Comfort, Reassurance, Love…. and some fun too.
Nearly two million Americans live in long term care facilities. Most are our elders whose physical or mental health has deteriorated to preclude a normal life. Most cannot:
- Travel independently
- Integrate into normal society
- Go shopping, to the movies, visit friends, work.
They are bypassed by our normal culture.
Most cannot expect to live independently again.
Many are near the end of their lives.
Our goal here at Renaissance Enterprises is to provide the highest quality arts and music programs to nursing homes and related care facilities utilizing the services of the highest quality artists, artisans and performers whose vision matches our own, to love and serve the elderly through the arts.
What We Do
At Renaissance Enterprises we bring the live arts to residents. We bring comfort, reassurance and love (and some fun too) for residents of long term care facilities and senior centers.
The arts include music, dance, puppetry, and others.
We bring:
* Music * Dance * Live Arts * Reassurance * Comfort * Love * Respect …and Fun!
Our mission
The mission of Renaissance Enterprises is to provide the highest quality arts and music enrichment programs in area nursing homes and related senior care facilities through the use of the finest artists, artisans and performers
Our vision
Our vision is to help improve the quality of life for all institutionalized seniors and others, through regular participation in the arts, music and related cultural programs that help to stimulate higher cognitive function, better socialization skills and improved physical and mental well being.
We believe that all seniors matter and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the younger generations and regular interaction with the arts can improve social connection and well being with the general community.
Our story
Renaissance was founded in 1988 by Mr. Bob Rowe.
Bob began a singing career in the 1970’s, singing in clubs and coffee houses, in Chicago, New York, and other cities.
As a young artist, Bob was inspired and mentored by Judy Collins, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary.
During his travels Bob found time to perform for "special" groups and audiences, such as the developmentally disabled, visually impaired, and the elderly.
“I have worked with the Elderly for 30 plus years and I can assure you that nothing 'awakens' our Elders as well as music. Music makes small miracles happen in our world on a regular basis. Music therapy comes in many forms and you can observe the positive effect that the music of Renaissance Enterprises has during any concert in our home.”
“Music is the one program that is able to reach all of the residents regardless of their abilities or impairments. Music provides opportunities for spiritual expression, promotes socialization with peers, artistic expression, opportunities for reminisce as well as a sense of belonging and community among the residents.”
Thank You
Renaissance is grateful to our current and previous generous contributors who make the programs possible:
The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, The Kalamazoo Community Foundation, The Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation, The Marvin and Rosalie Okun Foundation, The Dorothy U Dalton Foundation, The Berrien Community Foundation, The Frederick S. Upton Foundation, The Herrick Foundation, The Tiscornia Foundation, The Sage Foundation, Nissan Motor's of Smyrna Tennessee, The Lifeworks Foundation, The Arcus Foundation, The Binda Foundation, The Miller Foundation, Nelson Hardware of Portage, The United Arts Council of Calhoun County, The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, The Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, Denso Manufacturing, Debora J. Howard, Rick D. Kirby, Karen Green, participating senior care facilities, and many generous individuals and corporate sponsors.