Mary's Story

When people hear the terms “senior housing” or “elderly communities”, for some the mood that comes to mind can be lonely, or quiet, or one of decline.

But for a visitor at Newfield Garden Apartments, the image is quite different.  For example, it was almost May before the residents held their Easter dish to pass.  Everyone was so busy it was hard to schedule it any closer to the actual day, April 8th.  One of Better Housing’s happiest affordable communities for seniors, NGA’s residents are often buzzing with activity.

Take Mary Mengee. Mary moved to NGA in November of 2006, and quickly felt “like I belong.  Everyone seems to respect privacy, but there’s lots of opportunity for company, too.  It’s not just rented apartments…more like a community”.

Mary moved to NGA to be closer to her daughter, Margene, who teaches at the school next door.  With that proximity, she can see her often, and keeps in touch with her other daughter, Carol, who lives in Florida via e-mail.  In between, Mary enjoys solitude to read, watch TV or do crafts when she prefers, or the company of others in the common room whenever she likes.

For Mary, the best thing about life at NGA is security.  “I feel safe here, and trust the community”, she explained.  The staff at NGA does their best to provide the residents with a clean, comfortable building and guidance in accessing services in the community that can help them stay as healthy and vibrant for as long as possible.  

Better Housing’s mission has always been to provide affordable housing options, but we are glad to be able to do it with such a great quality of life for seniors in Tompkins County.  We rent a total of 121 apartments and elder cottages...just 121 of  2,300 stories of success in providing affordable solutions all over Tompkins County.