Two people walk along a path in a circular garden with a modern sculpture.

Our Story &Spirit

We create communities that celebrate the art of living.

This Mission Statement expresses hope for the residents of Arbor Acres. All of our spaces and programs have been developed with this hope in mind.

On our campus lies a spectrum of opportunities. In our beautiful spaces, the range of services and activities, and the uniqueness of our residents and staff, this visible spectrum holds the potential for life rich in security, contentment, and meaning. These are the intended blessings of residency at Arbor Acres.

Arbor Acres is a full-service Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

An elderly woman in red clothing walks a black dog on a suburban sidewalk.A colorful abstract painting with floral patterns in orange, pink, and yellow hues, framed in wood.

Mission, VisionValues

Our Spiritual Foundation

Our faith leads us to do good things for older adults and those who serve them.

Our Mission

We create communities that celebrate the art of living.

Our Vision:

Setting the stage to embrace aging’s possibilities.

Our Values:

Our Values:

Stewardship

We honor our commitments while planning for tomorrow.

  • We are the guardians of our legacy and the creators of our future.
  • We nurture growth through thoughtful oversight.

Trust

We communicate honestly, timely, and effectively.

  • We share good news fast and bad news faster.
  • We seek opportunities to do better and deepen trust.

Excellence

We seek innovative ways to be better each day.

  • We exceed expectations.
  • We don't follow the herd but will learn from others.

Well-being

We promote purpose, security, and balance.

  • Life is better together.
  • We believe aging is an art form.

Artistry

We celebrate our individuality and unique talents.

  • Everyone is an artist and can create beauty.
  • How something gets done is just as important as getting it done.

Respect

We value everyone's history and potential.

  • A warm smile and a "hello" are the first step in building community.
  • We assume others' intentions are noble.

Diligence

We achieve through thoughtful and energetic effort.

  • There is beauty in doing something well.
  • We are generous with our spirit and our resources.

HistoryTimeline

It all started in the hearts of a few local folks who knew the Triad area needed something special: a vibrant neighborhood where older adults could truly thrive.

1974–1980

It began with a vision shared by lawyer Bill Womble and Minister Ernest Fitzgerald. By late 1975, the paperwork was official, and we secured over 72 acres of open fields and orchards from Crossnore Communities for Children. The first ten residents moved in by March 1980.

1980–1999

We spent the ‘80s and ‘90s building neighborhoods like Bobwhite Court and Epworth Drive. Internally, we started swapping out our lengthy original name (Triad United Methodist Home) for the punchier “Arbor Acres,” paying homage to our roots.

2000–2015

In 2000, we officially took on the name Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community. We kept the momentum going by opening the Stockton building, Tomlinson Wellness Center, and Asbury Place Assisted Living, proving that "retirement" is just another word for "staying active." By 2013, our community had grown to 480 residents.

2016–Present

We aren't just looking back; we’re leveling up. From launching the Advantage Program for those who want to age in place to the completion of the massive Aldersgate Square project, we are building on our solid foundation to ensure a secure and exciting future.

The bottom line: We’ve spent over 50 years building more than just buildings—we’ve built a legacy of joy, support, and community. Come be a part of the next chapter!

Meet OurLeadership

Arbor Acres is built on people and the relationships we share with residents, staff, volunteers, leadership, and our broader community. Together, they help preserve the friendly spirit, comfort, and purpose that define life here.

Arbor Acres is governed by a Board of Directors whose varied experience and perspective help guide policy and support the management team. Residents and family members also serve on the Board, helping ensure the community remains attentive to those who call Arbor Acres home.

Andrew Applegate
President & CEO, since 2016
David Matthews
Chief Financial Officer, since 2014
Elizabeth Byrd
Vice President for Health Services/Chief Health & Wellness Officer, since 2024
Kathryn Sears
Senior Director of Talent Arts, since 2022
Joseph Gilmartin
Senior Director of Operations, since 2023
Brent Campbell
Senior Director of Marketing Arts, since 2024
Jonathan Halsey
Senior Director of Philanthropic Arts, Since 2024
Shonette Pettiford
Healthcare Administrator, since 2024
Bert Sanders
Chaplain, since 2011
Ali Gilmartin
Director of Continuing Care, since 2023
Martha Murphy
Marketing Arts Specialist, since 2017
Pam Rosenberger
Marketing Associate/Move-In Coordinator, since 2022

Meet OurBoard of Directors

The Board of Directors governs Arbor Acres, sets policy, and advises the Arbor Acres management team. Board members supply a wealth of varied experiences and perspectives. Residents and family members of residents serve on the Board to assure Arbor Acres remains attuned to its customers.

Clare Jordan, Chair
Non-Profit Consultant
Stewart D. Holmes, Finance Committee Chair
Banker
Richard E. Shore, Investment Committee Chair
Retired Business Owner
Dr. Tanya Afolayan
Vice Chancellor, University Advancement, Winston-Salem State University
Andy Bell
Resident
Dr. Montrale Boykin
Interim Dean, WSSU Graduate College
Donald F. Eppert
Resident
Lisa Gfeller
Philanthropist
William Hollan, III
Investment Advisor, Arbor Investment Advisors
John Ruffin
Executive Vice President, Meridian Realty Services
Julie Singleton
Accountant, RSM
Bryan Thompson
Attorney
Burton Vance
Managing Director, Equity Research Sales

Ex-OfficioMembers

Andrew W. Applegate
President/Chief Executive Officer, Arbor Acres
Kenneth H. Carter,
Bishop, Western NC Conference of the UMC
Mark Conforti
District Superintendent, Yadkin Valley District
Nancy Cannon
Resident Council President

ResidentCouncil

The Resident Council is composed of representatives who share information with residents and give voice to their concerns, ideas, perspectives, and needs. Working closely with Arbor Acres’ administration and Board of Directors, the Council helps ensure active resident involvement in decisions that impact daily life. Much of this work happens through resident committees, which offer meaningful ways to engage in the life and governance of Arbor Acres.

The Resident Council committees include:

  • Arbor Woodworks
  • Bylaws
  • Croquet
  • Dining
  • Employee Christmas Fund
  • Finance
  • Garden of Peace
  • Landscaping & Native Plants
  • Library
  • Live and Learn
  • Resident Arts & Activities
  • Resident Survey

A Legacy ofExcellence

Organized under the North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation Act, Arbor Acres has a historic affiliation with the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. We are also Winston-Salem’s only CARF-accredited continuing care retirement community and a member of LeadingAge North Carolina.

It’s been a fascinating and rewarding experience to be a Board member at this time. Our founders anticipated needs for the elderly and gave us Arbor Acres. Thirty years later it is the Board’s responsibility to continue to deliver a high quality of life for present and future residents.

CommunityConnections

Arbor Acres cultivates community, comfort and well-being for its residents and fulfills a responsibility to support older adults in need by partnering with like-minded organizations. To extend its mission into the broader community, Arbor Acres partners with organizations that share the values of excellence, innovation and care in assisting older adults to achieve their best, most productive lives.

Here are some of the organizations with which Arbor Acres engages:

An elderly woman with glasses, wearing a colorful shirt, smiles as she walks on a wooden deck.