Francine’s Café serves much more than soda, snacks, and coffee. In fact, it is the thriving cornerstone of the Oakbridge Healthcare Center’s community. Francine’s is a place where residents can come together for casual conversation and good laughs. Although the café initially began as a way to help support the Oakbridge Activities Department, it has since evolved into something much more.
Three years ago, in May of 2012, Francine’s Café celebrated its grand opening. Activities Director Sue Whitman had worked for six long months to get this project up and running as a way to help sponsor the Activities Department, and the café would do just that. Sue’s vision was that the program would be self-sustaining and run by volunteer residents, and all of the profits would go towards creating the best activities program the Oakbridge care center community had ever seen.
Sue worked closely with several staff members to open the café, including the dietary manager whose wife, Francine, was a regular volunteer at Oakbridge and a loved member of the community. Just prior to the café opening, the hearts of the Oakbridge residents and staff were heavy as they were given the news that their compassionate volunteer Francine had passed away unexpectedly. To recognize and celebrate her dedication of time, energy, and love, the Oakbridge community named the café in her honor.
Three years later, Francine’s Café remains open for business, self-sufficient, and a constant reminder of Francine’s impact on those who knew her.
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