History

Doing What Matters Since 1970

When four different groups in two different parts of the state saw the need for senior care in western Massachusetts at the same time, it was a coincidence. When they all agreed that our parent New England Deaconess Association was the organization to fill the need, it was destiny. Learn more about how Rockridge grew from an idea born of compassion into a community known and treasured for making sure all seniors live life with everything that matters.

1967

1967 black and white image of men and women gathered at a long table to discuss the development of Rockridge.

Area Methodists approach New England Deaconess Association about expansion into western Massachusetts

1967

Fall day in historical Massachusetts.

At the same time, the Pioneer Valley and Berkshire Baptist Associations consider building a home for the elderly in the same area

1967

1967 picture of a group of men with a shovel breaking ground to start the build of Rockridge.

The Laurel Park Association offers to donate 12 acres of land just outside Northampton if Deaconess agrees to build a home for the elderly there

1968

1968 image of Rockridge under construction.

The three groups unite and Deaconess begins construction

1970

1970 black and white image of people gathered outside of the new Rockridge building to celebrate its grand opening.

Construction is completed and Rockridge opens with Rev. Elmo Young as the first administrator of the rest home known as The Meadows

2004

Exterior building with a long covered pathway to the entrance of one of the Rockridge buildings.

Rockridge opens a new building, The Laurels, with 30 apartments and 12 connected cottages for traditional Independent and Assisted Living

2007

Gazebo on a fall day with the Rockridge apartments in the distance.

Rockridge adds Memory Support with the opening of The Gardens

2016

Exterior of the Rockridge apartments.

The new Violette’s Crossing building opens with 25 Independent Living apartments for seniors with moderate incomes

2017

Long empty hallway at Rockridge.

The Gardens Memory Support neighborhood moves to a purpose-built secure space on the ground floor of Violette’s Crossing

Daisies in a field.
Give

See all the ways you can help us give future generations of seniors the things in life that matter most.
Women sitting behind her computer at her desk smiling.
Careers

Join our team and start a career with everything that matters.
Older woman with light hair laughing while sitting at a dining table with friends.
Independent Living

Say goodbye to home maintenance and hello to days filled with fun, enriching activities and fascinating people.

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