The Hickman, founded in 1891, is a non-profit, Quaker-sponsored residential and assisted living community serving older people of all races and faiths. While Chester County is stereotyped as an affluent county, many residents, especially older adults, have significantly below average incomes. More than sixty percent (60%) of Hickman residents have annual incomes which are considered extremely low, very low or low when compared with the federal AMI (Average Median Income) for Chester County.
To fulfill this distinctive mission, The Hickman’s services are offered at 83% of actual cost for all residents. This is made possible through the generosity of previous and current philanthropic donors who have helped build our endowment fund. No one has ever been asked to leave the Hickman simply because he or she was unable to afford the full cost of care. These policies distinguish The Hickman from other licensed personal care/assisted living communities in the Delaware Valley. Currently 75 residents call The Hickman home. Their average age is 83.
The Hickman was started by two Quaker women who were members of West Chester Monthly Meeting. For years the Board of Managers was composed of representatives from the Monthly Meetings of Concord Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Now the Board includes members from many of those same Monthly Meetings and the wider Philadelphia area, as well as community members from the Chester County region
The Hickman, located on an historic campus in the borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania, is bordered by Walnut, Biddle, High and Marshall Streets. We provide residential and assisted living in two distinctive historic buildings.
The 3-story Sharpless-Hall Building (named after founders Sallie Sharpless and Lydia Hall) was built as two separate structures in 1893 and 1896 and later connected to form one building. This building contains 29 units that are all accessible for those very frail residents requiring intensive assisted living care. The Sharpless-Hall is connected to the Hickman Building with an underground tunnel. The 3-story Hickman Memorial Building was constructed in 1935 and contains 41 residential units. The Hickman Building serves as the main reception area for visitors and guests.
As human beings we treasure our potential for a long and productive life. For some older men and women limited by physical or financial constraints, this hope is often diminished. Guided by Quaker traditions valuing all life and welcoming diversity, The Hickman offers older individuals opportunity to seek the richness of life’s possibilities.
The Hickman will be the heart of a comprehensive program of care and services for older persons. The intimate quality and personalized care that has come to characterize The Hickman for over a century will continue as we expand our facility and range of moderately priced, high caliber services.
The Hickman believes that its community composed of board, staff and residents, is enriched by its diversity. Quaker values lead to a policy of inclusion, of seeking out diversity, and of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, handicaps, or sexual preference.
Our commitment to diversity flows from our common Quaker identity and values. Friends believe that each human life is sacred – that there is “That of God in every person.” This conviction has led to more than three centuries of Quaker action to promote equality, respect for differences, and the dignity of all people. The Hickman is committed to making its community a part of this heritage.
THE HICKMAN - 400 NORTH WALNUT STREET - WEST CHESTER PA 19380 - (484) 760.6300
The Hickman is proud to be a smoke-free community
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