - Providence Life Services - 1980 - 1990 a Story of Providence

One of the most powerful moments of the 1980s came in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan, standing in front of the Berlin Wall, made his famous appeal for freedom: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

A less-often-quoted line from that same speech resonates with Providence's vision. President Reagan proclaimed, "...We believe freedom and security go together." In the 1980s, Providence took steps to expand the freedom that our clients could experience while still enjoying safety and security. In 1980 we transformed a hotel in Crete, Illinois, into a Christian retirement community called Village Woods.

By 1981, the transformation from hotel to retirement community was complete, and the first residents had moved in. By 1984, Village Woods Christian Retirement Community had earned a reputation as a wonderful place to live.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE LEFT: August 15, 1980 - Signing the purchase agreement for Village Woods. RIGHT: By 1981, the transformation from hotel to retirement was complete, and Village Woods was ready to offer Christian retirement living to area seniors.

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In the 1980s, Rich Mulder began searching the west suburbs for existing nursing homes that might be available for purchase. If Rest Haven could buy an existing facility and transform it into a Christian care community worthy of the name Rest Haven, we could meet the continuing demand for quality Christian care.

When he contacted the owners of Bridget Manor in Downers Grove, they were willing to transfer ownership of their property. The building needed plenty of work – a new roof, new windows, an improved entrance, updated community areas, and enhanced landscaping. The structural and aesthetic enhancements served notice that this nursing center was under new management. By fall of 1984, Rest Haven West was accepting applications for residency.

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Groundbreaking for Saratoga Grove brings retirement living to the western suburbs. The Grand Opening celebration the following year involved balloons, refreshments, and carriage rides, and was covered by the local newspapers.

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The Fairways, a development of senior living townhomes, is planned as a complement to the existing Village Woods retirement community in Crete, Illinois.

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