Native Georgian Emily Searcy has called Metro Atlanta her stomping ground for decades. As she begins her 81st year, she has a peace with where she calls “home,” a fact that’s huge for her and many older adults in her situation.
Searcy has lived in Lilburn for the past 30 years. This has been a host City to her family and friends. She enjoys a remarkably close relationship with them, but she didn’t feel at ease just moving in with them even when invited.
After her husband died in 2019, the house she cared for had become too big and cumbersome. The home was owned by family members and the sale of the property would assist with economic difficulties, but not pave the way for Searcy’s next home.
Aware of Affordable Senior Housing Communities in the area, she began to put herself on waiting lists. Many were in good areas of town, just not in Lilburn.
One day a friend asked her if she had visited Gwinnett Christian Terrace. “Where is that?” she replied. She soon filled out an application and got added to the waiting list. The opportunity for Lilburn City residents that comprise Christian Terrace’s selection process accelerated her wait time.
After her January move in, she has found a great blessing in this community.
“There is an internal safety net made up of the people around you,” Searcy said. “They are not only able, but willing to help you in any way they can.” Moreover, Searcy noted that some senior citizen communities she visited when considering a location “felt” dangerous.
But not Christian Terrace.
“I prayed first and often,” she said, “and this new home has been a blessing. “