| Carroll Manor stands as beacon for Baltimore seniors By Maribel Cabrera IbrahimUMConnection Correspondent  What started as a home for a few elderly Methodists 132 years ago has evolved into a seven-story complex in northwest Baltimore.
The N. M. Carroll Manor stands on the corner of North Arlington and Harlem avenues, as a beacon of refuge for senior citizens in the neighborhood. Named after the Rev. Nathaniel Monroe Carroll, a Methodist pastor in the 19th century, the Manors mission is to be a service of ministry to seniors, providing adequate housing and care for people on a low, fixed income. The state Office on Aging provides subsidies to help residents afford housing costs based on their ability to pay. The Baltimore-Washington Conference has had a relationship with Carroll Manor since its inception. The Rev. Louis Shockley, district superintendent of the Baltimore West District, applauds the work the people at N.M. Carroll Manor do, and have done for decades, in the name of the conference and the spirit of Christ. He wholeheartedly encourages churches and individuals to support the manors ministry. Currently, local churches support the facility through the annual N. M. Carroll Home Mothers Day offering, contributing $21,289 in 2003, and by donating their time and talents. Many churches provide holiday programs, social events, Bible studies, donations of goods and visits to residents. This serves to make the time at the Manor special, since many of the residents do not have money to spare for leisure programs or activities. Among the activities: Martin Luther King Memorial UMC sponsors an afternoon of bingo with fun and treats; Northwood Appold UMC holds its annual Christmas caroling event at the Manor; and Elderslie-St. Andrews UMC church members visit residents. I ndividuals and residents also get involved with programs and providing activities and amenities. Elizabeth Johnson Evans, a retired beautician, has been volunteering her hair styling services since the Manor occupied the current building. Word of her services spread and now non-residents who live in the area often drop by to get their hair done and visit with friends. Another resident, skilled in ceramics, offers a ceramics class to residents. Ell Sprigs Barney, a 94-year-old resident who is said to have the voice of an angel, frequently sings at many of the functions at Carroll Manor. I got involved with Carroll Manor before I lived here, and when it was time to move, I knew just where I wanted to come right here, she said.  For many of the residents, Carroll Manor is a good way to maintain an independent lifestyle, while having much needed social interaction.
Carroll Manor has a central dining room, several lounge areas and a beauty salon. Each of the 99 apartments is equipped with a bedroom, living room, kitchenette and private bath. For those individuals that require additional non-medical personal care, such as housekeeping, cooking and personal services, the Congregate Housing Program is available to help them live as independently as possible. According to Stephanie Gregory, who works at the facility, The Manor is a step between living on your own and assisted living care. A common refrain among residents is that they have personal relationships here that they may not otherwise have when living on their own. Even with the volunteer services and funding that are provided, there is much more that is needed at N.M. Carroll Manor. Currently, the biggest needs are a reliable van for transporting residents to appointments and a computer for the main office. Additionally, on a tour of the facility, James Etheridge, manager of Carroll Manor, explained that the newer motorized wheelchairs on the market these days are wearing down wall guards and flooring much faster than anticipated. Churches or individuals that would like to become involved with N.M. Carroll Manor may call (410) 669-4270. | 
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