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(August 2, 2006) Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Statement on Behalf of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm
Beach
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach announced today that
after lengthy discussions with Sunrise Opportunities for the
proposed purchase and sale of the Nazareth Homes, negotiations have
regrettably come to a close. Unfortunately, an agreement could not
be reached that would be in the best interest of the current
residents of the Nazareth Homes.
Catholic Charities required an agreement that included terms that
would allow for the nine remaining residents to be kept together for
a minimum of 3 years in the Boca Raton homes in which they reside.
Catholic Charities also sought assurance that these properties would
be kept and used as residences for the developmentally disabled for
a minimum of three years. Sunrise could not guarantee Catholic
Charities that they would meet these requirements.
Because these terms could not be addressed to the satisfaction of
Catholic Charities, the Nazareth Homes will close, as previously
announced, on August 31, 2006.
The
decision to close the Nazareth Homes has been a painstaking process
for everyone involved. Catholic Charities’ top priority is for the
care of its residents. Recognizing that it could no longer meet the
needs of its residents, Catholic Charities attempted to come up with
a viable transition plan which it had hoped would have culminated in
a sale and agreement with Sunrise for the continued operation of the
homes. Unfortunately, this could not happen.
Mary Cleary Ierardi, President of Catholic Charities Board stated,
"It is indeed unfortunate that our recent comprehensive negotiations
with Sunrise ended in t his manner. The Board’s moral responsibility
was not to compromise the quality and continuity of care that we
have strived for these many years for the developmentally disabled
residents. In good faith, we will continue to assist the families as
they secure new in-resident accommodations in accordance with the
appropriate Florida agencies."
During the upcoming transition process, the agency’s priority will
continue to be to serve the residents entrusted to it, with the
ultimate goal of assisting families as they secure residential care
for their loved ones in conjunction with the state Office for
Persons with Disabilities.
CDPB
Serving the People of God in the counties of
Indian River • Okeechobee • St. Lucie
• Martin & Palm Beach |
