MOORESTOWN, NJ (October 12, 2023) – Meet the living testament to a century of wisdom, resilience and joy – June Norwood, MEND’s remarkable 100-year-old resident. A Pennsauken native, June was born to George and Mary Collins on June 10, 1923. She was the ninth of 10 siblings, all of whom she was destined to outlive. As a mother of three boys, a longstanding member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and a hard working family woman, her life story is a tapestry of strength, family and faith.
As MEND’s longest-standing resident, – almost 26 years, June thrives on being part of the vibrant and caring community. “Everyone is just so friendly – it’s a great community all around. I couldn’t ask for a nicer place to live,” said June.
June and her family are so grateful that MEND can accommodate June’s financial situation and provide her with a nice comfortable place to live. June is able to keep her independence, which she cherishes greatly, and the convenient location keeps her close to family and local to her hometown of Moorestown, where she resided since the 1940’s.
Her son, John Norwood, is thrilled to see his mother living comfortably at MEND. He says, “Everyone at MEND is so kind and always looking out for mom. The staff works efficiently and the price is just right.”
MEND holds a special place in the Norwood family’s heart, as June’s grandson once resided here, using MEND’s resources to secure a better future for himself and his newborn son, June’s great-grandson.
June is just so grateful for her three sons, Melvin, Charles and John Jr., their incredible wives, Florence and Tanya, step-daughter, Joan, who predeceased her, 11 beloved grandchildren and a steadily increasing number of cherished great-grandchildren. “My family makes me feel so loved,” she shares, emphasizing the bonds that tie them together.
With 100 years under her belt, June shares these words of wisdom, “Be kind to people, and people will be kind to you.”
“June is the epitome of why MEND was started – to provide the hard working people a hand up, and provide them with a nice decent place to call home,” says Eileen Wirth, MEND President/CEO.
Photo by: Precious Memories
About MEND
Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc. (MEND) is a private, nonprofit, housing development organization founded by several Moorestown churches in 1969. MEND is a national and state award-winning developer dedicated to providing safe and affordable rental housing to senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families of low and moderate income. MEND has developed 777 residential units at 31 locations in southern New Jersey. Over the past 50+ years, MEND’s affordable housing production efforts have represented a $150 million real estate investment in the region. Visit www.mendinc.org for more information.
###