American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
Our Founders
The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on providing support to mothers whose sons or daughters made the ultimate sacrifice as a result of war. This organization unites mothers across the nation in support and service.
In the 10th Annual National Convention of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. a plan was unveiled to build a national memorial home for pensioned members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. This was the birth of the American Gold Star Manor.
To find out more about this inspiring organization, their mission, and their achievements, please visit their website:
GoldStarMoms.com
1941 - Early Beginnings
Built as a “temporary war housing” project by the Federal Government, the Truman Boyd Manor was constructed to house defense workers and armed forces personnel.
In 1953, the 93 acres of Truman Boyd Manor were purchased by America Gold Star Mothers, Inc in order to create a national memorial home for dependent and pensioned members. Over time the hastily built war structures were replaced with more suitable structures. Members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. joined the community as vacancies arose and residents who had occupied the property since the war remained. In time, Truman Boyd Manor became a thriving, vibrant, and diverse community.
1972 - Expanding
A massive reconstruction effort demolished all but one of the remaining military housing apartment buildings and replaced it with 10 new apartment buildings with a total of 348 units. These buildings remain on the property today.
As time passed, American Gold Star Manor expanded its mission to include veterans and other military service related groups. American Gold Star Manor also became a senior living community for residents ages 62 and over.
In the 1990s, American Gold Star Manor opened its doors to low-income seniors living in the community to ensure that the benefit of affordable housing was extended to as many people as possible.
2015 - Renovation
Beginning in 2016 and concluding in 2019, American Gold Star Manor undertook a $56 Million renovation project to modernize the property and all of the units.
The 348 units of American Gold Star Manor received a full remodel inside and out to bring them up to date. Improvements included the installation of a solar powered hot water system, solar electricity, LED lights, all new energy efficient appliances, and modern fire safety systems.
Around the property, the landscaping was upgraded to water efficient plants that beautify the property.
Today
The American Gold Star Manor is a clean, quiet, safe, and affordable senior retirement community in Long Beach, California. It provides independent living for Gold Star Mothers, fathers, veterans, and other eligible seniors. These fortunate residents live in a gated, 25 acre, park-like setting with sumptuous trees, lawns, flowers, and gardens. The campus features a community recreation hall, social programs, life enrichment programs, recreation facilities, pool and spa, picnic areas, game room, computer room, meditation chapel, and 10 low-rise buildings with well-maintained studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.
We are honored to provide support, friendship, and enjoyable living accommodations for those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Board & OFFicers
Nancy Kindelan
CHAIR
Nick Sramek
VICE CHAIR
Audit Committee, Development Committee, Investment Committee
Vacant
TREASURER
Greg Pierson
SECRETARY
Human Resources Committee, Audit Committee, Investment Committee
Steve Keesal
TRUSTEE
Audit Committee Chair, Investment Committee Chair, Development Committee
Jill Rosenberg
TRUSTEE
Resident Services Committee Chair
Diane Jacobus
TRUSTEE
Gold Star Mothers Board Liaison, Gold Star Mother Committee Chair, Resident Services Committee
Gail Schwandner
TRUSTEE
Human Resources Committee Chair, Gold Star Mother Committee
Cindy Tatum
TRUSTEE
National President of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
Jo Ann Maitland
TRUSTEE
National 1st Vice President of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
Febien Lijiam Ghebreyesus
TRUSTEE
Tim Scott
TRUSTEE
Glen Patrick
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Bergman
Chief Financial Officer