Letter from the Executive Director:
The Gardens at Calvary is a result of one man’s God-given dream over 20 years ago. Dr. Don Wilhite’s desire to care for senior adults in a Christ-like, loving environment still continues daily through caring for the needs of each and every senior living here.
My fondest memories as a child were spending time with my grandparents. Hearing their rich stories and learning life-long lessons still prove to be very valuable in my life today. Life is precious and should be valued during all stages, but there is something about this latter stage that exemplifies both strength and frailty. Our seniors may need support with their daily living tasks, but they are a testament that every person is God- designed with strong desires and are still growing, still learning, still with potential and so much to share from their life experiences.
Our goal is to assist each senior to age in a place where they feel at home and a part of an extended family. In order to ensure the best quality of care, a full wellness program is created to meet each senior’s emotional, physical and spiritual needs. We stay focused on our mission in carrying out the Great Commission through healing hurts and meeting needs. We do that through serving our seniors and their families. Jesus was passionate about serving people, and He delights when we are in the midst of serving each other.
Each senior is special and a gift to our family at The Gardens. It is a true privilege to walk this journey with you, and one that we are committed to partner in with each family as you care for your loved one.
Laurie Smith
Executive Director
“Love . . . bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Laurie Smith, Executive Director
Kathy Edwards, Resident Services Manager
kathyedwards@calvaryministries.com
Neil Stephens, Chaplain
neilstephens@calvaryministries.com
Joy Stilwell, Marketing Manager
joystilwell@calvaryministries.com
Leah Taylor, Office Manager
leahtaylor@calvaryministries.com
Kelsey Bratton, Life Enrichment Manager
kelseybratton@calvaryministries.com
Rick Motzel, Food Services Manager
rickmotzel@calvaryministries.com
Jennifer Little, Regulatory and Systems Manager
jenniferlittle@calvaryministries.com
Letter from the Pastor:
Dear Friends,
As a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, The Gardens at Calvary is an expression of love and service to the Chattahoochee Valley. More than 90% of the residents of The Gardens have no 
connection to Calvary Baptist Church, which is a testament to our commitment to serve our community and to share the truth of God’s love by what we say and do.
Founded in 2000, The Gardens at Calvary has served the growing population of older adults in our community, and the model of ministry and service is built upon two principles:
- Treat the residents as members of our family, and
- Run it like a ministry rather than a business.
My family has personally been positively impacted by this high level of care and commitment, as three of my grandparents-in-law have been residents in the past. We
can personally attest to the hospitality, dignity, and family culture that I am confident you will experience as well.
We are committed to demonstrating to the world that a commitment to Jesus Christ demands that we care for elders with compassion, dignity, and excellence. God bless.
In Christ,