The History of St. Francis Manor

By 1972, the need for affordable housing for senior citizens & young families became more apparent in our county.  St. Vincent De Paul Society approved a request from then realtor/builder, Frank Zorc for a modest amount of "seed money" to explore ideas for a project.

Over the dining room table, he and his family supported a new concept.  The hope was for a project built in stages with the goal of not using any federal funds for building.  Private and/or bank financing were envisioned and the project would be totally non-profit.  The name St. Francis Manor was suggested and later adopted by a board of directors.

Four St. Vincent De Paul members, and others, formed a founding committee.  A concept to meet the challenge to build housing "for the elderly who lived on a very low income" was adopted by the group later enlarged to 15 directors.

The initial major goals were:
1.  The location and acquisition of a land site. 
2.  Find potential loan sources. 
3.  Find initial funds for planning, land clearing, and site                        
     improvements.
4.  Source of construction funds for building of 12 units.

The committee had no funds on hand.  The eventual project was built one building at a time over eight (8) years and completed in 1981.

Mr. James T. Vocelle, a prominent local attorney and political activist, became a director and gave many legal services at no charge for 20 years.  Together with Frank Zorc they pursued a low-cost long term lease for a beautiful five (5) acre site between 20th Avenue and 17th Avenue.  The site was located by aerial observation with son, Bill Zorc, in a small plane.  It was a jungle of brush and big trees which provided an excellent land site.

This is a "capsule" report on years of long and extensive actions in order to realize our dream.  A 99 year lease from the county was signed and commitment of temporary financing for two buildings came forth.

October 1974 - the first 12 unit building was dedicated.  All buildings were built with substantial savings from generous contractors.  In October 1976, the third 12 unit building and the dining/recreation building was dedicated with a joyful crowd attending.

In October 1981, the last 12 unit building was completed making a total of 98 units that continue to serve the housing needs of many senior citizens.  No state or federal funds were used to build these units.

The combined commitment of all the 15 Manor board of directors and many others, including several churches who in various ways gave support to the Manor as it became a reality and a community development.  SFM is home to 98 residents that provides security, comfort, a beautiful natural environment, and most important, independent living at the lowest cost possible.

Frank and Delores Zorc are still active at The Manor