For Jim Reed, St. John’s has been part of his life for much longer than the nearly 10 years he has called it home.

His connection to St. John’s began with his mother, who worked as a nurse at St. John’s Home in the 1960s and 1970s. Later in life, she became a resident herself, spending the final two years of her life at St. John’s. When Jim eventually began looking for a place to call home, that history was one of many connections that drew him to St. John’s Meadows.

After doing his research, Jim discovered that he already had friends living here, including members of his church. His professional career in social work brought another unexpected connection: former colleagues from the Monroe County Department of Social Services were also living at St. John’s.

Nearly 10 years later, those connections have become some of Jim’s most treasured memories.

Living at St. John’s has given Jim the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, form new friendships, and experience the unexpected moments that make a community feel like home. His most meaningful parts of life at St. John’s have come from simply getting to know the people around him.

Jim’s commitment to helping others has been a constant throughout his life. His career in social work was centered on supporting people through difficult circumstances and his desire to help others continued beyond his professional career. After experiencing loss in his own life, Jim became involved in bereavement support and helped lead bereavement groups, offering a listening ear and a place for others to find support while navigating grief.

Jim’s gratitude extends beyond the community of residents. He has developed a tremendous appreciation for the employees who make that community possible.

With a career devoted to social services, Jim understands the importance of having compassionate people there when others need support. He sees every day how much residents rely on the employees who care for them, serve their meals, maintain their surroundings, and help make St. John’s feel like home.

That understanding is what inspires Jim to give to St. John’s Foundation.

Jim believes in supporting people and organizations close to home, where generosity can have a direct and meaningful impact. His gifts to St. John’s Foundation are his way of giving back to the community that has given so much to him—and of helping recognize and support the employees who do so much for St. John’s residents every day.

Jim’s mother was cared for here. He has built friendships here. He has reconnected with people from his past and formed relationships he never expected. Jim has shared his time and compassion with others, just as he has throughout his life. And now, through his generosity, Jim is helping care for the community that has become such an important part of his own life.

Giving to St. John’s is more than making a donation for Jim. It is his way of giving back to a place and to the people that have given him so much.