Can Twelve Oaks Remain Standing?

As recently as July, be.group took out ads in local publications that boasted of the charm of Twelve Oaks, a unique haven for seniors nestled in a grove of majestic oak trees. “Not your typical assisted living community,” one proclaimed. “Be.outdoors! at Twelve Oaks, natural surroundings come standard. We’re here to connect you to what you want most in life – to be yourself. Relaxed, rustic, full assisted living services: be.twelve oaks.” During the early summer months, the Glendale non-profit was still actively marketing spots in the home to prospective new residents. Indeed, one resident sold her home and moved into Twelve Oaks in late July – and then on Aug. 23, scarcely five weeks later, received an eviction notice. The Glendale chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) cannot comprehend what could have happened between July and August that suddenly rendered the tranquil complex beyond assistance as represented in an article in the Sept. 16 issue of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Dan Hutson, be.group’s vice president of communications and marketing, told the paper that the home was functionally obsolete and in financial crisis. NCL has been closely connected with Twelve Oaks Lodge for decades and maintains not only that the retirement home is safe and in excellent condition, but also that the facility was usually filled to capacity, with a waiting list. The 60-day Notice to Quit shocked the more than 50 residents, their families and philanthropic groups that served the seniors there, and has prompted strong opposition throughout the community. The relationship between Twelve Oaks, an elder-care facility owned in the 1930s by Verdugo Hills Sunshine Society, and NCL dates back 60 years. That was when the mother-daughter charity group began serving the seniors residing there, and raised money to fund buildings on the property. Out of gratitude, the Verdugo Hills Sunshine Society transferred the trust in 1976 to National Charity League Glendale Chapter, which continued to run the facility for about 25 years. In 2002, Twelve Oaks was turned over to Southern California Presbyterian Homes (SCPH), a non-profit with a distinguished record operating senior facilities. The foundation’s name was changed to the Twelve Oaks Foundation, and title to the land remains in that name today. At the time of transfer, no money changed hands, despite the value of the land, which SCPH acquired free and clear of encumbrance. It was understood that SCPH would lend its expertise in management while NCL volunteers would continue to enhance the lives of Twelve Oaks residents through special programs and fundraising. NCL was assured that this partnership would allow the assisted-living home to thrive and remain available to low-income seniors, as intended by the original philanthropists who deeded the land to the Sunshine Society, James and Effie Fifield. About two years ago, SCPH, in order to appear non-denominational, created the dba be.group, which now operates all of its retirement communities. SCPH’s 2011 tax return indicates that in the initial rebranding year alone, over $2.2 million was spent on marketing. Based on operating information provided by Dick Rockwood, Twelve Oaks administrator, an estimated $200,000 of the marketing costs have been allocated to Twelve Oaks since 2011, even though occupancy was at capacity. It was this expense that threw the facility’s bottom line into the red. Spokespeople for be.group, including Chief Executive John Cochrane, have asserted that the climate for assisted living is changing and that Twelve Oaks no longer fits its “model,” which is high-density, high-profile and therefore more costly (and more profitable) communities. It is true that there is little resemblance between Twelve Oaks and SCPH/be.group’s other properties; however, the seniors who chose Twelve Oaks to live out the rest of their days did so because of the facility’s tranquil, intimate atmosphere. NCL believes that not only is be.group failing to honor the agreement between its parent company and NCL, but despite being a “non-profit” it is choosing to profit from the sale of the $4.1 million land entrusted to it. There is also the possibility that there is an endowment fund that exceeds the value of the property which will become available to SCPH/be.group once current owner Twelve Oaks Foundation is liquidated. NCL is not the only group that opposes the closure and sale of the facility. Many others are up in arms, including neighborhood and historical associations. Neighbors are apprehensive about what will happen once the buildings are vacant. Even though a prospective buyer of the property backed out, be.group insists that the closure will occur as planned on Nov. 1, leaving the grounds vulnerable to vandalism and the huge, historic oaks and sycamores without care critical to their survival. The closure of Twelve Oaks and sale of the land it occupies may reap millions of dollars for SCPH/be.group and it may ultimately be determined that the entity is within its rights to proceed. However the question remains: while respectable seniors are ousted, friendships severed and families scramble to find acceptable homes for their elderly parents – Is this the right thing to do? Janet Lazier is the vice president of communications for the Glendale chapter of the National Charity League, a mother-daughter philanthropic organization.