“We like everything about Life’s Garden,” said Igor, Valentina (center) and Natalia at Bingo Night 2022. They are from southern Russia and have been in the U.S. many years. Igor and Natalia, husband and wife, have been at LG for 12 years; Natalia for eight.
“We like Friends for Life–everything, the music, ice cream, bingo, tea party. It’s very fun.”
What's the story behind this popular senior apartment complex in Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church Reaches Out in Love to Provide Housing with a Heart for Silicon Valley Seniors
Life’s Garden is a senior resident apartment complex built by Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church (www.sunnyvalepres.com) with HUD financing. In the 1970s the congregation, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. J. Bruce Coleman, realized the need to provide reasonably-priced housing for senior citizens.
A team of church members established Sunnyvale Life, Inc. Out of that corporation came Life’s Garden, a two-story, 208-apartment retirement community that opened its doors in 1976 to people aged 62 and older. From the beginning, residency was open to seniors of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Today, it is open to low-income people 55 and older, and residents reflect the cultural diversity of Santa Clara County.
Each resident lives independently in a studio or one-bedroom apartment with its own kitchen. Currently, meals are not provided, although in the past dinner was provided in the communal dining room. The services of a social worker are provided on site without cost to residents, allowing them to connect with the services needed to age in place. Assisted living care, however, is not available.
Life’s Garden is known for its atmosphere of caring and community. Residents say that they feel safe and secure there. Residents, the staff and Friends for Life volunteers from the outside community plan classes and activities to meet the social and spiritual needs of the residents, enriching their lives. Amenities include an activity room with an adjacent beauty salon, a library, and a computer room.
Though built through the vision and efforts of members of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Life’s Garden is an independent, non-profit corporation. Its operations are overseen by a nine-member volunteer board of directors. It is managed by HumanGood.
Life’s Garden, 450 Old San Francisco Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: (408) 245-5433; Website: https://www.humangood.org/lifes-garden
