Vonda Hollingsworth, vice president of Pennybyrn, and Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG, Mission Leader. (Photo by Annette Tenny, correspondent)HIGH POINT — Pennybyrn has announced plans for a major expansion to its range of services and facilities.
The continuing care retirement community, run by the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, will develop a new, stand-alone Transitional Rehabilitation Center, open an adult day care support center, and make extensive renovations to its existing properties. Construction of 40 units of apartment household living is also planned. The entire project totals $35 million.
At a press conference June 4 to unveil the expansion plans, Sister Lucy Hennessy, mission leader, paid tribute to the “pioneer sisters” who came to High Point from London over 70 years ago, purchasing the Penny House and converting it into a convent and a convalescent center with 22 beds.
In the decades since its start in 1947, Pennybyrn has grown into a 71-acre continuing care retirement community with a range of care services. The facilities, which were entirely rebuilt in 2007, include a neighborhood of 49 independent living cottages, 131 independent living apartments, 24 assisted living and 24 memory support apartments, and a nursing care building.
The Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God continue in the tradition of their founder, Frances Taylor, who took the name of Mother Magdalen, caring for their residents with the help and guidance of a board of directors and ambassador council comprised of community members.
As the needs of the elder population changed, the sisters have taken advantage of new opportunities, Sister Lucy said. “Keeping before them all the time the spirit of our foundress, Mother Magdalen, to serve God always but not always in the same way.”
The rehabilitation center will be named the Lillian Congdon Transitional Rehab Center, in memory of Earl Congdon’s late mother. Earl and Kitty Congdon, longtime supporters of Pennybyrn, provided a $3.5 million matching challenge gift to help meet the initial $7 million campaign goal.
Construction will begin in January 2020. The building will have 24 resident rooms, continuing the home-like model already established at Pennybyrn.
The length of stay is estimated to be less than three weeks and outpatient rehab will also be available. Residents will receive expert care from a team of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists. They will also enjoy access to Maryfield’s Perpetual Adoration Chapel as well as other spiritual services, Sister Lucy pointed out.
Kitty and Earl Congdon gave a $3.4 million matching gift to the Pennybyrn campaign. The rehab center will be named the Lillian Congdon Transitional Rehabilitation Center, in honor of Earl Congdon’s late mother. (Photo by Annette Tenny, correspondent)The Adult Care and Support Center will be open seven days a week and offer flexible arrangements for families seeking elder care support. Pennybyrn is known for being a national leader in its vision for quality elder care, and the design and placement of the Adult Care and Support Center continues that mission.
The center will be fully integrated into the wider community, offering clients engagement with full-time residents and participation in social gatherings and activities, in addition to first-class medical and health support services in a safe and caring environment.
Support from so many people for this project has been truly inspiring, Sister Lucy said. Many people, including current residents of Pennybyrn, committed significant financial gifts before a single plan had been drawn because they believe in the mission, she said.
The initial $7 million goal has been met, but an additional $2 million is needed for further renovation of current structures.
The sisters are confident that the ever-growing number of supporters of Pennybyrn will come forward to help, Sister Lucy said.
“God is so good,” she said. “God brings us together, and with God’s help, together we can offer the care and support of others.”
— Annette K. Tenny, correspondent
Support Pennybyrn and learn more
Learn more about Pennybyrn and how you can support this project by calling 336-821-4020 or emailing Edward Cordick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
More information about what Pennybyrn offers is online at www.pennybyrnliving.org.
Part of Pennybyrn’s expansion includes a new independent living apartment building that will be built adjacent to the existing building. (File provided)
Sketch of the new construction on the Pennybyrn campus. (File provided)
The Lillian Congdon Transitional Rehabilitation Center. The blue highlighted section will start construction in January 2020. (File provided)