Elizabeth Finn Homes, part of the anti-poverty charity group Turn2us, is marking 75 years since its inception in 1948.
The Elizabeth Finn Homes group grew from the Distressed Gentlefolk’s Aid Association (DGAA) which was founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Finn. At the age of 72, Ms Finn decided that something had to be done about the silent suffering of people in her circle of society.
Elizabeth saw people around her who had been self-sufficient in the past battling with poverty and illness, and focused the efforts of the Association on raising and distributing funds to those who has fallen on hard time and had nowhere to turn.
Following the war there was a shortage of care homes for older people and in January 1948 the Victorian house known as Merlewood in Virginia Water, Surrey, became the first care home purchased by the Association. A further two homes were purchased the following year.
Previously owned by Sir Thomas Smith, Merlewood provided residential accommodation for 36 older people with an extension in 1960 adding further rooms to the ground floor.
In recognition of the legacy left by Elizabeth, in January 1999 DGAA was renamed the Elizabeth Finn Trust to honour its founder and today Elizabeth Finn Homes own nine residential and care home properties across England.
“This is a huge milestone in our history and one of which we are immensely proud. Elizabeth Finn was a champion of kindness and dignity for those facing hard times.Her vision continues to guide us,” comments Dr Oliva Curno, CEO of Elizabeth Finn Homes. “The care home sector has had a very tough time in recent years and we have taken a leaf out of Elizabeth’s book and worked even harder to maintain our position as a leader in quality care.”
“Elizabeth Finn Homes invests first in our homes and staff to ensure a best-in-class experience for residents and families, but being part of the charity Turn2us, we are also driven by a bigger social purpose. Any remaining funds go to support those facing financial insecurity across the UK.”
Over the years, Elizabeth Finn Homes has provided care for over 12,000 residents and today employs a staff of 750. Many of the homes are unique heritage properties set in extensive grounds. Each of the nine homes will be holding celebrations throughout the month, with a host of events such as tree planting, sponsored walks, donkey rides, dog shows and various food and entertainment. Local dignitaries and councillors will also be attending along with relatives, friends and the local community.
Since the outset, Elizabeth Finn’s vision and wisdom have guided EFHL and Turn2us. It is with pride that they aim to continue her legacy for years to come.