One hundred years to the day after Loretto first opened its doors to care for older adults in Central New York, the nonprofit senior healthcare organization commemorated its Centennial on September 8 with a special Founders Day Celebration honoring its history, celebrating its impact and looking ahead to its next 100 years of service to the community. Photos and videos from the event can be found here.
A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of Loretto’s new building sign, a Centennial gift from Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon and the Onondaga County Executive’s Office. The new sign creates a lasting symbol of Loretto’s deep roots in Central New York while helping mark the beginning of its next century of caring for the community.
Together, County Executive McMahon and Mayor Sharon Owens shared a special proclamation naming today “Loretto Recognition Day in Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse,” reading in part:
“Whereas, today, Loretto continues to serve thousands of individuals and families annually while employing and developing a dedicated workforce committed to excellence in care and remains a trusted community partner in care; on behalf of Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse it is our honor and privilege to recognize Loretto for 100 years of dedicated service to New York.”
Congressman John Mannion also issued a special proclamation as well as the celebration brought together community, government and faith leaders, including:
- Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon
- Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens
- State Senator Rachel May
- State Senator Chris Ryan
- Congressman John Mannion
- Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter
- Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of Syracuse
- Members of the Sisters of St. Francis
Loretto President and CEO Dr. Kimberly Townsend reflected on the significance of the milestone and how Loretto has continually evolved over the past century.
“For 100 years, Loretto has evolved to meet the changing needs of older adults while remaining committed to a fundamental belief that every person deserves to age with purpose, dignity and independence,” said Townsend. “This Centennial is an opportunity to honor the generations of people who built Loretto and the more than one million lives we have touched, but it is also about what comes next. And the unveiling of our new sign is a powerful symbol of that future and of our commitment to continue serving this community for the next 100 years.”
Founded on September 8, 1926, as Loretto Rest, the organization began when 10 Franciscan Sisters welcomed 100 older adults who needed a safe and caring place to call home. A century later, Loretto has grown into one of Central New York’s largest and most comprehensive providers of services for older adults, offering a continuum of care through 19 programs and services and supported by approximately 2,400 employees.
The Founders Day Celebration also honored Loretto’s faith-based roots. Bishop Lucia blessed the building and presided over a special Centennial Mass in the chapel, echoing the dedication that took place at Loretto 100 years ago.
The Centennial celebration extended beyond Loretto’s campus with buildings and landmarks throughout Central New York “Lighting Up Blue” in recognition of Loretto’s 100th birthday at night, creating a community-wide tribute to the residents, families, employees, volunteers, partners and supporters who have shaped Loretto’s first century. Barclay Damon Tower, Belden, Crouse Hospital Clock Tower, Destiny USA, KeyBank, Loretto, Nascentia Health, National Grid, Onondaga Community College, Redhouse Arts Center, St. Joseph’s, Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome and Upstate Medical University’s Weiskotten Hall are among those joining the celebration.
As Loretto begins its second century, the organization remains focused on the same fundamental purpose that inspired its founding in 1926: responding to the needs of older adults and ensuring they have the opportunity to live with purpose, wholeness and dignity.
A century of caring. More than one million lives touched. And the next 100 years begin today.
About Loretto
Loretto is a leader in comprehensive healthcare services in Central New York. As the fourth largest healthcare provider in the region, 2,400 exceptional people at Loretto’s 19 programs and facilities deliver extraordinary care to more than 10,000 people of all ages, income levels, and care needs in Onondaga and Cayuga counties each year. From short-term rehabilitation and community-based programs to the home-like settings in its assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities, Loretto is actively investing in its employees, in medical research, and in new technologies to improve care in our community, making every day, extraordinary. Loretto: Exceptional People. Extraordinary Care.