Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands (LSSVI) celebrates 30 years of service at Flambouyant Gardens, providing safe, comfortable and affordable housing to seniors and adults with physical disabilities.
Flambouyant Gardens opened in 1986 in response to the need for senior housing on St. Croix. The site was built with funding from Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and it was the first of its kind on St. Croix and the first senior housing site for Lutheran Social Services Virgin Islands (LSSVI). The housing community has 56 one-bedroom units, six of which can accommodate individuals with physical disabilities.
Seniors who are 62 years and older as well as adults with physical disabilities rely on LSSVI for security, easy access to services, and a caring staff that allow them to remain independent and age comfortably.
The idea of opening a community for seniors was planned after deep reflection. It was a sentiment shared by Julie Swanson, the then executive director of LSSVI, who believed housing was a form of “economic justice.” The shortage of housing for seniors in the Virgin Islands and the desire to assist the elderly to live independent lives were reasons to forge ahead, regardless of the obstacles.
Thirty years later, Flambouyant Gardens still remains a very attractive housing option for elderly adults. Under the guidance of Junia John-Straker, CEO of LSSVI, the facility is undergoing major renovations to make the entire complex ADA compliant.
“We are so excited to upgrade the site with new amenities to include doubling the size and air conditioning of the Community Center and re-fencing of the entire property. We would like to express our appreciation to our community friends for their support throughout our 30 years of service at Flambouyant Gardens and invite everyone to celebrate this major milestone with us,” Junia John-Straker
Residents receive services that include: case management, general information referral, health care services, home management, isolation intervention and transportation. The service coordinator, with the support of four AmeriCorps members, makes regular check-ins with residents. Many residents enjoy socializing with the AmeriCorps members and rely on their company as they make their regular visits to the doctor or the store. The staff takes great pride in assisting the residents, some of whom have resided at Flambouyant Gardens since its opening.
In the words of Marian Wright Edelman, “service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.” Service at LSSVI is a calling.
For more information on how to apply for housing at Flambouyant Gardens or any other housing facility managed by Lutheran Social Services, contact the housing management director at 772-2060 or write to:
Housing Management Director, PO Box 866, Frederiksted, VI, 00841
