Justine Vogel
BY JUSTINE VOGEL
Rosemary Coffin and Maryanna Hatch, the visionary founders of RiverWoods, recognized the necessity for a community-focused living space for seniors; and they successfully brought their dreams to life.
In 1994 our first campus opened as a nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Exeter, New Hampshire. Rosemary and Maryanna were driven by the belief that aging should be embraced with dignity, autonomy, connection and fun. Through their determination, they created a model that combined independent living, assisted living, and nursing care, allowing residents to transition without worry as their needs changed. Maryanna and Rosemary’s work has had a lasting impact on the senior living industry, inspiring similar communities across the country and enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals.
Their innovative approach emphasized the importance of community, wellness, and active aging. RiverWoods’ success not only improved the lives of its residents but also sparked a broader movement in senior living. Among our commitments to our residents, their families, and our staff is to be a supportive community that provides an environment of independence, security, and wellness at all stages of life. As we strive to fulfill our nonprofit mission of offering aging adults a high quality of life, we constantly explore ways to improve the quality of our services.
Rosemary and Maryanna’s leadership challenged the traditional notions of retirement and aging, proving that a cooperative community, where residents, family members, staff and trustees all work together can make lives better. For 30 years the magic has been that even though we continue to evolve, this notion is both sustainable and transformative.
We have also made the commitment to be a forward-looking community, and to do that we need to continually evolve. Our current evolution comes to us from years of research and lessons learned during the pandemic. We are seeking to centralize our health care services into one building. This will provide residents with the highest quality care and support in a beautiful space that will create community and peace of mind for those living, visiting and working there.
Celebrating our 30th anniversary this September, RiverWoods has been a beacon of innovation, quality, health care, and community involvement for three decades. In a state with the second oldest population in the country, and a Seacoast region with a higher median age than the rest of the state, having a community like RiverWoods is not just beneficial—it is essential.
Our mission as a caring community is also one that provides a positive impact in both the RiverWoods community and the greater surrounding communities. We do this through our significant property tax contribution, as well as our organization and our residents being active partners in the town, and in many local not-for-profit organizations.
RiverWoods is more than just a facility; it is a vital part of our community fabric. It is the home to more than 600 wonderful Exeter citizens who shop and enjoy our vibrant downtown. As the second largest taxpayer in Exeter, RiverWoods contributes nearly $1.7 million in taxes annually, significantly supporting our local economy. Additionally, RiverWoods stands as the second largest employer in Exeter, providing stable and rewarding jobs to many local citizens. This economic impact cannot be understated, as it fuels the growth and sustainability of our town.
As RiverWoods prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it is important we remain committed to amplifying the impact we have had on our community. RiverWoods has sought to be a good neighbor and a leader in elder care. We look forward to continuing and expanding that legacy into the next 30 years as a home, a good neighbor, a proud employer, and a trusted partner within the Seacoast community.
Justine Vogel is the president and CEO of the RiverWoods Group.
