Mary Kerbs is the Executive Director at Naperville Elderly Homes and the nonprofit Owner of Martin Avenue Apartments in Naperville. Martin Avenue is a unique, affordable community of nearly 200 lower-income seniors who value independence. With over 25 years of corporate experience at Amoco Corporation and BP America, Mary brought her finance and real estate expertise to the nonprofit realm to make a significant community impact. Her focus includes not-for-profit management, business development, and strategic planning, and she has played a pivotal role in the recent expansion and renovation of Martin Avenue. She is also an entertainer, crafting music shows with themes that resonate with the senior population.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [1:51] Mary Kerbs talks about Naperville Elderly Homes’ history and its relation to Martin Avenue Apartments
- [4:24] Martin Avenue’s $24 million renovation and expansion project
- [5:51] Mary’s journey from the corporate sector to leading a non-profit senior community
- [11:17] The vital importance of affordable senior living in Naperville
- [18:00] How Martin Avenue goes beyond housing to offer dignity and a true sense of home for the seniors
- [21:49] The challenges of maintaining a thriving senior community
- [24:43] The future vision of expanding the successful model of Martin Avenue
- [28:02] Mary’s connection to residents through her musical performances
- [30:04] The community’s role in sustaining the Martin Avenue’s mission
In this episode…
What if there was a community where seniors not only find a place to live but also experience a profound sense of belonging and empowerment? This vision transcends the basics of affordable housing, focusing instead on enriching the lives of residents through thoughtfully designed amenities such as fitness centers, movie theaters, and serene courtyards. By fostering an environment that prioritizes quality of life, organizations can transform the narratives of countless seniors, creating vibrant, supportive spaces that cater to their needs. But how can we convert this inspiring vision into a concrete reality for our aging population?
Mary Kerbs, an experienced professional in the not-for-profit and corporate business sectors, delves deep into senior independent living. She shares her remarkable transition from a corporate career to leading a mission-focused nonprofit, bringing to life the Martin Avenue Apartments, where seniors can lead fulfilling lives. Through a significant renovation project and community partnerships, Mary and her team have developed an environment that offers beautiful living spaces, safety, and rich social connections while maintaining affordability. From volunteer service to sharing her musical talents, she demonstrates her dedication to making the senior community feel like an extended family for its residents.
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Mary Kerbs, Executive Director at Naperville Elderly Homes, about creating purposeful and affordable senior living communities. Mary discusses Naperville Elderly Homes’ history and its relation to Martin Avenue Apartments, the vital importance of affordable senior living in Naperville, how Martin Avenue goes beyond housing to offer dignity and a sense of home for the seniors, and the challenges of maintaining a thriving senior community.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Quotable Moments:
- “It’s fun to work in an environment where people are passionate and motivated.”
- “I love to create things that don’t exist, and that’s what’s inspiring.”
- “You have to be tough to grow old.”
- “What we do does take a village.”
- “We don’t just give them an apartment; we’re building a community.”
Action Steps:
- Volunteer to assist seniors with technology: This enhances senior independence and connection with family and community.
- Promote awareness about senior living needs: This increases community support and improves living standards for elders.
- Research and apply for grants to support nonprofits: This secures necessary funding for amenities and services enhancement.
- Participate in nonprofit board memberships: It offers strategic direction and oversight for impactful community projects.
- Attend town hall meetings at senior communities: This fosters engagement and addresses concerns directly for better community responsiveness.
Sponsor for this episode…
Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.
They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.
PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.
To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].
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