24-05-2025
SMP Health - Ave Maria breaks ground on new addition
May 23—JAMESTOWN — The new addition will enhance the quality of care for residents of SMP Health — Ave Maria, according to Tonie Stoen, CEO/administrator.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday, May 23, for SMP Health — Ave Maria's new addition.
"We are thrilled to break ground on the private room project, and we rejoice in the fact that we are able to do that," Stoen said.
The estimated cost of the 12,000-square-foot addition is $8.4 million.
The project includes building new private rooms and remodeling 16 semi-private rooms and converting them to private rooms, Stoen said. When the addition is complete, Ave Maria will have 60 private rooms instead of only 28.
"To say that this project is essential is the understatement of the century," Stoen said.
The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
SMP Health — Ave Maria is a Catholic health care ministry that provides short-term rehabilitation — including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and respiratory therapy services — and transitional care in addition to traditional skilled nursing and long-term care services to individuals of all faiths, according to its website.
Ave Maria is licensed for 100 beds for skilled nursing care as well as short-term rehabilitation, Stoen said.
"We have several residents that come short stay and then go back home after therapy," she said. "We have several long-term care residents as well. We also have 58 apartments for our assisted living, which is co-located."
Ave Maria has about 230 employees, Stoen said.
JT Kennelly, president and CEO of SMP Health, said the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation (SMP) were never driven by selfish needs.
"It was always the needs of the community and the love for the individuals in the community that drove the Sisters to grow and to expand," he said. " ... That same love for the people that are served here at Ave Maria, the same love for the community of Jamestown, wanting to make it a better place, is what's driving this addition here at Ave Maria."
SMP Health — Ave Maria launched an $8 million "Forward in Faith" capital campaign last fall.
Annie Hancock, development director at Ave Maria, said the project wouldn't be possible without the generosity of Ave Maria's supporters.
"Every single gift, no matter how big or small, has helped us and it is treasured because it was given with love and intention," she said. "Ave Maria is the special place that it is for so many because of all of you."
Stoen said employees have contributed to the capital campaign as well. She said some employees contribute out of their paycheck biweekly toward projects like the new addition.
"The project wouldn't be where it is today without the generosity of donors and the support of countless individuals," she said.
