When Marty Smith first visited Central Baptist Village in 2004, she had no idea how deeply it would come to shape her life—or her family’s legacy. What began as a simple act of service through her church soon blossomed into a heartfelt connection with a special community committed to not-for-profit Assisted Living near Chicago.
“I was scared half to death,” she laughs, remembering the day she and her late husband, John, were assigned to host a birthday party for Central Baptist Village residents as part of Village Green Baptist Church. “We had no idea what a retirement community was or what Assisted Living was like. But we both fell in love with it.”
That birthday celebration was the start of a meaningful, years-long relationship between the Smith family and Central Baptist Village. John soon joined the Board of Directors, where he served with passion and dedication—eventually becoming President of the Board. His commitment to the residents and the mission of senior Assisted Living was unwavering.
In 2006, John’s mother, Betty, moved into Central Baptist Village. Her presence inspired one of John’s most lasting contributions to the community: the Memory Garden.
“John and Central Baptist Village’s CEO at the time wanted to create a quiet, beautiful place where residents and visitors could go to reflect, pray, or simply enjoy the outdoors,” Marty explains.
Designed as a peaceful haven on campus, the Memory Garden honors those who have passed and provides a serene space for all to enjoy. After Betty’s passing in 2013, John and Marty donated a fountain in her memory.
“John had such a servant’s heart,” Marty says. “He was always thinking about how to make things better for everyone.”
In addition to the garden, John’s leadership was marked by his personal connections with residents. He regularly met with them, brought their stories to Board meetings, and reminded everyone of the heart behind Assisted Living.
“He would always have a picture of the person he spoke with, and he would tell their story to the Board. It was his way of reminding everyone that it’s the people who matter most.”
John passed away in July 2019, but his legacy lives on—both in the garden and in the countless lives he touched during his time at Central Baptist Village.
Today, Marty continues to be a dedicated supporter of Central Baptist Village, a senior Assisted Living community near Chicago that blends mission-driven service with compassionate care.
“It’s a Christian environment. They make the residents feel like they’re home,” she says, speaking fondly of the thoughtful activities and personalized meals her mother-in-law received. “They just take such good care of everyone.”
Whether offering Assisted Living memory care or helping residents navigate the transitions of aging with dignity, Central Baptist Village continues to stand out as a trusted name in not-for-profit Assisted Living in Chicago.
“It’s a very worthy organization,” Marty adds. “Everyone who works there has such integrity.”
Discover Assisted Living at Central Baptist Village
At Central Baptist Village, Assisted Living means so much more than support with activities of daily living, it means living in a community where each resident is treated like family. Residents enjoy spacious apartments, daily chef-prepared meals, on-site spiritual care, and wellness services tailored to their individual needs. The community offers a full range of Assisted Living services designed to meet each resident’s preferred level of care, whether they need just a little help or more personalized support.
Our caring staff is trained to assist with everything from medication management to memory support, ensuring that every resident receives the appropriate care option in a safe, nurturing environment. Through meaningful connections, engaging programs, and a strong faith-based mission, Central Baptist Village offers Assisted Living that truly makes a difference.
Are you looking for compassionate, not-for-profit Assisted Living near Chicago? At Central Baptist Village, residents enjoy the comfort of a supportive home, the dignity of personalized care, and the warmth of community.
Whether you’re exploring Assisted Living services or considering the next step in your loved one’s care journey, we invite you to discover what makes our community so special. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a visit.