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Mission Statement
Goddard House is a private, nonprofit organization that offers elders a range of care options including secure comfortable housing in a residential setting, skilled nursing and medical services, and the kindness and compassion that inspired its founding over a century ago. Regardless of race, religion, or economic status, residents and their families are afforded social activities, personal services, and ongoing professional support in an atmosphere that emphasizes dignity, self-reliance and a warm sense of community. As part of its outreach, Goddard House promotes collaboration and affiliation with senior advocates, agencies and caregivers to improve the quality of life for older people within the larger community.
An Historic Past with Vision
Goddard House is the oldest provider of residential care for elders in Massachusetts and the third oldest in the nation. Founded in 1849 by a group of Boston philanthropists, it was created to meet the housing needs of older women who were without resources in later life. Many were the human service providers of their era, having worked as nurses, teachers, governesses and caregivers to sick family members. This new model offered not only sheltered living quarters but also companionship and support.
Matilda Goddard, namesake and founding board member, was an extraordinary woman, ahead of her time and dedicated to helping those less fortunate than herself. At the advice of her father, a wealthy carriage maker, she began her own business as a vest-maker in Cambridge in the 1800s. Donating the proceeds of her endeavor to Goddard House, she was elected to the Board as the first female vice president and was active in day-to-day operations for fifty-one years until her death at age 87.
A Philosophy for Today and the Future
Excellent, compassionate care, an atmosphere of dignity and a warm sense of community are the integral, timeless qualities that have sustained and strengthened Goddard House throughout many decades of service.
Times are changing, as is the nature of aging in America. Goddard House is committed to responding to these changes. With 75 million people living today who can look forward to their eighth, ninth and tenth decades, aging is not only about living longer, but also how to live better and to the fullest. Older age is now seen as a series of stages in human development that can span up to forty years.
Goddard House maintains that there are opportunities for life enrichment, personal growth and learning throughout the span of later years. We are especially sensitive to the challenges and losses that older adults experience, requiring, at times, additional care, assistance and support.
More elders today look for communities that offer not just comfort and care but a wide array of programs and opportunities for personal growth. Our Boston-area locations provide in-house and community programs in a setting of world-recognized resources to sustain a vital lifestyle. As one of our residents says, "they don't call it growing old for nothing." We apply this philosophy to all of our programs.
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