March 6, 2026 —Barclay Friends (A Kendal Affiliate) has been awarded a federal Community Project Funding grant of $1,015,000 in support of the community’s  Goshen memory care neighborhood, a recently completed expansion designed to serve older adults living with memory impairment in the greater West Chester community.

The funding is part of $12 million in community project grants secured by U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan for 14 initiatives across Chester and Berks Counties. The federal investment supports projects focused on workforce development, community safety, health care capabilities and educational opportunities throughout Pennsylvania’s 6th District.

Representative Houlahan recently visited Barclays Friends to congratulate them on the Community Project Funding grant and tour the Goshen Memory Care Neighborhood.

“Our Chester County community is fortunate to have facilities dedicated to serving those with dementia, including Barclay Friends,” said Representative Houlahan. “I was impressed by the innovations in treatment and patient engagement I learned about during my recent visit, and I am so happy I was able to secure funding that will allow Barclay Friends to serve even more people in need of their specialized care.”

The Goshen Memory Care Neighborhood, now welcoming residents, includes 24 newly constructed apartments thoughtfully designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The neighborhood features a secure garden, raised garden beds for residents’ use, and interior décor selected to engage the senses and encourage meaningful connection. The grant will help offset a portion of the capital costs associated with developing the neighborhood.

“The completion of the Goshen memory care neighborhood marked an important milestone for Barclay Friends and for older adults in this region,” said Ellen Gilbert, Chair of the board of directors at Barclay Friends. “This federal grant provides meaningful financial support for a project that expands access to specialized memory care and reflects a strong commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Chester County.”

Maria Santangelo, Chief Executive Officer of Barclay Friends, emphasized the broader community impact of the investment. “Goshen memory care represents years of thoughtful planning and dedication to creating an environment that honors each person’s experience,” Maria said. “This funding strengthens the financial sustainability of the project and affirms the importance of expanding memory care services within the community.”

Designed to promote familiarity and comfort, Goshen incorporates accessible outdoor spaces and carefully considered interior elements, including lighting, color palettes, and furnishings selected to support cognitive engagement. The secure garden and raised planting beds offer residents opportunities to spend time outdoors and to garden.

“We are honored by this support,” said Crissy Bowden, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Barclay Friends. “Families navigating dementia deserve care that is safe, dignified, and grounded in compassion, and this funding helps us provide exactly that. We are grateful to Representative Houlahan for recognizing the importance of this work and helping us serve even more members of our community.”

Barclay Friends, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a not-for-profit senior living community and a Kendal Affiliate. Through residential living, personal care, memory care and skilled nursing services, Barclay Friends provides a continuum of options tailored to the changing needs of older adults.