Residents at St. Joseph of the Pines' (SJP) Providence Place neighborhood in Aberdeen recently enjoyed the festive decorative panache by associates that culminated in a Hawaiian luau, the likes of which Don Ho would have been proud.

St. Joseph of the Pines is synonymous with quality health care, resort-style senior living accommodations and its association with the Tudor-style five-story building that once housed the organization's hospital, nursing home and, more recently, posh senior apartments.

There is another connection St. Joseph of the Pines enjoys with many more seniors in the communities of Moore and Robeson counties. Providence Place in Aberdeen, as well as the one in Red Springs, is as much integrally bonded to St. Joseph of the Pines through the health care organization's mission and core values, as are the more well-known and publicized entities.

In all, SJP has a total of 155 apartments for low-income senior citizens at both Providence Place facilities. Construction for an addition 29 units in Robeson County will enhance SJP's commitment to serve seniors relying on affordable housing.

"The HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors," said Russell Pait, St. Joseph's human resources director, who oversees the organization's involvement with the HUD projects. "It provides lower-income elderly with options that allow them to live independently, but in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking and transportation."

To be eligible for these apartments, at least one person in the household must be at least 62 years old at the time of initial occupancy and be considered a low-income resident.

St. Joseph of the Pines stays closely connected with Providence Place through its pastoral care department's visitations and with the work of Sister Constance O'Brien, of the order of the Sisters of Providence. She, along with other personnel at Providence Place, stay tuned into the residents' needs and jump on the opportunity to create an occasion revolving around a social activity.

In addition, holiday feasts are supplied by SJP, whose associates from the other campuses are on hand to serve the residents at those special times.

"It is rewarding to see the residents of Providence Place take such pleasure in St. Joseph's holiday tradition of having our associates provide and serve a special meal for them," said Pait.

On days when such activities include catered meals and outdoor enjoyment like the luau,z the employees at Providence Place threw for the residents, many guests come to augment the residents' experience. They, along with the brightly colored table cloths, Hawaiian party favors and the aroma of The White Rabbit Catering, added to the finishing touches.

Providence Place resident Edith Nixon knows well of St. Joseph of the Pines ties with her cozy neighborhood.

"St. Joseph is a marvelous place," says Nixon. "Everyone there has always taken such good care of me."

St. Joseph of the Pines is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and is a member of Catholic Health East. It includes the Health Center, Rehabilitation Unit, Coventry, Belle Meade Retirement Resort, Pine Knoll's Overlook and Villas and Providence Place.

Jeralie Andrews is the director of volunteer services for St. Joseph of the Pines.