Many baby boomers have adopted the phrase: "It takes a community to raise a child", but we at SFHS have taken that concept to the next level, "it takes a community to feel alive." The idea of inter-connectivity of individuals with community is behind our architectural transformations of nursing homes and the design of new construction at many SFHS living communities. Our hope is that some day we can delete the terms "facility", "nursing home", and "group home" from our vocabulary. Because within each of our communities are many facilities and homes which are part of the greater community. Super-real representations as they are, of churches, banks, businesses, parks, restaurants, cafes, train depots and more.

Lets look at what that inter-connectivity of individual and community really means to achieve quality of life. For example: To commune with my fellow citizens I must leave the safety of my home. I must make a choice to venture out of my abode. This choice is made by balancing my desires and needs against my apprehensions or fears. When I choose to take the risk and go out into my community I am verifiably stimulated and satisfied. Making this decision defines me. Without "I" and "Me", I have no dignity. However, options must be available in order to make choices; and choices are not usually what spring to mind when thinking about nursing homes or senior housing of any kind. The options we strive to provide are: diversity of landscape, variety in atmosphere, quiet places for faith and solace, active places within nature for celebration and conversation. Simple choices between casual versus formal that everyone desires and deserves to make everyday are provided in these communities. Without choice, without preference, there is no individual. Without individuals there is no community. With no community there is only isolation where there is only one choice: to live or to die.