“When I visited, the people were just so friendly. You could tell right away this is a place where everyone truly cares.”

When Judy Cohen began researching senior communities, the one thing that stood out immediately was the friendliness of the people at Lions Gate that she met during her visits. She chose Lions Gate because of its Jewish culture, spacious apartment homes, and vast array of activities and programs. “Every time I came, people were so pleasant,” Judy recalled. “Angela Stevens, Assistant Director of Sales and Business Development, would introduce me to someone, and they’d say, ‘Judy, come see my apartment!’ I saw so many apartments because people were just so welcoming.”

Still, Judy took her time before making the move. “I kept putting it off,” she said. Eventually, though, the right opportunity presented itself. “I spoke to Angela one day, and she said, ‘Judy, I’ve got your apartment.’ I thought about it and said, ‘Yeah… maybe it’s time.’”

Not long after that conversation, Judy moved into her apartment, a two-bedroom layout that allows her plenty of room for when family visits. “When my grandsons come, there’s space for them,” she said. “My daughter and I even designed their room because they’re the ones who use it the most.”

For Judy, the best part of Lions Gate is simple: peace of mind. “I know people are here,” she said — and that makes all the difference.

Judy keeps an active schedule thanks to the wide variety of programs, activities, and outings offered at Lions Gate. Among her favorites are bridge and the book club.

“There’s a travel photography lecture that’s fantastic,” she said. “And there’s an opera program I love. The discussions are very varied — very intellectually stimulating — and they help keep me mentally sharp.”

She also enjoys embroidery, playing games, and staying engaged with the many opportunities for learning and socializing throughout the community.

The staff, as far as Judy is concerned, is wonderful. They are attentive and concerned. Judy summed up her feelings about the staff:  “I would go out of my way to help any one of them. And they would for me.”

Judy loves the fact that when she walks the halls, Lions Gate does not feel like a typical apartment building. It’s warmer. “It feels like home.” And when asked how she feels about living at Lions Gate today, Judy doesn’t hesitate. “I love it,” she said simply. “You can’t ask for more.”