It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lafayette Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lafayette, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I always wanted my parents to live in their own house as they grow old.”
“I really want to thank Always Best Care for dealing with my grandmother with great”
“I would like to acknowledge the contributions to my father’s well being made by the”
“My mother was a very active senior, but when her back pain became too great,”
“Always Best Care supported me when I was in utmost need. They provided me &”
“We feel very fortunate to have Edwin Sterling as our caregiver. He is very dependable,”
“I am very grateful to Always Best Care for providing such great In-Home Care services.”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care to all those looking for professional care”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I am a current client of this provider I would happily recommend Always Best Care to”
“Always Best Care has been a godsend. When I got sick I needed more care”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very”
“Excellent service. Bill explained all the details about in-home care thoroughly and accurately. My 2”
“Very nice,friendly and professional. Fairly new with this care and will update after about a”
“I live in Texas and my Mom was in California, so communication was key to”
“My nickname for Bill is Clarence the Angel from "It's a Wonderful Life". At the”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care”
“I am forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by Always Best Care to my”
“We chose Always Best Care because their staff is extremely personable, responsive, and caring. We”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care”
“Bill is representative of his professional, reliable, kind-hearted staff. There is an over abundance of”
“I am a current client of this provider I have two aging family members that have”
“I am a current client of this provider I am very appreciative of the amazing service”
“We are very happy with the service we have received from Always Best Care. They”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I always wanted my parents to live in their own house as they grow old.”
“I really want to thank Always Best Care for dealing with my grandmother with great”
“I would like to acknowledge the contributions to my father’s well being made by the”
“My mother was a very active senior, but when her back pain became too great,”
“Always Best Care supported me when I was in utmost need. They provided me &”
“We feel very fortunate to have Edwin Sterling as our caregiver. He is very dependable,”
“I am very grateful to Always Best Care for providing such great In-Home Care services.”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care to all those looking for professional care”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I am a current client of this provider I would happily recommend Always Best Care to”
“Always Best Care has been a godsend. When I got sick I needed more care”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very”
“Excellent service. Bill explained all the details about in-home care thoroughly and accurately. My 2”
“Very nice,friendly and professional. Fairly new with this care and will update after about a”
“I live in Texas and my Mom was in California, so communication was key to”
“My nickname for Bill is Clarence the Angel from "It's a Wonderful Life". At the”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care”
“I am forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by Always Best Care to my”
“We chose Always Best Care because their staff is extremely personable, responsive, and caring. We”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care”
“Bill is representative of his professional, reliable, kind-hearted staff. There is an over abundance of”
“I am a current client of this provider I have two aging family members that have”
“I am a current client of this provider I am very appreciative of the amazing service”
“We are very happy with the service we have received from Always Best Care. They”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I always wanted my parents to live in their own house as they grow old.”
“Excellent service. Bill explained all the details about in-home care thoroughly and accurately. My 2 main caregivers, Kangou and Beth, were very professional and competent and treated me well, and were very nice people to work with.”
“Very nice,friendly and professional. Fairly new with this care and will update after about a month”
“I live in Texas and my Mom was in California, so communication was key to me in knowing how my Mom was doing, and what she might need. ABC did all the right things; from setting up an online portal that would allow my siblings and I to see what each caregiver was doing during her in-home care, to billing questions, medication requirements, etc. Everything was transparent, and that's so important when it comes to caring for an older family member. Their office staff is outstanding as well. From billing questions to change requests, they never made me feel like I was asking for too much, or that they didn't have time to make sure my Mom was always taken care of. Always Best Care took the time and effort to make sure my mom was taken care of in the best possible way, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Highly recommend their service!”
“My nickname for Bill is Clarence the Angel from "It's a Wonderful Life". At the worst possible time, in the middle of a pandemic, my elderly mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I had 1 week to find a place for her to live and set up hospice care. In addition I had no other family support. That is when I found Bill/ABC. What a joy! He listened to my needs, concerns, budget and general stress all with great patience and concern. He guided me through the process, set up home tours and advised me what to look for while interviewing prospects. Within 1 week we were able to place my mom in a wonderful home where she can spend her remaining days happy and cared for. The relief I feel cannot be measured and I will be forever grateful to Bill and team.”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care to anyone looking for a good caregiver. They have the best team of caregivers who are trained, experienced, and highly knowledgeable in every aspect of senior care. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone who often feels overwhelmed while caring for a senior family member. I have been through this and know how difficult it can get at times. But thanks to Always Best Care, I am now able to better manage my time at work and home. I would still have been struggling with a lot of things if I didn’t have their amazing caregivers to help me take care of my ailing aunt.”
“I am forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by Always Best Care to my grandparents. Their caregivers are experienced and can work under any situation. Both my grandparents had not been keeping well for a long time, especially my grandma who was recently diagnosed with dementia. The caregivers took care of all her needs, including her diet, exercise routine, etc. Thanks again to the whole team of Always Best Care.”
“We chose Always Best Care because their staff is extremely personable, responsive, and caring. We know that we can call them anytime for anything. They are very flexible and always ready to make the required changes in the care plan.”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care to anyone looking for a good caregiver. They have the best team of caregivers who are trained, experienced, and highly knowledgeable in every aspect of senior care. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone who often feels overwhelmed while caring for a senior family member. I have been through this and know how difficult it can get at times. But thanks to Always Best Care, I am now able to better manage my time at work and home. I would still have been struggling with a lot of things if I didn’t have their amazing caregivers to help me take care of my ailing aunt.”
“Bill is representative of his professional, reliable, kind-hearted staff. There is an over abundance of non-medical Homecare companies in the Contra Costa Area and Always Best Care makes my top three list because I trust them implicitly. Their hearts are in the right places when it comes to providing great care and truly helping people. They are very responsive, dependable, and I never worry about anything falling through the cracks. Absolutely recommend their services.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have two aging family members that have currently needed some extra help. My wife and myself have full time jobs and cannot provide all the extra help that our loved ones need. Always Best has filled that need and has allow both family members to remain in their homes and still feel in control of their lives. Always Best is just that. They are flexible with their schedules and both relative's have enjoyed the extra help and company.”
“I am a current client of this provider I am very appreciative of the amazing service Always Best Care has been providing to my grandmother. The caregiver assigned for her care is professional, honest, and patient. Thank you so much for everything.”
“We are very happy with the service we have received from Always Best Care. They have the best aides with the all the knowledge, experience, and training needed for senior care. We would highly recommend them to anyone in need of professional care for a senior loved one.”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“I always wanted my parents to live in their own house as they grow old. I am glad I found a reliable agency like Always Best Care that has been helping seniors age in place for so many years. Their excellent care services have greatly helped my parents live their senior years in the healthiest and happiest way. Thank you so much Always Best Care for referring Sarah to us. She is very sweet and knows her work. My mother enjoys her company and waits for her every morning. They are soon planning to start doing Yoga at home. I am sure it is going to be a lot of fun. Sarah is more like a family to us now.”
“I really want to thank Always Best Care for dealing with my grandmother with great care and dedication when she needed it the most. The decision of sending her to a senior living facility was a quite difficult one to execute but then the team assured us about her security and safety in such a manner that we could not resist availing their services. I am so glad that we took the decision.”
“I would like to acknowledge the contributions to my father’s well being made by the wonderful staff of Always Best Care. Not only did they arrange for his care on a very short notice, but also sent the best caregiver to help him with difficult tasks.”
“My mother was a very active senior, but when her back pain became too great, we were looking for a caregiver for her because her pain was getting out of control day by day. Then I called up Always Best Care and they helped me with everything. I am very satisfied with their work. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care supported me when I was in utmost need. They provided me & my family with the best care possible. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“We feel very fortunate to have Edwin Sterling as our caregiver. He is very dependable, courteous and has a lot of patience.”
“I am very grateful to Always Best Care for providing such great In-Home Care services. My mom can remain in her home with dignity and respect – the way she always wanted. Things wouldn’t be this easy without the support of your wonderful caregivers. Thanks a lot.”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care to all those looking for professional care giving services for their aging love done at home. They have the best team of caregivers who ensure to provide compassionate services. Well done guys!”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“Always Best Care has been a godsend. When I got sick I needed more care than my family could provide. The staff at the skilled nursing facility recommended Always Best Care. Bill Kammerer visited and explained how they could help me recover and stay safe and healthy. Bill is very easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable, and patient. He asked me questions, listened to my responses, suggested solutions, and developed a care plan that meets my needs perfectly. In addition, Always Best Care’s caregivers have been fantastic. They are polite, hardworking, reliable, professional, congenial, and well trained. I whole-heartedly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very difficult time-period in our lives. I would recommend your services to anyone in need of care for a loved one.”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very difficult time-period in our lives. I would recommend your services to anyone in need of care for a loved one.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Girard Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ruffino's On The River or visit John Muir National Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lafayette, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lafayette, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lafayette, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The 50th anniversary of The White Pony/ Meher Schools preschool and elementary school was celebrated Feb. 23.Patch StaffLAFAYETTE, CA —More than 1,000 people came together Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of The White Pony/ Meher Schools preschool and elementary school.Hundreds of graduates and former teachers of the school, some traveling from across the country, were in attendance for three days of celebration. T...
Patch Staff
LAFAYETTE, CA —More than 1,000 people came together Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of The White Pony/ Meher Schools preschool and elementary school.
Hundreds of graduates and former teachers of the school, some traveling from across the country, were in attendance for three days of celebration. The school at 999 Leland Drive in Lafayette has nurtured generations of students since its founding in 1975.
"It was a testament to the legacy of love at the school that people wanted to come and visit their elementary school," said Vince d'Assis, a former student of The Meher Schools and now its co-principal. "The foundation of the school has always been striving for love, harmony and inclusion. It was heartwarming to see the joy students and staff felt returning to the school and seeing each other. The alumni had so much wonder seeing their classrooms and classmates."
The Meher Schools, originally called The White Pony, was. begun quietly in 1975 by spiritual teacher Murshida Ivy Duce. It was the fulfillment of her dream that a school for children be based on her own teacher Meher Baba's principles of love, harmony, beauty, and selfless service to life.
To those who attended the Feb. 23 event, the celebration offered video montages of prior original plays, photos of the past 50 years, music, crafts, and a chance to meet current and former teachers. One highlight was a storytelling session that allowed alumni, teachers, parents and former students to share their memories and experiences of the school throughout the years.
Duncan Knowles spoke about his Down Syndrome daughter Mary, the granddaughter of Murshida Duce. Her grandmother loved her deeply and pondered where Mary could go to school.
"Murshida searched for a school with the right values but didn't find one," Knowles said. "So, being the extraordinary woman she was, she decided to start a school herself!”
Knowles recalled that Duce especially wanted a school that would serve young families with children in this area.
"For that reason, she wanted it to be inexpensive, to have solid academics, and most importantly, a grounding in love, honesty, fairness, respect, and service to others," Knowles said. That became the White Pony School... 50 years ago.”
In 1975, the initial classes at the school were rich with storytelling, hands-on activities, dance, rhythm, music, art, and integrated lessons ("main lessons"). Right from the start, the school began to develop its program of the arts, which is currently a mainstay of its educational curriculum.
In creating her school, Duce brought new ways of teaching into its curriculum.
“When Murshida Duce planned to open the elementary school, she had four teachers as well as innovative educational ideas," said Jim Peterson, one of the first teachers when the school was founded. "One of these was to have a male and female teacher in every classroom, which I thought was a brilliant idea. Men and women bring totally different energies to the children, and seeing a male working harmoniously with a female teacher is a good model for the children.”
Children at The Meher Schools are encouraged to strive for high standards of academic excellence while learning the enduring values of cooperation, community, and service to the world.
A major principle of the school is the belief of the unity of life—of creeds, races, and all mankind. The school tries to foster individual achievement in an atmosphere of love and security, expressed through creative channels rather than competition.
In the words of co-principal Ivy Summer, “It’s truly remarkable to see how the founder’s vision has flourished over the years.”
—From The Meher Schools
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