National Church Residences Acquires Big Bethel Village in Atlanta

National Church Residences has acquired Big Bethel Village, an existing senior housing community at 500 Richard Allen Blvd. SW in Atlanta. This property is National Church Residences.

“Big Bethel Village will have a natural transition into National Church Residences because its services already provide care for residents and some relief for families,” said Tom Slemmer, president and CEO of National Church Residences.

The community was built by the members of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church. It sits about 10 miles from the church, and they opened its doors in 2003. The idea for the village came about after a member of the church who lived alone passed away. Another member then suggested the church provide a place where members could still live alone, but be able to fellowship with each other.

Reverend John Foster, Ph.D., pastor of Big Bethel A.M.E., said negotiations with National Church Residences had gone on for three years, and he is pleased with the acquisition.

“The most important thing to the residents was the continuity of their living arrangements,” Pastor Foster said. “We are happy that we will be able to maintain or ministries there for Sunday and Wednesday services. We are confident that National Church Residences will provide excellent services to the residents.”

Pastor Foster went on to say there are 7 to 10 residents of Big Bethel Village who are active members of Big Bethel Church. Shuttle services for those members will continue on Sunday mornings, as well as event that are held at the community, such as an annual cookout.

Big Bethel Village offers a variety of services for its residents that will be optimized under the new ownership, such as the Gracious Living Package which includes two prepared meals a day, weekly housekeeping and on-site transportation.

Other National Church Residences’ properties in the area are Baptist Garden, Baptist Towers, Betmar Village, Lakewood Christian Manor, Panola Gardens (now under construction), The Commons at Imperial Hotel, and Trinity Towers.