QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is Arden Wood? Arden Wood was originally known as “the Christian Science Benevolent Association on the Pacific Coast.” It was established over 80 years ago by The Mother Church (The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts) to provide Christian Science nursing and “rest and study” to students of Christian Science who were seeking a spiritual environment supportive of healing. Later, a residential program was created by The Mother Church to support the “reformers” of Christian Science (see Message for 1901, page 28:29).
Since 1976, and at The Mother Church’s request, Arden Wood has been operated independently by a non-profit organization, overseen by a board of trustees, all of whom are Christian Scientists. The mission of Arden Wood remains largely the same today as it was in the past: to support Christian Science healing. Arden Wood is a community of Christian Scientists who are dedicated to this purpose. As Christ Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). In the Christian effort to demonstrate those words today, Arden Wood sees its work as a spiritual service. It offers the care of an institution that is as spiritually transparent as prayer can make it.
What is the role of Christian Science at Arden Wood? Our goal is to provide a spiritual atmosphere supportive of healing and spiritual progress in accord with the Tenets of Christian Science. We are not trying to create a place that, because of its long history with The Mother Church, somehow brings our residents physically closer to God. Rather, in word and deed we are all working at Arden Wood to graciously discipline thought to the things of Spirit, so that an atmosphere of spirituality can naturally dispel any sense of materiality.
Our residents enjoy regularly scheduled hymn sings. In addition to cable television, broadcast channels are provided in every apartment making audiotapes of Science and Health and the Christian Science Bible Lesson available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Bible Research Library contains a wide variety of Bible reference materials and our Study Room includes a complete set of Bound Volumes of Christian Science literature. Residents regularly attend lectures and Christian Science meetings in the Bay Area, and play an active role in local branch churches.
Is membership in The Mother Church or a branch Church of Christ, Scientist a requirement for residency? Yes. Residents are members of The Mother Church, a branch church, or both. We encourage active branch church affiliation and provide transportation to nearby Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist for all services and business meetings.
How many residential apartments does Arden Wood have? We have available 35 apartments, each with a different outlook, size and room configuration. We have two-room suites, as well as studio apartments. Rents vary depending on the size of the apartments.
What level of independence is expected in order to participate in the residential program? Residents normally take all their meals in the dining room, are able to travel in buses or cars, and can participate in daily activities.
What if I am in temporary need of assistance with daily activities? Exceptions to full independence are taken into consideration on an individual basis. With this in mind, it is essential that applicants explain any temporary physical challenge during the application process.
What Personal Services do you provide? For an additional monthly fee services are available such weekly laundry service,daily housekeeping services,and driving and escorting to appointments in the neighborhoood.
Is Christian Science nursing assistance available? Yes. For an additional fee, Christian Science nursing care is available to residents.
Is an Advance Health Care Directive required? No, however we highly recommend that an Advance Health Care Directive be established.
Arden Wood has developed a directive that specifically meets the needs of Christian Scientists, who are residents of California. We would be happy to send it to you upon request.
Does Arden Wood residency require a buy-in payment or any investment? No.
Is a deposit required upon acceptance into the Residential Program? Yes. A deposit covering the first and last months’ rent as well as a refundable $400 cleaning deposit is required. There is also a non-refundable $80 processing fee.
Apartments are rented on a month-to-month basis. We ask that residents give us at least 30 days notice if they plan to relocate.
What does the monthly rental fee include? The monthly rental fee includes: three meals each day, weekly housekeeping services, transportation to Church for services and meetings, utilities (except telephone), and regular activities (except activity related entrance fees).
May I bring my own furnishings? Yes. Residents furnish their new homes to their liking. Arden Wood provides no furniture for residential apartments.
Are pets allowed? Yes, house-trained pets are permissible. A $400 per pet refundable cleaning deposit is required of all pet owners. Should the pet become a problem to other residents or staff at Arden Wood, they will not be allowed to be kept on the property. Residents desiring a pet must demonstrate the ability to care for a pet without assistance.
Does each apartment have a private phone extension?
Is there public access to a computer or should I bring my own? Many of our residents enjoy their own personal computers and having access to the Internet. We recommend you bring your own computer as access to computer services is limited at this time.
Do residential apartments have their own kitchens? No. Isn’t it wonderful! No more grocery shopping, cooking, or clean up! Meals are enjoyed in our newly refurbished dining room. Refrigerators, microwave ovens, and instant hot water dispensers are readily accessible in our residential common areas. Snacks in vending machines are provided at cost. Residents may purchase a small refrigerator or microwave for personal use to be kept in their own apartment if desired.
Are laundry facilities available for residents' use? Yes. We have several laundry rooms equipped with washers, dryers, sinks, countertops, and ironing stations. There is no charge for the use of this equipment. Residents may take care of their own laundry, or may pay separately for laundry assistance.
How are the facilities at Arden Wood kept up? A dedicated staff of housekeepers, grounds people, and maintenance repair crews keeps our property looking beautiful. In addition, we have refurbished the main building, an historical landmark in the City of San Francisco. Over $10 million dollars has already been spent on upgrading our internal operating systems such as elevators, kitchen equipment, and fire safety systems. In addition, we have updated and improved our common areas, including our main dining room and hallways with new lighting, paint, and carpet. We have also made significant exterior renovations to our roof, the outside of our main building, and to the landscaping.
May I bring my car? Yes. A few of our residents enjoy having their own cars, and free reserved parking is available. The majority of residents, however, do not have cars. They have found that Arden Wood’s scheduled transportation to Church, shopping centers, and activities more than adequately meets their needs. Arden Wood has two buses to transport our residents to church and activities.
Is there a shopping center or mall located nearby? There is a delightful neighborhood shopping area just around the corner with many small restaurants, florists, a Christian Science Reading Room, post office, movie theater, hardware store, dry cleaners, ice cream parlor, dentists, antique stores, and much more. A major shopping mall is several blocks away and includes a Macy’s and Nordstrom as well as many other well-recognized stores. In addition, public transportation can take you to downtown San Francisco in 20 minutes!
Are beauty and barber shops located near by? Both men and women residents enjoy the services at the conveniently located hair salon in our building. There are several beauty and barber shops in our neighborhood shopping area as well.
What types of activities does the Residential Program offer? Wonderful and diverse activities are provided for our residents! Trips might include touring the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, taking in cultural events such as museum exhibits, symphonies, and plays, enjoying meals at interesting restaurants, picnics and barbecues, visiting State and National Parks, going for bus and boat excursions, the list goes on and on!
Are there volunteer opportunities available to residents? Those who join our community have a desire to support Arden Wood’s mission of healing. There are ample opportunities for those who would like to participate here as a volunteer. In addition, a number of our residents also volunteer outside of Arden Wood in such activities as the Christian Science Reading Room at the San Francisco Airport and with the State Institutional Committee.
What is the weather like in San Francisco? The San Francisco Bay Area has an ideal, temperate climate. The temperature in the City ranges from 45 to 59 degrees in the winter, 45 to 66 degrees in the spring, 55 to 75 degrees in the summer and 50 to 73 degrees in the fall. It’s rarely humid, never snows, and a reasonable rainy season lasts from December through March. Light summer fog helps to keep our summer temperatures from becoming too hot!
What should I do if I am interested in applying for residency? Fill out the Residential Application in full and return it to the Director of Residential Services. As soon as all of the application information is complete, Arden Wood will review the application and provide you with a determination on the status of your becoming an Arden Wood resident as soon as possible. A two week stay determines if Arden Wood is where you would like to make your next home and enables Arden Wood to determine if we can meet your needs. We know that “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (Science and Health page 494:10), and that your needs are already met—whether that is here at Arden Wood or wherever your Father-Mother God takes you!
We look forward to meeting you!
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