Welcome to United Way of Pierce County's Volunteer Solutions

The Mission of Franke Tobey Jones is to enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community. As a non-profit organization, we provide senior residential services, a supportive continuum of care, and innovative community outreach.

Description:
Franke Tobey Jones is a "Continuing Care Retirement Community" operating in Tacoma since 1924.

Franke Tobey Jones is a nonprofit organization/ public charity governed by a Board of Directors. Tudor-style buildings are located on 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with walking paths for residents and their visitors to enjoy.

Franke Tobey Jones is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, meaning we offer an array of living choices, from very independent living to assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care and skilled health care. Our focus is on encouraging wellness, and we strive to keep residents active, healthy and independent for as long as possible. We offer an extensive activity program focused on the physical, mental and spiritual needs of residents.

There are many volunteer opportunities on campus, and we strive to tailor the volunteer experience to your personal interests and talents. Some possibilities for volunteer activities are: chatting, listening, helping write and read letters, walks, games, puzzles, crafts, art projects, painting fingernails, reading a book, assisting in wellness exercise programs (4 or 5 maximum volunteers per class), tea parties, leading your own activity, assisting in one of the many ongoing activities on campus, discussing current events, sharing musical talents, computer and technical assistance, gardening, compiling resident biographies or helping out at a party or social event—decorating, setting up or hosting.

Thank you for serving your community. Every volunteer makes a difference.

History:
Mrs. Franke Tobey Jones had the vision, spirit and philanthropic nature to establish what has become a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community.

East To West
Originally from Jay, New York, Franke Tobey could trace her ancestry to William the Conqueror and was paternally related to Benjamin Franklin. Her father, George Tobey, was a farmer and justice of the peace, and was appointed Postmaster by Abraham Lincoln. In 1888, Franke and her husband Charles Jones moved to the Tacoma area. Upon arrival, Charles entered into a partnership that formed the St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company. The company’s mill on Tacoma’s tide flats was instrumental in attracting many businesses to the area, and thus led to the development of the prosperous industrial and port facility that is a vital part of Tacoma today.

Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Has the Right Idea
In 1922, Articles of Incorporation were written to form a new company. Incorporators included women representatives of Chapter C of PEO, an international women’s charitable sorority. They set out to fulfill member Virginia Mason’s dream of establishing a community in which retired people could live in pleasant surroundings with all the comforts of home, but without the burdens of home ownership. The company, known as “The Old People’s Home of Tacoma (Restholme),” was located at 424 N. D Street. At the time there was only one such community in the state.

Expanding the Vision
The success of Restholme was immediate, and the need for a larger home became apparent. On July 5, 1923, Franke Tobey Jones expanded the vision. At a party held at the Tacoma Hotel, it was announced Franke intended to donate a building site and $150,000 for the erection of a permanent home overlooking Pt. Defiance Park. The Tacoma newspaper reported that “the building will contain no stairways, using instead ramps with very gradual inclines… A beautiful solarium is planned and a stage where entertainment is provided… The structure will have 85 large, attractive rooms, each with an enviable view. A charming reception hall, solarium and dining room, and well-equipped kitchen are planned… construction is of brick.” On July 16, 1924, the cornerstone of the Tobey Jones building was laid, and eight months later, it opened.

In the Beginning
Franke intended the home to be a haven for the elderly of modest means. In the early years, new residents paid an entrance fee of $1,000, which accompanied an agreement to give half of one’s remaining assets and half of one’s monthly income to Franke Tobey Jones Home. In return, all living expenses and care would be provided for the entirety of the residents’ life. As Franke explained, if they were asked to pay nothing, they would feel like recipients of charity. The donation of their assets and half of their income— no matter the amount— would increase both their sense of commitment and self-worth. The original agreement has since changed, and residents pay simply an admission fee and monthly rent.

Success Leads to Growth
After 35 years of successful operation, the first expansion project commenced on May 22, 1962, with a groundbreaking ceremony for what is now named Lillian Pratt Hall. This addition increased living accommodations and added a skilled nursing facility.

Since the construction of Pratt Hall, the Tobey Jones Building has undergone a major remodel, 22 duplexes were built for very independent seniors, and in 2003, the largest groundbreaking project commenced since the first cornerstone was laid 81 years ago. Completed in August of 2004, our 20-acre campus has grown to include the M.J. Wicks Family Wellness Center, a renovated and expanded Health Care Center, an new and expanded home for our Alzheimer’s and dementia unit, Our Place, and the beautiful new Garden Apartments for independent seniors, which feature 39 condo-style units.

All projects have been accomplished with the spirit of our founder, Franke Tobey Jones, foremost in the minds of the Board of Directors and administration. The following appeared in the Tacoma newspaper soon after the completion of the original building: “To see the completion of the work one has undertaken— to watch it grow and grow for a twelvemonth, and then to see it come into full bearing, taking its place in the community and affording a lasting memorial of the love, bounty and helpful spirit that prompted its inception, it is the privilege, probably of few men and women who have done great things for their fellows… but Mrs. Charles H. Jones, Tacoma woman and donor of the Franke Tobey Jones Home, is one whose deeds of kindness and generosity are embodied in concrete examples of the blessedness of giving.”

Widening Our Mission
In recent years, our Board of Directors has modified the mission statement to include the promotion of wellness and community involvement. Our wellness philosophy is based on a holistic, preventive program to improve health, maintain independence and facilitate more happy, complete lives. The new M.J. Wicks Family Wellness Center is open to residents as well as community seniors, and offers a wide range of fitness classes and educational programs.

In 1997, the City of Tacoma chose Franke Tobey Jones to operate the neighboring Point Defiance/ Ruston Senior Center. Each year the Senior Center receives more than 1100 individual visits, and offers a wide range of programming.

By expanding our mission, Franke Tobey Jones is now able to serve more seniors than ever before. Our Continuing Care Retirement Community has lovely accommodations for any stage of senior living. Our community programs continue to grow in breadth and depth as we touch the lives of more seniors in Pierce County.

At Franke Tobey Jones, we realize that we are truly fortunate to have such a rich, significant history, and we strive daily to ensure that our future, and yours, continues to flourish, thrive and have a positive impact on our community.

Contact person: Terri Vickery, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (253) 756-1862

Address:

754 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.franketobeyjones.com