Matilda Goddard, Namesake and Founding Board Member Our Mission
Goddard House is a private, not-for-profit organization that offers elderly people a range of care options including secure, comfortable housing in a residential setting, skilled nursing and medical services, and the kindness and compassion that inspired its founding over a century ago in an atmosphere that emphasizes dignity, self-reliance, and a warm sense of community. As part of its outreach, Goddard House promotes collaboration and affiliation with senior advocates, agencies, and caregivers to improve the quality of life for older people within the larger community.
Founded in 1849, Goddard House is the oldest elder care organization in Massachusetts, and the third oldest in America; named for Matilda Goddard who was a remarkable woman ahead of her time. Born in Cambridge, MA to a wealthy family of carriage makers, she was bright and industrious. At the encouragement of her father, Matilda started her own vest making business in the early 1800’s and gave away most of the proceeds to charity.
A not-for-profit organization since its founding, Goddard House owns and operates Goddard House Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain and Goddard House in Brookline Assisted Living, offering a continuum of eldercare services. Olmsted Place is available at both locations serving those with memory impairment who require a secure environment.
A voluntary board of trustees governs Goddard House. We are managed by Radius Management Services, Inc., which provides a network of extended services. Radius has provided years of excellent service in the health care field, which is reassuring to residents and families making selections among the many retirement options available today.
Goddard House in Brookline Assisted Living
Nancy Shapiro, Executive Director
Nancy Shapiro has managed assisted living and senior housing communities in Brookline for over ten years. Nancy was raised in Brookline and is a graduate Brookline High School. As an adult, she says that she has come to appreciate not only the fine Brookline school system but also the extraordinary support that the Town of Brookline provides for its seniors.
Goddard House Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain
Denise Riley Okun, Executive Director
Denise Riley Okun has spent her entire professional life with residents of skilled nursing facilities, beginning as a speech-language pathologist, then as a rehabilitation director, case manager, and consultant. Within a year of receiving her administrator’s license, Denise received the New Administrator of the Year Award from the American College of Healthcare Administrators. Today she is the President of the Massachusetts Chapter, and sits on the educational committee for the national organization.
Denise brings to Goddard House a career committed to long term care, hospice, and sub-acute care in both the private and non-profit sectors. She emphasizes that all residents have history, experience, a story to tell, and a life to be led.
