A Legacy of Compassion and Care

St. Joseph Manor, the only Catholic-based assisted-living facility in our diocese, is celebrating its 30^th anniversary! Born out of a vision of the late Monsignor Francis J. Amedee, St. Joseph Manor continues to carry an enduring legacy of senior care in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Let’s go back to the beginning and learn how St. Joseph Manor has evolved in the past 30 years.

Msgr. Amedee was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, having worked closely with the Archbishop of New Orleans to form the new diocese in 1977. Yet, one of his most-known achievements is the founding of St. Joseph Manor.

The idea came to Msgr. Amedee in the late 1980s when Msgr. Amedee when he was visiting his brother at Williamsburg Senior Living Community in Baton Rouge. He witnessed firsthand how his brother’s life was flourishing in a supportive, independent living environment, inspiring him to begin this type of community to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

By the early 1990s, he had formed a Board of Directors, and after years of financial planning, design, and approvals at both the state and local levels, construction began. St. Joseph Manor officially opened its doors on May 3, 1995, becoming the first assisted-living community in the tri-parish area of Lafourche, Terrebonne, and St. Mary.

The Manor welcomed its first staff members in late 1994. In March of 1995, Ann Thibodaux was appointed as the first Administrator. Upon Ann Thibodaux’s retirement in 2020, Ben Bolton was named the second Administrator and continues to serve in this role today.

Ann Thibodaux recalls Msgr. Amedee asking her to be the administrator of St. Joseph Manor back in 1994. “At the time, there were no other assisted-living facilities in the area. I wasn’t even familiar with the concept,” she explained. Coming from a career in long-term care, she felt God tugging at her heart. “Knowing it was for the Church and to serve the elderly, I was all in. It felt even more meaningful that we were leading the way for assisted living in our community.”
As needs and expectations grew, so did the Manor’s services. In 2017, the facility added 12-hour nursing coverage and implemented a Medication Administration Program. Just three years later, nursing coverage expanded to 16 hours per day. 
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Over the years, the Board of Directors played a pivotal role in shaping the success of the Manor, with Jerald Block serving as president since 1998. Building on that strong foundation, the Board opened Cardinal Place in 2016, a residential community for independent adults ages 55 and older. 

Today, St. Joseph Manor remains a private, non-profit corporation operating independently from the diocese, though it maintains a strong Catholic identity. The Manor is home to about 60 residents and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, united by a mission of dignity, compassion, and community.

“This milestone of 30 years stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of Msgr. Amedee, and his legacy continues to guide us,” says Thibodaux, now a retired board member. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to witness the dedication of our staff and the lives we’ve touched.” 

“Our success is truly thanks to our staff, our volunteers, and our board. We are one family. And our residents and their families are our inspiration. They remind us every day that St. Joseph Manor isn’t just a place to live—it’s a home.”

Congratulations to St. Joseph Manor and to all of those who have been a part of this ministry over the years.

If we have room, list the board and staff. 
 
Board of Directors:
Jerald Block, President
Edward Bouterie, Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Maria Cruse
Dr. Carroll Falcon
Michael Gros 
Chris Rodrigue
Ann Thibodaux
 
Supervisory Staff:
Administrator: Ben Bolton 
Administrative Assistant: Katie Soignet  
Marketing & Social Director: Cherie Glorioso 
Resident Care & Nursing Director: Tracy Richard 
Personal Care Director: JoAnn Davis 
Food Service Director: Angela Woods