Celebrating
our 45th Year in Ministry

Seeds and Steps: Our Pathway
to the Future is Growing!

Seeds and Steps

For 45 years, Kirkwood has been a haven for seniors, offering a vibrant
community on 120 acres of natural surroundings.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to announce our Seeds and Steps Initiative, supporting our brand-new garden amenity space and restoring our beloved walking trails. This Seeds and Steps initiative is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about investing in the well-being of our residents and ensuring a thriving future for Kirkwood by the River. Your continued support will help us cultivate a vibrant environment where residents can continue to flourish for generations to come.

Kirkwood by the River opened its doors in the Spring of 1980 as a nonprofit Life Plan Retirement Community. We have served approximately 2,500 residents and their families over the past 45 years with unparalleled attention to detail and care. Independent Presbyterian Church had the vision of ministering to the senior population by offering a retirement community in a retreat-like setting. Our idyllic location, nestled in the woods on the Cahaba River, is perfect for spiritual reflection and worship.

Donate

The Seeds and Steps Initiative

As we reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and cultivate a thriving future, we are embarking on a project to develop a brand-new garden amenity space and restore our beloved walking trails. This initiative reflects our commitment to growth alongside today’s senior. Our vision includes:

12 Raised Garden Beds: Residents can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening, growing their favorite flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

A Spacious Pavilion: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, celebrations, and educational programs.

A Memory Garden: A tranquil space for reflection and remembrance.

An Outdoor Lounge: An inviting area with a fire pit for residents to relax, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with friends.

Revitalized Trails: Restoration of existing trails and expansion of our trail system to enhance connectivity throughout our grounds.

Every contribution is appreciated and every dollar donated will help bring this tranquil space to life. We appreciate your support as we further our commitment to providing an enriching and fulfilling lifestyle for residents.

Donations and Contributions

If you or someone you know would like to make a contribution to our initiative, please fill out the form below. You may also contact Sarah Sexton, our Marketing and Outreach Coordinator!

Kirkwood by the River is a 501c3 organization; the value of your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.


Sarah Sexton

Marketing and Outreach Coordinator

Phone: 205-873-9045
Email: ssexton@kirkwoodbytheriver.com

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
and Families

Kirkwood by the River sincerely thanks the generous sponsors of our 45th Anniversary Fundraiser and Silent Auction. Your support not only helped us celebrate a meaningful milestone but also contributed directly to enhancing our residents’ lives and our community’s future.

Because of your kindness and commitment, we raised vital funds for our Seeds and Steps initiative.

To our corporate sponsors, local businesses, families, and friends, thank you for believing in Kirkwood by the River. Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact.

To the Tate Family for their Legacy Gift, funding the Tate Memorial Trail which helps connect our community and provide respite and recreation in nature.

To the Miller Family for their Pavilion Sponsorship, in honor of Charles and Elizabeth Miller, which provides an inviting space for all to enjoy the new resident gardens.

Together, we are building a brighter, more beautiful future one step at a time.

Want to support the campaign? Donate to the 45th Anniversary Fundraiser!

  • Total

  • Price: $0.00
  • $0.00
    *includes 3% processing fee

Tree

The Residents

Our residents come from different backgrounds and bring their unique qualities, talents, and life experiences to complete the Kirkwood community. Here are just a few reflections from some individuals who call Kirkwood their home.

My time at Kirkwood was spectacular; they taught me how to walk again. The staff was outstanding, and the care was beyond reproach. When I arrived, I had a long way to go. I was very sick. The first night, they had to lift me as I could not move by myself. When I left, they were chasing me down the hallway. They taught me how to perform the activities of daily living again. It was the best care I could have prayed for, and on top of that, the food was spectacular.

Eli Gold Past Resident

I fell in love with the cottage and the view from my back porch. I am excited to have a yard for Ginger, my poodle, to play in and my own garage, all within an established retirement community!

Charlotte Hamilton Current Resident

My husband and I looked at a number of places when deciding to move to a retirement community. For the most part, we found communities that said, ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ But Kirkwood was different. It wasn’t just about taking care of us. It was also about having fun, having friends, and living life to the fullest. The attitude at Kirkwood was positive and the atmosphere was comforting. We simply couldn’t resist. Without a doubt, the location was ideal. The Cahaba Room that overlooks the river, the mountains, the trails – there were just so many things about life. The community was lively. It was alive.

Alice Brooks Current Resident

We realized we were approaching an age where we might need more assistance than what just downsizing could provide. Knowing we have my sons nearby and the levels of care should we need it is comforting, and the beautiful hillside, river, and the woods makes it that much more appealing. We don’t know of any other community that has the woods, the various levels of care, and so many different amenities.

Phyllis and John Guschke Current Residents

We were moving my parents down from the Cleveland area to be near us. I looked at almost every retirement place in the Birmingham area. The second I turned into Kirkwood’s drive and drove up the hill, I knew that I’d found the perfect place for my parents to live in Alabama. In the six years that my parents have been at Kirkwood, I have always felt nothing but love and helpfulness from every staff member. Everyone is always helpful with a pleasant attitude. You can truly see and feel the family atmosphere. I’m happy that my parents can call Kirkwood their home.

Brenda Sheehan Kirkwood family member

When we learned that Cedar Ridge was being developed, that seemed to fit our needs very well. It is the ideal place for the next phase of our retirement.

Carol and Arthur Stephens Current Residents

One thing that we feel is very important here at Kirkwood by the River is the relationship that we have between the staff and the residents. They are dedicated to making our life here as safe and secure and pleasurable as possible. That goes a long way.

Fred Rogers Current Resident

The community's cottage living surrounded by a wooded, natural environment with access to future healthcare services is what attracted us to Kirkwood!

Rick and Jane Ricketts Current Residents