The Beginning: Pine Needles Golf Resort Hotel
Who We Are
In 1928, Pine Needles Golf Resort Hotel opened and was an exquisite five-story landmark in Southern Pines, with its Jacobean-Tudor architecture and gorgeous views of Pine Needles golf course. The stock market crash of 1929 and subsequent depression closed its doors.
The resort was sold to the Diocese of Raleigh in 1948 and in July of that year the landmark re-opened as St. Joseph of the Pines Hospital, a 75-bed acute care facility that served patients of all faiths, races and income groups. St. Joseph of the Pines also opened a clinic in west Southern Pines that year to serve those without access to private physicians.
In 1967, the Sisters of Providence from Massachusetts assumed management of the hospital and added Home Care services. One year later, SJP shifted its mission from acute medical care to long-term care.
The Sisters acquired land on Camp Easter Road in 1990 and began the development of a skilled nursing center, The Health Center, and new residential living community, Belle Meade. The Health Center opened in 1996; Belle Meade in 1999. The Coventry assisted living facility, opened in 2008 and is located between The Health Center and Belle Meade.
The Health Center Today
Evolving in response to local needs, today The Health Center is one of the largest and finest skilled care facilities in the region.
SJP also sponsors and operates HUD housing developments in Aberdeen, Carthage, Red Springs and Robbins. The first of three phases in Aberdeen opened in 1994, the first of three phases in Red Springs opened in 1997, Robbins opened in 2009 and Carthage in 2010.
Altogether, SJP is home to 1,450 residents – of all income levels – in the Sandhills region of North Carolina.
Mobile Rural Health – Our 18-Wheel Tractor Trailer
SJP secured a $500,000 federal grant in 2010 to have an 18-wheel tractor-trailer converted into a Mobile Rural Health unit. With volunteer physicians, nurses and dentists, the “semi” provides free care to patients of all ages in Cumberland, Lee, and Moore counties.
The semi is also used for educational and cultural enrichment, and annually is the venue for a Candlelight Vigil in Southern Pines Downtown Park where winter clothing donations are accepted for distribution to the homeless.
Moving into Home Care Offerings & PACE
St. Joseph of the Pines began a Home Care Agency in 2010 to serve Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore and Robeson counties.
The LIFE Center in Fayetteville opened in 2011 and now has the state’s largest PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program.
Minimum Wage Raises for Colleagues
As one of the largest employers in Moore County, SJP recognizes that each of its 780 colleagues is vital to the success of its mission. Ensuring that they have a safe and just workplace is important to us. Raising the minimum wage for colleagues to $13.50 per hour in July 2021 is an important part of how we continue to do that. Sponsoring the construction of our fifth home through Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills, providing scholarships for colleagues, and offering a pension program are other ways.
Contact Us to Learn More
Innovation isn’t just about technology. It’s about people – those whom we serve as well those with whom we serve. Since 1948, SJP has reached beyond the traditional barriers of race, religion, and income to serve those in need at our senior living communities in Southern Pines. We serve together as a compassionate and transforming healing presence in both of our communities. Please contact us to learn more about our ministry or to schedule a visit to our beautiful campuses.