Cortland Acres Association Fund
The Cortland Acres Association Fund provides ongoing support for the operations and growth of Cortland Acres Association, a nonprofit organization serving the elderly in Tucker County through housing, healthcare, and community services.
TYPE OF FUND: Agency Endowed
DATE ESTABLISHED: Initiated October 2009; Approved January 2010
PURPOSE: To provide perpetual funding for the Cortland Acres Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization currently located in Thomas, WV.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon request by the Cortland Acres Association and approval by the full Board of Directors of TCF. All distributions are to the Cortland Acres Association.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: Initial funding of $2,000 to establish the fund was donated by the Cortland Acres Association, with additional funding coming from them and donations from the general public.
BACKGROUND: As early as the 1960s, the idea of establishing a facility to care for the elderly in Tucker County began to take shape, with Margaret Butcher among the earliest advocates. In 1974, this vision gained momentum when the first board of directors was appointed to develop the goals, financing, and logistics of the project. Construction of the nursing home began in 1977 and was completed that December, with the first residents admitted in May 1978. The formal dedication followed on October 22, 1978.
Many committed individuals helped bring the project to life. The founding board included Margaret Butcher, Wallace Bennett, Dr. Samuel Bucher, Hazel Cosner, Ed Dumas, John Mauzy, Father Charles Teufel, Robert Raese, Richard Armstrong, Carmen DiBacco, Roscoe Beall, Donald Roth, J. Patrick Nichols, Howard Barb, and Robert Minear. Key support also came from Tucker County Commission and Building Commission members, including Junior Knotts, Jim Propst, Earnest Colabrese, Fred Butcher, Louise Miller, and Roy Helmick.
In 1985, Pineview Apartments were added, and nearly 15 years ago The Pines was introduced as a model for all-inclusive senior housing. Cortland Acres has continued to grow under the leadership of its board, expanding to include EMS buildings, storage facilities, over three acres of paved roads and parking, and upgrades like new HVAC systems in the nursing home.
In addition to healthcare and housing, Cortland Acres is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 140 employees. The organization's founders have left a lasting legacy in Tucker County by providing critical services and employment to the community.
