Where it all began!

The School Sisters of
Saint Francis—Our Lady of the Angels Convent

History New Cassel

1966 New Cassel Retirement Center was originally built by the School Sisters of St. Francis as Our lady of the Angels Convent. Its purpose was to be the regional provincial office for the order, and a place for the formation of the young affiliates of the Sisters. When it became apparent that the original purpose was not longer viable, the Sisters—along with lay advisors—considered several options for the land and buildings. In assessing the needs of the greater Omaha area, it was concluded that retirement housing for the well-elderly would provide a valuable service.

Spanning the Early Years  1973 to 1977
Under the direction of Sister Dorothy Tremel, SSSF and Lyn Huerter, New Cassel Retirement Community had its early beginnings.

In an interview on May 31, 1973, with the Sun Newspaper, Sister Dorothy said, "The community will be for residents over 62 years of age who are well and active as opposed to the infirmed. The retirement community will emphasize the dignity of older persons by sponsoring a number of educational and social programs from which residents can choose, the chance to choose what program they want to participate in, and the fact many of the activities and courses are not restricted to elderly people, but will be participated in by housewives, mothers and even teenagers, will give elderly residents a sense of independence and decisions-making."

In 1973, New Cassel could house 107 residents in comfortable rooms, with the Sisters praying that future construction would make housing available for up to 1,000 residents of all faiths.

In an article in the December 2, 1973 Omaha World Herald, New Cassel was acclaimed for also providing adult day care for seniors.

According to the article:
This is Omaha's first day care center for the elderly. No nursing care is provided, but meals are available. Stays can range from one afternoon to several, with charges based on the number of days and meals.

The article went on to say:
Day care visitors, like regular residents, will be free to come and go. Bus service to nearby shopping centers is provided most days. Day care residents are also free to use craft rooms, ceramics and other equipment, and to participate in a University of Nebraska at Omaha program. Eventually a small shop selling products crafted by the elderly might be opened.

Spanning the Early Years  1978 to 1982
As a gerontology center, New Cassel provided a setting for those who were involved in studying the aging process. Students from the University of Nebraska Gerontology Program, Creighton University and others interested in the various aspects of aging, frequently visited New Cassel. From time to time, New Cassel residents were asked to participate in research projects, a strictly volunteer process, however, most residents took great pride in having an exemplary record of participation in surveys, nutritional studies and other research.

The scope of available services and activities increased: mini bus becomes available for doctor's appointments, shopping, bus tours and other transportation needs; the Chapel is open at all times, and daily religious services were held; personal and spiritual counseling is made available to family and residents; there is a 24-hour staffed message center; security and intercom systems installed.

The next several years brought exciting changes to the physical grounds and the services provided.

Architect's conception of New Cassel with additional 105 apartments.

Ground-breaking ceremony held October 15, 1978, with Omaha, Mayor Al Veys.

Door on west side of building was the proposed site of the new entrance for the Franciscan Adult Day are Center.

On October 15, 1978 expansions began with a ground-breaking ceremony led by Mayor Al Veys. It was the beginning of a $3 million dollar project to provide 105 apartments.

All the units included a private bath, small kitchen, living room and walk-in closets. Some of the apartments had private balconies. There was a "help yourself" snack bar open 24-hours a day. Each apartment was cleaned once a week, with New Cassel providing fresh bed and bath linens weekly.

At the time, the Visiting Nurses Association had offices at New Cassel and a Health Maintenance Clinic which provided services to residents.

Spanning the Early Years  1983 to Present
June 5, 1983, saw the New Cassel family celebrating it 10th anniversary.

During this time period, a licensed health clinic was operated by Creighton University five days a week.

Plans for the development of a basemen area into the Franciscan Adult Day Care Center were completed, and the Center, a vital part of the new Cassel ministry, was opened in 1985.

Also in 1985, the Health Clinic was staffed by a New Cassel full-time registered.

Rejoicing in our Past  —  Looking to our Future