130 Years of Excellence: Windmere Celebrates Legacy of Quality Care, Community Connection

Christian Health’s Windmere community proudly celebrated its 130th anniversary on Tuesday, November 18, bringing together residents, staff, trustees, former board members, local officials, and other longtime friends for an evening honoring the organization’s enduring legacy and distinctive model of care.

Founded in 1895 in Paterson by local pastors and community leaders as The Holland Christian Home, it was built on Christian principles devoted to providing care and housing for older adults, initially for those of Dutch descent and members of the Christian Reformed Church. After relocating to North Haledon to make way for Interstate 80, the community expanded and evolved its level of care. In August 2024, it officially became part of Christian Health and was renamed Windmere, continuing its mission as a nonprofit, faith-based senior living community in northern New Jersey.

“It is an honor to celebrate this tremendous milestone and reflect on 130 years of providing compassionate, high-quality care to residents and their families,” said Andrew Van Orden, Vice President of Operations for Life Plan & Long-term Care Services/Administrator of Windmere, who gave the opening remarks.“I am proud that we remain guided by the community’s founding values and continue to deliver exceptional residential health care and skilled nursing care to those in need. With the support of Christian Health’s extensive network, we are committed to offering a warm, home-like senior living community where residents can build meaningful connections, receive personalized support, and live with dignity and purpose.”

Honoring its History

The anniversary event reflected the heritage and community spirit that have long defined Windmere. The evening served as a tribute to the residents who call it home, the staff whose dedication ensures comfort and safety, and the donors and trustees whose stewardship has allowed the community to thrive across generations.

Guests enjoyed a mocktail reception followed by a sit-down dinner, accompanied by soft background music that encouraged conversation and reflection. Attendees reconnected, shared stories, and celebrated the people who make Windmere exceptional.

North Haledon Mayor Randy George presented an official proclamation recognizing the milestone and Windmere’s longstanding contributions to the borough.

Visual Journey

A central feature of the event was a curated historical timeline by Kathe Carrero, Windmere’s Director of Activities & Volunteers, which included photos and artifacts. The exhibit showcased the community’s Dutch roots, long-standing mission of compassionate care, and the generations of residents and families who have helped to shape its identity.

The display highlighted Windmere’s enduring legacy built on trust, continuity, and an unwavering promise to support older adults with dignity, respect, and comfort.

Feels Like Home

Windmere continues to provide a warm, supportive environment where residents enjoy privacy, independence, and daily connection. As a residential health care community that supports individuals requiring some daily assistance but not the full structure of assisted living, it addresses the needs of families seeking trusted senior living in northern New Jersey.

Key features include:

• Individual apartments that each resident can personalize
• 24-hour staff support
• Priority access to higher levels of care through Christian Health
• A rich calendar of activities, fitness, outings, social gatherings, and spiritual life

Windmere bridges the gap between independent and assisted living through its unique residential health care model, which offers seniors a home-like environment where they enjoy both freedom and support within a small, intimate, and welcoming setting.

“For a lot of people in a big house all by themselves, it can get lonely and difficult to maintain,” said Carol O’Neill, a current Windmere resident. “At Windmere, everything is taken care of and every need is met. We are a community and a family.”

Exciting Future

As Windmere enters its next chapter, it remains devoted to honoring its heritage while expanding opportunities for residents to live well, stay active, and feel at home. Guided by Christian Health’s mission to foster the health, healing, and wellness of all people, it will continue to evolve its services, programs, and environment to meet the changing needs of older adults, just as it has done over its first 130 years.

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About Windmere

Founded in 1895, Windmere (formerly The Holland Christian Home) is a faith-based community for older adults that offers a blend of independence and supportive services tailored to each resident’s needs. Residents enjoy a purposeful lifestyle supported by private apartments, 24-hour staff assistance, and a full calendar of activities, fitness programs, social events, and spiritual opportunities. Designed for individuals who do not require assisted living but benefit from daily connection and support, Windmere provides a trusted, nurturing environment backed by the legacy and resources of Christian Health.

About Christian Health

Since 1911, Christian Health’s mission has been to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and steady, supportive guidance throughout an individual’s wellness journey. As a nonprofit organization founded on the belief that everyone has the right to exceptional care, we continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our community. Christian Health’s comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for adults and older adults, rehabilitation services, and educational programs foster physical health and nourish the spirit. Caring is not simply what we do; it is who we are.

Media Contact:

Kelly Tanis

(201) 848-5921

KTanis@ChristianHealthNJ.org