john knox village pompano beach Archives

Portrait photo of young woman dressed in Air Force uniform

Meet Freda Routt, U.S. Air Force Veteran

November 6, 2026/in Blog

For Veterans Day this November, JKV honors all 170+ retired military residents. Here is one Veteran resident’s story and why she loves where she lives.

Freda grew up in a Navy family that moved frequently before finally settling in Virginia Beach, where her father retired from military service. After attending college and changing majors a couple of times, she decided to join the military. Although her dad was a Navy veteran, he encouraged Freda and her brother to join the Air Force. She joined the Air Force in September 1975 and served for four years until August 1979.

Freda went to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and technical school at Lowry AFB in Aurora, Colorado, where she studied Inventory Management. Her first duty station was K.I. Sawyer AFB in Marquette, Michigan. Located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior, it was quite a change from Virginia. She arrived there in January, when the cold and snow were quite a shock for a girl from Virginia. While there, she enjoyed many activities in the local area and earned recognition as Pride Airman of the Month and Quarter, as well as a medal for Meritorious Service.

Her next duty station was Incirlik Common Defense Installation in Incirlik, Turkey. Quite a change from Upper Michigan! Freda enjoyed learning about the local area and culture. She even took archaeology classes given on base by the University of Maryland and went on many field trips to interesting historical and archaeological sites.

Freda earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, E-5, in less than four years of service. She decided to leave the military after her enlistment was up. However, after finishing college, she returned to government service as a civilian in the field of Inventory Management and Logistics, first with the Navy and then with the Coast Guard. Her time in the Air Force led her to a great career and retirement.

U.S. Air Force female soldier in uniform accepting an award from a uniformed superior

Freda Routt, U.S. Air Force

Freda moved to John Knox Village with her wife, Scooter – also a retired veteran, in November 2024 from the Fort Myers area. They were searching for an inclusive community, and were drawn to JKV for the warm, welcoming culture and sense of community. Along with Scooter, Freda enjoys the extensive life enriching activities offered at JKV, especially the local field trips and the opportunity to sing in JKV’s chorus. Her favorite thing about JKV is the people here and meeting so many new friends.

We are honored that Freda and her wife Scooter have chosen to make John Knox Village in Pompano Beach their home.

John Knox Village (JKV)

For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today or call (954) 783-4040 to take a tour, or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

Old photo of a soldier dressed in uniform

Meet Bob Atkins, Retired U.S. Army Aviation Corps Specialist, 5th Class

November 3, 2026/in Blog

For Veterans Day this November, JKV honors all 170+ retired military residents. Here is one Veteran resident’s story and why he loves where he lives.

For the past two years, Bob Atkins and his wife Karen have made JKV their home. Since first arriving, Bob has been sought out to share his story with the community because he saved many lives in Vietnam.

Bob knew he was headed to Vietnam, so he joined the Army Aviation Corps. “I decided I’d rather fly over the jungle rather than walk through it,” he said. Bob attended helicopter training school in Alabama and was assigned as the crew chief on a rescue-and-recovery helicopter in Vietnam during 1967-68.

“We had just one mission,” Bob said, “to rescue the crew if a U.S. helicopter went down. We would sit on the outskirts of the combat zones. If a U.S. helicopter went down, we went in immediately to rescue the crew. Sometimes we got air support, and sometimes we didn’t. We’d go in anyway because there were lives on the line.”

As crew chief, Bob was responsible for all maintenance to be able to keep his helicopter in the air at all times. It wasn’t unusual for him to return to base in a helicopter with bullet holes through the tail boom or even a rotor blade. Ignoring Army protocols, Bob would use heavy duct tape to patch the holes and secure the rotors. “We were never down for more than one day,” he said. In addition to his maintenance responsibilities, Bob also manned one of the two machine guns on board from his open-door seat on the helicopter.

Vietnam U.S. soldier sitting in the open doorway of a grounded Army helicopter

U.S. Army Aviation Corps Specialist Bob Atkins in Vietnam

Even after such dedicated service, Bob’s return home was a nightmare. When his plane landed in California, the soldiers on board were told to change into civilian clothes and not wear their uniforms off the plane so they wouldn’t be recognized. It didn’t work. “People could tell we were soldiers because we were still wearing our combat boots. We had rocks thrown at us. People spit at us; they called us names. It was terrible and completely unexpected,” he said.

Bob’s life post-service was fulfilling, as he and his wife Karen raised a son as he made a successful career as in manufacturing until he retired.

Two things helped Bob eventually embrace being a Vietnam veteran. First, as a vet, he used the G.I. Bill to fund his college education and embark on a successful, rewarding career. Second, he has been involved in the “Honor Flight” for the past 10 years. The Honor Flight is a free, all-expense-paid trip that transports U.S. military veterans to Washington, DC, giving them a chance to visit memorials built in their honor. “It’s very rewarding to me because I get to meet a lot of veterans and be with them all day,” Bob said. “It’s a lot of fun and at the same time very meaningful for all of the volunteers as well as the veterans.”

Bob says about living at JKV, “Karen and I were looking for a place that provided long-term healthcare, and what we found at JKV is the perfect solution. We were very impressed with all the information, tours, and videos, but it really wasn’t until we actually moved in that we discovered the activities, amenities, and benefits. The social interaction is truly amazing, and the activities planned by our Life Enrichment department are outstanding in every way. There are so many wonderful activities that we can’t do them all… but we try! There are so many advantages to living here…the Aquatic Complex, the Fitness Center, the many libraries, the entertainment activities, the RAS, and the wood shop. And we feel safe living here – we definitely feel we live in a secure community.”

We are honored that Bob and his wife Karen have chosen to make John Knox Village in Pompano Beach their home.

U.S. Army soldier standing beside an Army helicopter on the tarmac

U.S. Army Aviation Corps Specialist, Bob Atkins

John Knox Village (JKV)

For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today or call (954) 783-4040 to take a tour, or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

Life Plan Communities: What You Should Know

November 2, 2026/in Blog

If you’re an active senior, the decision about whether or not to move to a senior living community can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many options. It’s important to understand what each option offers.

Here’s a closer look at each one.

Aging in Place

Many people feel they want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. However, aging in place may not be a realistic option for those who face health concerns down the road, or may reach a point in their lives when they no longer want or are no longer able to contend with attending to home maintenance. Without adequate planning and support, a medical or home repair emergency could present a significant financial burden or other problematic outcomes.

Rental Communities

Of all your options, moving into a rental community has the lowest entry cost. You sign a lease, pay a security deposit, possibly some community fees and move in. Some senior rental communities may partner with area organizations that offer higher care, but they are not required to provide you with any health care or any guidance. Any healthcare services or long-term care you might ever need are not included in your rental cost.

Life Plan Communities

Life Plan communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) provide the security of having a plan in place for any future health care needs that might arise. Residents live independently while enjoying life with peace of mind, knowing if they ever need care, they’ll have it. Most CCRCs offer multiple service levels: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, all available if you need them.

Choosing to move to a Life Plan community is a proactive move for seniors who are independent today, thinking ahead to be prepared for whatever the future might bring.

Click below to hear from Kim Ali, JKV’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, and learn more about what a Life Plan community offers.

Why Choose a Life Plan Community?

When you choose to move to a Life Plan community, you are given a Life Care agreement — a contract that assures that your health care costs for assisted living or skilled nursing, should you ever need them down the road, will already be covered. It’s an important financial decision that enables you to put a plan in place, allowing you to make decisions for yourself, without leaving potentially big decisions up to someone else to make on your behalf. It alleviates concerns like, “Who will care for me if I’m ever unable to care for myself?”, “What will that cost?”, and “Where will I live?” A Life Care agreement gives you the peace of mind to avoid you, or your family, needing to make decisions in a crisis situation, when your options may not be optimal.

Why Now?

The decision to move is a big one, and a personal one at that. Moving into a life plan community while you still qualify to do so can secure your future and protect your wealth in a way that aging in place, and traditional senior living communities cannot. It is an investment in yourself, and one that ensures that you have a plan in place, regardless of possible future health care needs.

About John Knox Village

For nearly 60 years, John Knox Village of Pompano Beach, Florida has set the standard for all-inclusive, resort-style retirement living. Residents enjoy world-class fitness programs, state-of-the-art amenities, nutritious dining, and a vibrant calendar of activities designed to promote total well-being.

JKV also offers peace of mind with on-campus healthcare, 24/7 security, and no time or financial limits on long-term care benefits — a hallmark of its Life Plan contract.

Ready to Make Your Move?

At JKV, starting your next chapter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Residents experience a smooth, stress-free transition and begin enjoying all that JKV has to offer right away.

To learn more about living at John Knox Village or to schedule a personal visit, contact our team today or call (954) 783-4040.

Meet Terry “Scooter” Hayes, Retired U.S. Army

October 27, 2026/in Blog

For Veterans Day this November, JKV honors all 170+ retired military residents. Here is one Veteran resident’s story and why she loves where she lives.

After graduating from high school in 1976, Terry Hayes attended The Art Institute of Atlanta. After completing one year, she realized her family’s financial situation would not allow her to continue attending college, with two sisters also attending college. So, she enrolled in the U.S. Army’s delayed enlistment program, following in her father’s footsteps.

Terry, who later adopted the nickname, “Scooter,” went to Fort McClellan, Alabama for basic training. According to Scooter, soldier women received the same training as men. But she loved the rigors of training and earned sharpshooter badges for her skills with both rifles and hand grenades.

Unfortunately, Scooter sustained a serious knee injury during basic training, which later limited her time in service.

After graduating, she went to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to train as a heavy equipment operator. There, Scooter learned to operate two-ton dump trucks, tractor-trailers, bulldozers, earth augers, scrapers, power rollers, and more. As a petite, slightly-built woman, this was no easy feat, and her colleagues would notice and remark on it. She was then sent to the Presidio of San Francisco to join the 51st Engineer Detachment. She loved the Army and enjoyed the hard daily work. However, her knee injury continued to plague her, so the time came that Scooter was no longer able to continue in service.

Years later, doctors determined that a progressive brain disease had begun during her military service. Scooter became paraplegic in 2017. Today, she belongs to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). She became an expert in fencing, competed in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and participated in veterans’ downhill sit-skiing and adaptive waterskiing camps. Her story is truly inspirational. Read more about it here.

Scooter and Freda, her wife of 28 years, moved to JKV in 2024. They love all the art classes, trips, and activities. JKV is a perfect fit for this active and fun-loving couple. They say they just wish they had moved here earlier!

We are honored that Scooter and Freda, also a retired veteran, have chosen to make John Knox Village in Pompano Beach their home.

John Knox Village (JKV)

For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today or call (954) 783-4040 to take a tour, or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

Portrait of Army colonel in uniform sitting before an American flag

Meet Bill Sullivan, Retired U.S. Army Colonel

October 22, 2026/in Blog

For Veterans Day this November, JKV honors all 170+ retired military residents. Here is one Veteran resident’s story and why he loves where he lives.

Bill Sullivan was drafted in 1969 and reported for induction at the Armed Forces Entrance and Examination Station (AFEES) in Jacksonville, Florida, just as Neil Armstrong took humanity’s first steps on the moon. He began basic training as a Private E-1 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and nine weeks later received his commission as a Reserve Army Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC).

Bill continued his training with a two-week officer orientation course at Fort Lee, Virginia, followed by the two-month JAG Basic Course at the University of Virginia. After graduating on Christmas 1969, he received orders to report to Fort Riley, Kansas, in January 1970.

At Fort Riley, Bill worked for a colonel he greatly respected. When the colonel was reassigned to Army Headquarters in Okinawa, then a U.S. protectorate, Bill requested a transfer to join the colonel there. His request was granted a few months later. Bill and his wife, Judy, welcomed their first child at Fort Riley. When Judy joined him in Okinawa, she was pregnant with their second daughter, who was born a month later.

One of Bill’s most memorable assignments was serving on the Army Homecoming Team during Operation Homecoming at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, from January through April 1973. With hostilities in Vietnam ending, American prisoners of war were being repatriated. Many arrived at Clark for debriefing before continuing to Germany and then the United States.

The Army assembled a team of doctors, social workers, chaplains, attorneys, and finance officers to help the returning servicemen address their questions and concerns. Bill vividly remembers standing on the tarmac as Air Force transports landed and the men descended the boarding ramps. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” he recalls.

Years later, he witnessed a similar emotional homecoming while standing on the tarmac at Hunter Army Airfield in South Carolina, as troops returned after the first Gulf War.

Okinawa was Bill’s final active-duty assignment. After leaving active duty in 1974, he and Judy moved to Lighthouse Point, Florida, with their two young daughters. Both were South Florida natives — Bill from Miami and Judy from Coral Gables — and were eager to return home. That same year, Bill began practicing law with his fraternity brother, Peter Portley. Their professional partnership continued until both retired in 2020.

Bill served on active duty from 1969 to 1974 and wisely remained in the Active Reserve, ultimately retiring as a colonel in 1997.

Reflecting on his military service, Bill says, “I always smile when someone thanks me for my service because I truly feel that I got more than I gave. Judy and I loved the culture of the military community. We made so many great friends and shared so many wonderful experiences. There is a camaraderie in military service that is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. We both loved it and will always cherish the memories.”

Today, Bill feels right at home at John Knox Village (JKV), surrounded by fellow veterans and heroes. He and Judy will celebrate their third anniversary as JKV residents this February. He explains:

“JKV embodies the spirit and charm of the close-knit small town we came to love during our 50 years in Lighthouse Point, along with the inclusive, caring, and giving culture we experienced and cherished in military life. We both agree that moving to JKV was one of the best decisions we’ve made in our 59-year partnership.”

John Knox Village (JKV)

For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today or call (954) 783-4040 to take a tour, or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

JKV in the News: John Knox Village Celebrates 10th Anniversary of The Woodlands

September 29, 2026/in News

TAPinto Pompano Beach

Jeff Yastine

POMPANO BEACH — Community leaders, staff, and local residents gathered Wednesday, September 23, 2026 to mark the 10th anniversary of The Woodlands, a residential facility that changed how high-quality long-term care is delivered.

The event featured open tours of The Woodlands facility, a seven-story building on the north side of the JKV campus, along with speeches from local officials, personal resident stories, and a celebratory toast.

Many at the event recalled how the building opened after a multi-year push led directly by JKV residents. Looking for a better option than traditional nursing home settings, independent living residents toured facilities across the country, studied care models, and brought their findings to JKV’s leadership. Their efforts resulted in raising $48 million to construct the building, which houses 12 individual “Green House” homes across its floors, serving a total of 144 private rooms.

The “Green House” model is a non-traditional approach to long-term elder care that replaces large, institutional nursing homes with small, self-contained residential quarters, typically accommodating 10 to 12 residents, with daily living designed to foster dignity and autonomy in a home-like community environment.

Read the full story.

John Knox Village (JKV)
For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today to take a tour or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

Fitch Affirms John Knox Village at ‘BBB’ Rating

August 27, 2026/in News

Fitch Ratings – Chicago – 26 Aug 2026: Fitch Ratings has affirmed the rating on revenue bonds issued by the City of Pompano Beach, Florida on behalf of John Knox Village (JKV) at ‘BBB’. Fitch has also affirmed JKV’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

The ‘BBB’ affirmation ratings reflect JKV’s strong market position as a single-campus, life plan community (LPC) in Pompano Beach and its midrange operating risk, supported by strong entrance fee generation in 2025. In 2024, JKV completed and filled the Westlake expansion. Since the project is complete, Fitch’s forward-looking scenario shows JKV’s liquidity metrics gradually improving.

SECURITY

The bonds are secured by a gross revenue pledge and a security interest in certain mortgaged property of the obligated group, which is the vast majority of the consolidated entity’s assets and revenues.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

Revenue Defensibility – ‘a’

Single-Campus LPC with Strong Demand

JKV benefits from being the only Type ‘A’, LPC in its primary market area (PMA) of Pompano Beach. A majority of JKV’s residents originate from the PMA. In 2025, 31% of entering residents came from outside the PMA, underscoring JKV’s strong service offerings and demand characteristics, and south Florida’s draw for retirees. Fitch believes JKV’s investments in its physical plant have kept it very competitive.

Over the last five years, ILU occupancy has averaged 90%. ILU occupancy softened to 86% in fiscal 2024 due to existing residents moving into new Westlake units. Fitch expects ILU occupancy to rebound as JKV backfills those units.

Over that time period, assisted living (ALU) and skilled nursing (SNF) faced pandemic-related pressure. SNF recovered more quickly as management focused on improving hospital referrals for short-term rehab stays. ALU was slower to rebound but saw sizable improvement in 2025, partially due to the renovation of the Garden’s West ALUs. As of June 30, 2026, ILU occupancy was 89%, ALU was 86% and SNF was 97%.

JKV’s weighted average entrance fees are $374,000, which is affordable relative to the average net worth of residents. With 775 ILUs, JKV caters to a wide price range. JKV has regular rate increases and maintains a solid waitlist.

Read the full story.

John Knox Village (JKV)
For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today to take a tour or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

JKV in the News: Combatting Perceptions of Senior Living

August 11, 2026/in News

Blog headline photo with text overlay "How HRA, John Knox Village, Beztak Combat Perceptions of Senior Living as Nursing Homes

“Having the amenities, having a Green House Model®…. it just reinforces that we’re not ‘grandma’s nursing home’ anymore.” — Kim Ali, John Knox Village VP of Sales & Marketing

For all that senior living operators have done to change the perception of the industry, many prospects still conflate independent living and assisted living with nursing homes.

That immediate reaction can have an impact on sales efforts. Operators and their marketing teams then have to make an effort to showcase what the industry is actually like today and how it has changed since a prospect may have moved their own family members into a community.

Part of that reaction is fear-based, according to Ginger Atwood, national director of marketing and sales at Harbor Retirement Associates. Losing independence, becoming isolated and being unable to afford to live in a senior living community are all worries on the minds of older adults and their families.

“They’re perceiving it as a crisis-driven situation to begin with, rather than a lifestyle choice,” Atwood told Senior Housing News. “The challenge is as people wait longer and longer to make the decision to move into senior living, it can become a crisis situation.”

While education efforts with marketing materials is still the primary tool used to shift that perception, operators are also deploying campaigns to help better inform decision making adult children. The process of showcasing the differences is easier than in previous years, and in some instances is less of a problem for marketing teams, such as the team at continuing care retirement community John Knox Village in Pompano Beach.

“They’re more fixated on the type of living arrangement they’re going to choose versus exactly what they’re going to get, which is that continuum of care for their healthcare,” Kim Ali, Vice President of Sales and Marketing said. “Less than probably 3% of prospects that walk in the door even wants us to tour them in higher care, which is a little shocking because that’s exactly what they’re buying.”

John Knox Village, Pompano Beach, one of the largest single-site senior living campuses in the country, is dealing with fewer prospects associating the community with being akin to a nursing home, but the worry is still there. Instead, it utilizes a community-driven newspaper to highlight what happens around the community with articles written by current residents, according to Ali.

While residents fear a loss of independence and losing parts of their lives, Ali said John Knox Village, Pompano Beach puts particular emphasis on its Green House Model® offerings, which allow higher acuity residents to still maintain a sense of privacy and security as they age in place. What the sales and marketing team at the CCRC focus on for those residents is letting them know that they still will have full access to everything the community has to offer so they are not siloed or isolated.

“Having amenities, having a Green House Model®…. it just reinforces that we’re not ‘grandma’s nursing home’ anymore,” Ali said.

Read the full story.

John Knox Village (JKV)
For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today to take a tour or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

Candidates Make Their Cases at JKV Ahead of August Primary

August 5, 2026/in News

John Knox Village (JKV) in Pompano Beach is its own polling station, and has one of the highest percentage of voter turnout in the state of Florida.

With that, hosted by the Florida Life Care Residents Association (FLiCRA), an organization representing residents of Florida’s Life Plan communities, over 30 Broward and statewide candidates accepted the invitation to attend a Candidates Forum held at JKV on July 31, 2026.

Candidates for the Florida Governor’s race as well as those for House, Senate, Judge, School Board and other seats presented themselves to residents and made their cases.

A number of local media outlets were in attendance.

Here are some of their stories, covering the event:

CBS News (WFOR TV)

CBS News Miami – Candidates for governor, Congress, and school board face voters at Broward forum ahead of the primary elections

TAPinto Pompano

John Knox Village Hosts 2026 Candidates Forum in Pompano

Rolling Out

Broward Forum Tests 2026 Candidates Before Primary

Miami News Today Podcast

Candidates Clash at John Knox … – Miami News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! – Apple Podcasts

More Than a Move—A Lifestyle Upgrade
For nearly 60 years, John Knox Village of Pompano Beach, Florida has set the standard for all-inclusive, resort-style retirement living. Residents enjoy world-class fitness programs, state-of-the-art amenities, nutritious dining, and a vibrant calendar of activities designed to promote total well-being.

JKV also offers peace of mind with on-campus healthcare, EMTs and 24/7 security, and no time or financial limits on long-term care benefits — a hallmark of its Life-Plan contract.

Ready to Make Your Move?
At JKV, starting your next chapter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Residents experience a smooth, stress-free transition and begin enjoying all that JKV has to offer right away.

To learn more about living at John Knox Village or to schedule a personal visit, contact our team today.

Celebrating 10 Years of The Green House Model at The Woodlands — and the Residents Who Made It Possible

July 30, 2026/in Blog

Resident Marilyn Blessing speaks to crowd in auditorium

Marilyn Blessing shares her story as one of the JKV residents who were instrumental in bringing the Green House Model® to The Woodlands

“I vividly remember being at John Knox Village for the grand opening of The Woodlands ten years ago—the energy and excitement, and the clear sense that something truly meaningful had been created. What made it so powerful then, and remains so today, is that it was a resident-driven vision brought to life. A decade later, JKV stands as a compelling example of what’s possible when community is shaped by dignity, connection, and belonging.” — Susan Frazier Ryan, CEO, The Green House Model®

This summer, John Knox Village (JKV) celebrates the 10th anniversary of bringing The Green House Model® of care to its campus—a milestone made possible by the vision and determination of its own residents. Founded in 2003 by Dr. Bill Thomas, The Green House Model® is a nonprofit, internationally recognized approach to eldercare that replaces traditional nursing homes with residential-style homes featuring private bedrooms and bathrooms centered around a shared living room and hearth, open kitchen, and dining area. John Knox Village in Pompano Beach became the first senior living community in Florida to adopt the innovative model after a coalition of independent living residents championed its implementation at The Woodlands.

Today, The Woodlands features twelve Green House homes—two on each of its six floors dedicated to skilled nursing, in addition to dedicated floors for rehab, for both residents and non-residents. In total, 144 private rooms are designed to foster meaningful relationships, dignity, and a true sense of home.

To commemorate the anniversary, JKV President and CEO Melissa B. Honig recently hosted a special celebration honoring the residents whose leadership and perseverance helped bring The Green House Model® to John Knox Village. The event also introduced newer residents to this important chapter in the community’s history, with several of the original resident advocates sharing firsthand stories about the years-long effort that transformed long-term care at JKV.

Honig, who was appointed President and CEO in October 2025, has a longstanding connection to John Knox Village and a deep appreciation for its resident-centered philosophy.

“My first relationship with JKV was in 2011 during my work with The Green House Project, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative,” said Honig. “I have long been inspired by JKV’s commitment to forward-thinking senior living solutions. JKV continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to creating a person-directed care environment that enriches the lives of both residents and team members.”

Susan Frazier Ryan, The Green House Model® CEO, says, “I vividly remember being at John Knox Village for the grand opening of The Woodlands ten years ago—the energy and excitement, and the clear sense that something truly meaningful had been created. What made it so powerful then, and remains so today, is that it was a resident-driven vision brought to life. A decade later, JKV stands as a compelling example of what’s possible when community is shaped by dignity, connection, and belonging.”

Unlike traditional nursing homes, The Green House Model® centers on three guiding principles: meaningful lives, real homes, and empowered staff. Residents enjoy freshly prepared meals, flexible daily routines, and caregivers known as Shahbazim — a Persian term meaning “royal falcon”, used in modern eldercare to describe versatile direct-care workers who protect and nurture seniors. Shahbazim build close, personal relationships with the people they support by understanding each resident as an individual. Supported by clinical teams, Guides, and volunteer Sages, this collaborative approach has been shown to strengthen family involvement, improve quality of life, increase resident independence, and boost staff satisfaction and retention.

Looking ahead, Honig plans to build upon that foundation through a multi-year cultural and operational partnership with The Green House Project® (now AgingIN). The initiative will strengthen staff education, expand internal training, and reinforce the person-directed philosophy that has distinguished John Knox Village for the past decade. Honig adds, “The Green House Model is about growing people, and we’re honored to fulfill that decade-long commitment into the future.”

John Knox Village (JKV)
For almost 60 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan agreement at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs, whatever the road ahead brings.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer? Contact us today to take a tour or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.

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