Celebrating The Jennings Legacy

The namesake of Jennings Center for Older Adults is a memorial to Monsignor Gilbert P. Jennings. Monsignor Jennings was the founding pastor of St. Agnes Parish, then located on Superior Avenue near the old Cleveland Playhouse. Considered to be a socially progressive thinker, Monsignor Jennings was truly a visionary in meeting the needs of his people.

Upon his death on April 17, 1941, Monsignor Jennings gave life to a new era of senior care. Having inherited a large sum of money from the estate of his brother, Monsignor Jennings designated in his will that a rest home be built. His vision was to provide safe, comfortable and affordable housing for aging citizens who would not otherwise be able to provide for themselves with a suitable home. What has evolved in his memory is a campus community with a full continuum of care, services and progressive programs that inspire and celebrate life.

Monsignor Jennings’ legacy of love continues today through the steadfast dedication of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, as well as the generous hearts and hands of our staff, volunteers and benefactors. By bringing together the sights, sounds and traditions of neighborhood, family and faith, we remain true to Monsignor Jennings’ vision of a vibrant and compassionate community with the familiar feeling of home.