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For over 60 years, Ave Maria, a non-profit agency, has been providing for the spiritual and physical needs of active seniors, as well as the frail and elderly in a Christ-centered environment in the Memphis and surrounding areas (mission). In 1951, the Ave Maria Guild purchased property in a residential neighborhood in Bartlett, Tennessee to open a home that would provide long-term care for men and women of all faiths and economic backgrounds. Ave Maria Home opened in 1956 with 35 residents.

In 1961, Ave Maria Home transitioned from a care home to a licensed nursing facility. A new wing opened in 1972, and two additional nursing beds were added in 1996, increasing nursing home capacity to its current 75 residents.

Current programs include our seven Green House® Homes, licensed for skilled nursing, and offering private apartments and community living; Assisted Living with memory care apartments in St. Luke Cottage, and two Green House® Homes which offer 24 private apartments for those needing short term speech, physical, and occupational therapy to help them get back to their normal lifestyles.

Admission to Ave Maria is based on a waiting list and medical necessity. Current demographics of our elders include a variety of economic backgrounds (private pay and insurance) and faiths—55% Protestant, 44% Catholic, and 1% Jewish.

Like many nonprofit agencies, Ave Maria must raise annual and capital funds to continue providing quality, long-term care for elders in our community. Funding sources include donations from the Ave Maria Governing Board and staff, the Wings of Ave Maria, individuals, foundations, and corporations.