In 1900, Samuel & Jessie Kenney bequeathed their estate “to found and maintain a home or retreat to be called “The Samuel & Jessie Kenney Presbyterian Home”.  Incorporated on June 20, 1901, the community housed its first residents in various locations owned by The Kenney estate, primarily in what is now downtown Seattle.  The first West Seattle building was dedicated on February 22, 1908, and the existing Kenney facility accepted its first independent living residents in 1909. Several additions and changes were made over the years:

1958 – The Sunrise wing was added, offering additional independent living; original building renamed Seaview;

1964 – The Health Center opened offering 50 nursing beds;

1985 – Ballymena opened offering additional independent living;

2003 – An Assisted Living building was added offering 46 apartments with services;

2004 – The remodel of the Sunrise wing was completed; Obtained outpatient therapy license (physical, occupational, speech therapy);

2005 –    (April) All skilled nursing beds were certified for Medicare;
(April) In-Home Services established;
(July) Meal service added to In-Home Services.

The Kenney strives to offer life-fulfilling opportunities in an urban environment. To this end they continue to evaluate the services and care offered to residents, and have plans for several more changes in the future:

• Create a secured dementia unit;
• Convert part of Assisted Living beds to skilled Nursing Facility beds;
• Implement the recently approved COPES Program;
• Conduct a Master Plan study to determine how to best utilize the eight existing homes The Kenney owns adjacent to their property;
• Restructure the dining services to include other options, such as a sandwich shop or ice cream parlor;
• Change policy to allow pets.

The Kenney’s mission statement reads: “The Kenney, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, is dedicated to serving older adults through a variety of programs, services, and modern safe facilities. The programs and services are provided in a fiscally responsible manner through caring, committed and competent staff in a dignified, respectful and spiritually nurturing environment.”

The Kenney, home to 175 residents, is a close-knit community of diverse individuals who share a love of life, and a sense of well being. They offer a continuum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing care, all on the same campus. Independent Living is offered at the Ballymena Apartments for those not requiring any assistance. Retirement Living is for those who live independently but wish to receive additional services such as housekeeping, linens, meals and activities. Assisted Living is for those who need a little help, such as bathing, dressing or taking medications. They receive three daily meals and enjoy the many activities offered at The Kenney. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center is located in their new Assisted Living building, with exercise classes and equipment. The Calvin Health Care Center is for residents with short- or long-term health issues requiring skilled nursing care. High quality care combines with personalized attention in a compassionate atmosphere. For those living in the West Seattle community, The Kenney has implemented In-Home Care Services, providing personal care services, support services, pet care, medication service, and property maintenance.

Residents of The Kenney enjoy active retirement living through planned social activities, physical fitness, entertainment, excursions, classes, guest speakers, games, cookouts, computers (with computer classes), a lending library, an on-site store, beautiful gardens and walkways, and more. Activities include movies, bingo, devotions, word games, table games, crafts, ice cream socials, and Koffee Klatsh.  The Kenney has three Resident Councils that hold monthly meetings. Staff give updates at these meetings, but also provide a quarterly Town Hall to keep all residents apprised of activities.

The Kenney takes pride in their community involvement. They have a yearly Health Fair, a monthly Wellness Program with guest speakers on a variety of topics, weekly Blood Pressure Clinics, and offer meeting space to a number of community groups including Single-Mom Parenting. They are working with the West Seattle Senior Center to host their programs at The Kenney, while the center is closed for renovation.

The Kenney hosts an annual salmon bake, inviting residents, staff, family members, and members from the local community. The event is free and attendees are asked to bring food items to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank. The Kenney also hosts summer concerts, and takes part in an award-winning intergenerational reading program with students from Gatewood Elementary. This year second-graders visited with, and wrote biographies for, residents at The Kenney.

Education is a priority at The Kenney. They implemented free ESL classes for their employees, with instruction centered on work-related words. They partner with South Seattle Community College, with the nursing students doing clinical rotations at The Kenney. They are also partnering with the University of Washington as a training site for their STAR Program study (Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences). Funded by the National Institute of Health, the STAR Program works with the nursing assistants to show them how to deal sensitively with memory problems, by anticipating problems and preventing the problems from interfering with daily living, and develop harmonious relationships.

To assist residents who have outlived their financial resources, The Kenney Foundation was established, funded by tax-deductible charitable contributions. The foundation may be able to assist with a portion of room, board and care costs that the residents cannot afford.

When asked what it means to be a nonprofit organization, Kevin McFeely, CEO/Administrator, said, “Being a nonprofit organization means that our mission, vision and values allow us to utilize revenues derived from operations, and channel them back into the organization to benefit those served rather than being paid to someone who has no knowledge of the mission of the organization, and, therefore, no true sense of ownership.”

The Kenney Presbyterian Retirement Community is a member of WAHSA, a state association serving primarily not-for-profit organizations, dedicated to providing quality housing, health, community and related services to older persons. WAHSA is affiliated with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). When asked what it means to be a WAHSA member, Kevin McFeely, stated, “I am proud to be a member of WAHSA. This association is about collaboration and assisting its members in achieving their mission.  In addition to the relationships that are built with other members, WAHSA has promoted collaboration with state agencies and regulators in an effort to provide the highest quality of life available for seniors in Washington.  This has been of tremendous benefit to our residents, employees and Board members. I have also found the networking that occurs to be invaluable in addressing issues that are faced on a daily basis.”