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By Erik Alsgaard
UMCONNECTION STAFF

In 1867, the Civil War was still fresh in the spirits, minds and bodies of Americans. Union troops were stationed in Baltimore and other locations around what is now the Baltimore-Washington Conference, while the South slowly embarked on its campaign of rebuilding.

Seeing the reality that many women had lost their husbands and sons during the war, and knowing that many of those women had no means of support, Dr. George C.M. Roberts called 24 Methodist church ladies together to discuss an idea: the creation of a home where older members of the church could find comfort, residence, skilled medical attention and spiritual growth.

Even in those days, Methodists were engaged in the Discipleship Adventure.

By the end of that year, Roberts? vision was in full bloom. The Wesley was born.

Today, The Wesley Assisted Living Residence and Skilled Nursing Center is one of the largest such facilities in Baltimore. It is licensed for more than 150 assisted living rooms and 75 skilled care beds, The Wesley is more than just about health care and assisted living.

A quick look through the home?s assisted living schedule in any given month shows a flurry of activity. Sprinkled liberally throughout the week are opportunities for spiritual growth and connection and worship services where visiting clergy bring the message, choir practices, the 'Gospel Corner,' and a regular Tuesday morning worship service.

The Wesley began with worship as part of its mission and carries it forward to today, said Sumner Miller, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The Wesley since last April.

He was brought on to manage a crisis. The Wesley almost didn?t live to see the start of 2006.

In 2004, then chief financial officer for The Wesley, Gerald Jordan, was caught stealing money from the organization. According to published reports, Jordan pleaded guilty to felony theft, admitting that he stole more than $300,000 over nearly four years.

Late last month, Jordan was sentenced to three years probation, according to the Baltimore Sun, closing that painful chapter in the home?s history. Reports also indicate that he has paid back about three-quarters of the money.

Jordan?s actions nearly put the home out of business. But according to leaders at The Wesley, they?re back, better than ever.

'To our residents, The Wesley is more than just a home, it?s ?their home,?' said Anne Perry, director of marketing, 'We?re a unique place for people because we combine, assisted living and a health care center, all in one place. As people?s needs change, where they live doesn?t have to change.'

Perry, who came on board with The Wesley in the past seven months, is part of a team of new staff at the home that includes CEO/CFO Miller.

'I?m very optimistic about the future,' said Miller, who brings 15 years of investment banking experience to his position in addition to experience with Episcopal Ministries to the Aging. 'We are continuing to turn things around. I see nothing but bright.'

Miller said his goals for the future are to increase the residential census from the current 65 or 70 percent, working on making The Wesley known in the community, and re-investing money in the building. 'We?re in a much stronger financial position than we were a year ago,' said Miller.

Though there is no formal connection between the Baltimore-Washington Conference and The Wesley, it is in the Methodist culture that the home still lives and operates.

'We?ve always been a Methodist, faith-based organization,' said Miller.

Make the Connection

The Wesley is located at 2211 West Rogers Ave., Baltimore, MD 21209.  For more information on The Wesley, contact Linda Compton, admissions director, at (410) 664-4006.