The Oaks at Denville Opens New Interfaith Center for Spiritual Care

The Oaks at Denville recently hosted a grand opening of its new Interfaith Center, a multi-purpose, nondenominational space welcoming residents of all faiths, backgrounds, and life circumstances. Funds to support construction of the Interfaith Center were fully contributed by The Oaks at Denville residents and supported through the Springpoint Foundation’s Spiritual Care Campaign.

Denville Mayor Thomas W. Andes and Springpoint CEO Anthony Argondizza were in attendance, along with several notable donors, residents, and other Springpoint representatives.

“It’s always a special day when we can commemorate such amazing philanthropic efforts with a ribbon cutting ceremony,” said Mr. Argondizza. “It’s what makes the Springpoint organization so exceptional. We see here the dynamic power of giving, caring, and creating. Thanks to everyone for making this community a welcoming place for all to enjoy and thrive.”

The Spiritual Care Program at The Oaks at Denville was designed to enhance residents’ physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual growth. A spiritual care advisory committee (made up of residents from diverse faiths and backgrounds) was assembled to discuss ways to make the program more dynamic. The committee found that the community would benefit from a dedicated, centrally located space for all services, activities, and programs. The new Interfaith Center will also allow residents to have full access to the Chaplain whenever needed.

“Religion is so very important, and it’s nice to have a universal space now where everyone can come and meditate however they wish. It’s especially nice to have some privacy in a place that’s typically very busy,” said Dr. Tom Emmer, a resident at The Oaks and member of the Spiritual Care Committee.

C&C Construction Management Inc. handled the project and developed the intimate space, which includes unique wood paneling, seating for at least 20 individuals, and a stunning stained glass mural designed by the Hiemer & Company Stained Glass Studio located in Clifton, NJ.

Several pieces on display within the Interfaith Center are in honor of major gift donors, including a beautiful “peace” plaque contributed by the late Margaret “Peggy” Mary Fahy, a former resident of The Oaks. Members of the Fahy family attended the grand opening in Peggy’s memory.

The Springpoint Foundation launched a Spiritual Care Campaign in March 2020 to support this initiative. These funds, fully contributed by residents and donors, supported the construction of the Interfaith Center, including a library renovation and expansion with a new reading room. The campaign also aims to create endowments for spiritual care programming and the chaplaincy position at The Oaks at Denville. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $870K solely through philanthropic donations.

The event also included an unveiling of The Oaks’ renovated and refurbished library, located adjacent to the Interfaith Center.

To learn more about the Springpoint Foundation’s Spiritual Care Program, please visit our website.