Our Timeline

1906
Reverend Charles Savidge realized his dream to serve those in greatest need by opening the doors of a cottage at 1713 California Street.  He named the building “The House of Hope.”  The structure reportedly accommodated three to four people.  Grandma Duffy was the very first resident.  A short time later, the neighboring home was purchased to make room for even more people.  The total cost of both buildings was $4,000.

1908
As with any dream, this one grew.  By 1908, residents were moving from California Street to 958 North 27th Avenue… site of a big, beautiful home that would allow Savidge to continue the mission and serve more people in the process.  And while that was good, Savidge knew it could be even better.

So, he mapped out plans for a new ‘home’ in Florence.  News spread so quickly and was accepted so enthusiastically that people began making pledges to help support it.  Unfortunately, his original plan was not to be.

1913
In 1913, a tornado ripped through the area destroying buildings and – in Savidge’s case – a dream. 

He may have given up if it hadn’t been for “The Divine Message…” a moment when Savidge recalls that he was awakened by the voice of God reciting this scripture:  “If thou canst, believe all things are possible to him that believeth.”  Mark 9-23

He went on to say that the message came to him very vividly and that he was made to understand that it applied to his present work in a broad sense… that he was not to give up any part of it.

From Savidge:  “I will therefore go forward by God’s grace and help ‘til I place this beautiful building and grounds free from debt in the hands of the Board of Trustees to use forever for suffering humanity.”

1916
So, in 1916, a modified structure was built at 7915 North 30th Street. 

Growth prompted additions in the 20’s and 30’s which, by the way, is when the name change officially took place.  On January 11, 1929, House of Hope filed an Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation changing the name to Florence Home for the Aged.

1977
Nearly 50 years later, we officially opened the doors to what is now known as Florence Home Healthcare Center.  The building established in 1916 and its additions were converted into an assisted living community. 

1989
Then, in 1989, the Board of Directors voted to establish a management team.  Officially called Midwest Geriatrics, Inc., its mission is to provide vision, direction, strategic planning and management services to its affiliates and other organizations to help ensure the accomplishment of their respective missions.  Gerimed and Unimed Pharmacies… located inside Florence Home Healthcare Center… were established shortly thereafter.   

1995
Florence Home logged on to the computer age and created one of the area’s first labs for seniors.  Located in the Andersen Center, more than 15,000 individuals have taken classes here. 

1997
Two years later, the organization added a second campus at 4801 North 52nd Street by purchasing what is now called Royale Oaks Assisted Living and began plans to build the state’s largest dementia specific assisted living community.    

2003
Six years later, we opened the doors to “House of Hope” Alzheimer’s Care… bringing Savidge’s mission full circle.  Just a few short years later, we opened “Transitions” Day Program… the only one in Omaha open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. 

2008
Today, as always, we learn from the past and look to the future to enhance the lives of those we’re serving in the present. 

We know it will take us more than $250 to keep Reverend Savidge’s dream alive, but - regardless of the cost, it’s been a true investment… in the individuals we serve, their families, and even ourselves.