February 13, 2025 —Barclay Friends, a Kendal Affiliate, a trusted name in care for older adults in the West Chester, PA community, proudly announced the grand opening of its new, beautiful, state-of-the-art Goshen Memory Care Residence with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 1 p.m.
The event, held in collaboration with the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the addition of 24 expertly designed memory care apartments that blend comfort, innovation, and support for older adults. Guests were treated to light refreshments, opening remarks, and guided tours of the new spaces, offering a firsthand look at the enhanced community.
The ceremony featured remarks from Barclay Friends CEO Maria Santangelo, Barclay Friends Board Chair Ellen Gilbert, and Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce Events and Marketing Coordinator Carly McFadden, who served as the event emcee.
West Chester Mayor Lillian L. DeBaptiste, representatives from the Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. and Construction Services Group LLC, and other board members joined in the ribbon-cutting festivities.
A Milestone in Memory Care
The Goshen Memory Care Residence represents Barclay Friends’ ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of residents and their families.
“Memory care is not just a service we offer—it’s a commitment to enhance residents’ quality of life, provide compassionate support, and create a nurturing environment for every resident,” said Maria Santangelo, CEO of Barclay Friends. “Today, we are proud to open the Goshen Memory Care Residence. These residences will allow us the opportunity to meet the needs of residents and the West Chester community as a whole. I thank all who have contributed to this success, especially the team members and employees who commit to our community every day with a smile on their faces and song in their hearts.”
Mayor DeBaptiste shared, “I was very pleased to attend the Barclay Friends ribbon cutting today. These new memory care residences meet a phenomenal need. Sadly, I do know people who have memory loss issues, so I feel grateful that these beautiful spaces with an at-home feel are available. Here, families can engage and be together with their loved ones. Both the person experiencing dementia and the family can feel they are cared for and embraced.”
Carly McFadden, with the Chamber of Commerce, noted, “Thank you to all of the Chamber members who have joined us today to celebrate the new residence that will focus on personalized care and community atmosphere, ensuring residences can enjoy a comfortable and engaging living environment.”
Ellen Gilbert, Board Chair, shared, “The development of these new residences is in direct response to the need we identified a few years ago for the growing necessity for more memory care residences in our area.”
With thoughtfully designed apartments, expert care, and a mission focused on community and personalized care, the Barclay Friends team continues to set the gold standard for older adult care in the West Chester area and beyond.
Key Features to Look Forward To:
- Beautiful Apartments and Enhanced Amenities: Private apartments arethoughtfully designed living spaces focused on residents’ comfort and security. Modern community amenities include living rooms, activities rooms, a library, a kitchen, a dining room, laundry facilities, and patios leading to a private garden. These thoughtfully designed spaces promote well-being and comfort.
- Personalized Care: The dedicated team of care providers offer personalized support in a safe environment tailored to each resident’s unique needs, with various engaging activities designed to nurture mental and emotional well-being.
- Vibrant Community: Residents are encouraged to foster social connections within a vibrant community that offers numerous opportunities for interaction and engagement. This includes the new “Magic Table” called the Tovertafel, a groundbreaking technology that uses light projections to create engaging and stimulating activities for residents with cognitive challenges.
- Sustainable Living: Barclay Friends’ dedication to environmental sustainability is evident in the beautifully landscaped resident gardens and eco-friendly walkways. These features not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Tours Available
For those looking for a warm, supportive place where their loved ones can thrive, Barclay Friends’ Memory Care community offers personalized care, engaging activities, and a loving environment tailored to those with memory loss. Barclay Friends offers tours and can answer questions about these new residences and all the community has to offer. Barclay Friends will welcome the first residents into the new memory care community this spring! Now is the time to begin the admission process and join the priority list.
Website: https://bf.kendal.org/care-services/memory-care-west-chester-pa/memory-care-expansion/
About Barclay Friends
Barclay Friends, a proud Kendal Affiliate located in West Chester, PA, is a not-for-profit organization that provides exceptional care and a home-like environment for older adults. Known for its personalized services, Barclay Friends offers Residential Living, Memory Care, Personal Care, and Skilled Nursing Care. Its team of compassionate professionals empowers every resident to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
For more information about Barclay Friends and its services, visit www.bf.kendal.org
*In photo (left to right): Luke Dorey (Senior Director of Operations, Barclay Friends); West Chester Mayor Lillian L. DeBaptiste; Amy Harrison (CFO, The Kendal Corporation); Howard Braxton (SVP Marketing, The Kendal Corporation); Linda Sterthous (Retired CEO, Barclay Friends); Maria Santangelo (CEO, Barclay Friends); Ellen Gilbert (Barclay Friends Board Chair): Kelly McCool (Senior Director of Admissions and Marketing, Barclay Friends)