Once you’re inside the Bristol Homes facility on Main Street in Buffalo, it doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of a city at all. This massive structure was a private residence until 1868, when it became – with no maliciousness implied – a Home for the Friendless. It has continued to house elderly folks, and is now a thriving non-profit organization; being a non-profit is what has set them apart. 

“In a for-profit facility, there is an inevitable tug of war. Too often, the tug of war distracts from the fact that delivering quality is a profitable business model. ‘I can focus on quality to increase business by having the best product,’ or, as it too frequently happens, ‘I can trim costs to improve profitability’…we never have that distraction,” explains Jennifer Blackchief ’06 MBA, vice president of operations for Bristol Homes.

Blackchief started at Bristol Homes in 2003 as the admissions coordinator. Nine months later she became the administrator of Bristol Home in Buffalo and was later promoted to vice president. “At Bristol Homes there is no confusion on how the day should begin or end. We are here to provide the best environment for seniors in WNY; to give them nothing less than a home,” says Blackchief. 

Being a non-profit organization sets the Bristol Homes apart from its competitors and so does the fact that they truly live their mission. “Our focus on quality cascades though all of our processes. Our staff remembers that the smallest act can positively impact our residents and that’s how I know we’re getting it right,” adds Blackchief.

Despite tough economic times, local foundations have recognized The Bristol Homes as a quality provider of excellent essential services to the Buffalo community. “They [local foundations] have truly become our partners by investing in the high standards we have set. Our business is mere necessity than discretionary luxury, so we are spared from some of economic volatility that has impacted our region,” explains Blackchief.

The Bristol Homes is comprised of Bristol Home, which has served the needs of elderly women for more than 135 years, Bristol Village, a new community created for residents who prefer a suburban locale, and Bristolwood Apartments, a community for retirement living. The non-profit organization offers a full activities calendar, recreation, and scheduled transportation to local shops and entertainment complexes.

(extended version from AlumNews, summer 2009; see the entire Magazine online at issuu.com/medaille)