How did your business begin?

Our business began with the vision of Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard, who was one of the first female physicians in Columbia. Dr. Guignard bequeathed her family home to Trinity Episcopal Church with the desire to create a place for older adults to live out the best years of their lives. We believe we have achieved Dr. Guignard’s vision, and even furthered it, over the past 40 years.

What inspires you daily?

Our residents and their families inspire us every day. Each resident comes to Still Hopes with a magnificent story. We have residents who are doctors, teachers, professors, veterans, and so many more who have contributed to their respective communities in countless ways. Our respect for these residents inspires us to create the very best community for them to call home.

What is the latest trend in your business?

A major trend in our business is “biophilic design”. This basically means “bring the outdoors in”. We have embraced this design throughout our campus, but especially with our new HopeWell apartment building. In that building you can find an abundance of natural light with floor to ceiling windows, numerous live plants, and a color palette that reflects the outdoors.

How has the Columbia community benefitted from your business?

Aside from creating a beautiful home for more than 400 seniors, The Darla Moore School of Business found that Still Hopes generates a total recurring annual economic impact of $52 million in the Midlands, with more than 96 percent of this amount being realized within Lexington and Richland County. This impressive number is reflective of the goods and services produced in the Midlands region that can be attributed back to Still Hopes’ continuing operations.