History of the Friendly Home

    The Jackson Friendly Home is dedicated to providing quality healthcare to women over the age of 60, in a home-like atmosphere, which encourages independence. The Home has a rich history dating back to 1878 when the ”Home of the Friendless” first opened its doors to orphans and widows of the Civil War. Our current building was designed by Clare Allen, and was erected in 1908. On August 12th of that year the ladies moved from the original home on Oak Hill Drive to our current address at 435 W. North Street, Jackson, Michigan. Thankfully, the name of the facility was eventually changed to “The Jackson Friendly Home.” 

    At the turn of the twentieth century the Jackson Friendly Home was primarily a boarding house for elderly women. The residents received three meals a day, a roof overhead, clean towels and bed linens. The Jackson Friendly Home has always been strictly for women even though some children did reside at this facility in the early years. When young male children reached the age of fourteen they were expected to leave the Home and find gainful employment.

    Research of past articles from the Jackson Citizen’s Patriot has shown that in the 1930’s the monthly rent for the Friendly Home resident’s was around $35. Rents were subsidized through the “Community Chest” and also a large endowment. Around the mid 30’s an addition to the facility was added to the existing structure. This renovation doubled the number of rooms available for women of the Jackson area. During this time an elevator was also added to the Home. This elevator is still in use by the ladies today.

    Recently this Home has taken on more of an Assisted Living healthcare focus. Currently there are thirty-eight women residing at the Home with a bed capacity of 45. The Jackson Friendly Home is a licensed Home For the Aged and offers three delicious meals a day, full laundry and housekeeping services, medication administration and a full activities calendar. 24-hour supervision of the ladies is provided by fully-trained caring Resident Care Supervisors, and an R.N. on staff. Oxygen is also a service offered at the Friendly Home and nutritional needs are monitored by a Registered Dietitian. The Home also provides respite care for women whose primary care-giver needs a break. This respite can be anything from a day to a month at a time. More information may be obtained by calling 784-1377.

    The residents come to the Friendly Home for a variety of reasons. Often placement is recommended by the primary care physician because of a decline in the abilities of the resident to do self-care. Many times placement at Jackson Friendly Home is done by a family that has taken care of their loved one for some time and then finds need of a respite from that obligation due to declining health or stress. Because of the outstanding, quality care provided for the resident’s, most families report that they have greater peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe, happy and well cared for at the Jackson Friendly Home.

    The mission of the Jackson Friendly Home is to provide low income housing to women of limited means in a safe, healthy, home-like atmosphere. Fully half of the women who live at the Home cannot afford to pay the full rent of $1400/month. Currently the Board of Directors and Administrator of the Home are working to raise awareness of the financial need of this Jackson landmark. Donations of a monetary nature are always welcome. All monies received go directly to the care of our residents. A contribution of $2,000 can subsidize four ladies for one month. The Home is also in need of items such as laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener, light bulbs, twin sheet sets and towels. Office supplies are always welcome…stamps, envelopes and reams of paper. Any gift will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. The Friendly Home is a 501©3Charitable organization and donation receipts are available for income tax purposes.

    This beautiful well-maintained building at 435 W. North Street is nearing 100 years old! The Staff and Board Members are proud of the historical value of the Jackson Friendly Home. We are also fiercely proud of the quality of care our residents receive and would like to extend an invitation to interested parties that may want to tour the facility.