MISSION-DRIVEN AND RESIDENT-FOCUSED
Our Story
After more than 30 years of service to the community, Notre Dame Health Care remains a nonprofit that is committed to the original mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur—a healing ministry that is rooted in the care of mind, body, and spirit.
An Enduring Legacy
In 1900, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur viewed the undeveloped expanse of land that stretched from Plantation Street down to the shores of Lake Quinsigamond as the ideal setting for peaceful contemplation and retreat from the rigors of their teaching ministry. Then known as Swan Farm, they affectionately renamed it “God’s Acre.”
For over 100 years, Notre Dame has remained a peaceful sanctuary of caring, renewal and healthy living. In recognition of growing needs, Notre Dame Health Care was created in 1990, and we began serving the general community in 1993, through the opening of our architectural award-winning skilled nursing facility.
Our nonprofit status makes us different from other organizations. While the property has evolved with each era, our mission has always remained constant. It’s reflected in every aspect of our programs and services. We strive every day to make our home a place of welcome and to deliver high quality care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—with dignity and respect.
The Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community
We live by these seven essential characteristics, values, and activities.
We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.
We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.
We educate for and act on behalf of justice, peace, and care for all creation.
We commit ourselves to community service.
We embrace the gift of diversity.
We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.
We develop holistic learning communities that educate for life.
Our Mission
Notre Dame Health Care Center, rooted in the heritage of Saint Julie Billiart and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is dedicated to the healing ministry proclaimed in the Gospel and by the Catholic Church.
We demonstrate concern for the whole person in caring for the spiritual, social, physical, and psychological well-being of our residents, their families, and the community we serve.
We honor the personal dignity of all individuals with compassion and without distinction of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, or creed. We strive to create a work environment where each person is valued, respected, and given an opportunity for personal, educational, and professional growth.
We use our resources with a particular concern for the elderly, the poor and the vulnerable.
We make known God’s goodness to the entire NDHC community.
To provide exceptional care and service, giving residents, families, and visitors the peace of mind they need and desire. At every level, Notre Dame Health Care Center gives renewed meaning to the words family and community. Each of our services and programs offer expertise with respect, love, and compassion. Guided by the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and Catholic values, skilled and dedicated professionals make our home yours.
Our History
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have had a presence on the site of today’s Notre Dame Health Care Center for over 100 years. Though the property has evolved over time, it has always remained a peaceful sanctuary of caring, renewal and healthy living.
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur purchase “Swan Farm,” a 145-acre parcel of land in Worcester that includes the Plantation Street property and extends to Lake Quinsigamond. A Convent for the Sisters is built.
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur begin to take residence on Plantation Street seeking health and renewed energy.
The new infirmary wing is completed and the Sisters begin training to be able to care for the elderly and infirm. (This was a precursor to the training NDHC began offering in 2004 at our Educational Bridge Center to prepare individuals for a career in nursing or healthcare.)
The Boston, Ipswich and Connecticut provinces of the Sisters start to explore opportunities to meet the emerging healthcare needs of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
The Sisters decide to build a facility to ensure quality care and suitable accommodations.
Pictured above are the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at the groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the new project.
Notre Dame Health Care is established as a new corporation.
Fifty-one Sisters move to the newly built Notre Dame Long Term Care and Rehabilitation. Some travel by wheelchair “down the hill” from the Notre Dame Convent.
The Convent on Plantation Street is converted to an assisted living community, now known as du Lac Assisted Living Residence.
Notre Dame Health Care establishes the Educational Bridge Center to honor the educational mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and support the training and basic educational needs of NDHC employees and close community.
Notre Dame Health Care establishes the Hospice Services Program.
Notre Dame At Home establishes the Pediatric Palliative Care Program (Pedi Pals)
Notre Dame Health Care begins to explore renovations to both our Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Center and du Lac Assisted Living Residence.
Renovations begin at du Lac Assisted Living Residence.
Notre Dame’s At Home Division launches the Adult Palliative Care Program.
Renovations at du Lac Assisted Living Residence are complete.
