Our Story
Prairie Manor Nursing Home began when a few dedicated community members, led by Fr. Leslie Prescott, shared a dream— a dream to build a nursing home facility that would provide local elderly access to high-quality care and a meaningful experience of the “Golden Years.”
Rev. Leslie Prescott Founder
The Story of Prairie Manor Nursing Home
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Fr. Leslie Prescott, a Catholic priest from the Opelousas-area, was the key player that brought our community’s dream of a nursing home in Pine Prairie, Louisiana, to life.
Fr. Prescott was a member of our rural community, having served at both St. Peter’s Catholic Church and St. Theresa’s Chapel for over 20 years. Understanding that the small village of Pine Prairie consisted mostly of elderly, Fr. Prescott and long-time friend Bill Fields saw a critical need for a local nursing home.
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With the financial generosity of Bob Voitier, Bill’s brother-in-law, Fr. Prescott was able to enlist the help of Martha Miller, R.N., to apply for a Certificate of Need with the LA Department of Health & Human Resources.
Fueled by the rising interest and momentum from the local community, Martha, Bob, and Fr. Prescott actively researched and visited nursing homes around the State to develop their vision for Prairie Manor.
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With the help of Raymond Lejeune, Attorney at Law from the Mamou-area, a non-profit organization was formed, a board of members from Evangeline Parish was established, and financial plans were solidified.
The Farmers Home Administration graciously agreed to provide financial assistance in the amount of $1,500,000 towards building Prairie Manor Nursing Home, provided that Prairie Manor raised 10% of that amount.
Excitement filled the air as the first Prairie Manor, Inc. board meeting convened on May 11, 1982. The community had made their wish clear— “Bring our elders back home!”
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Over the next few years, the community worked tirelessly to raise the 10% needed to begin construction of the nursing home.
Hundreds of plate dinners were served, thousands of raffle tickets were sold, and countless donations were given monthly from local individuals— yet one particular fundraiser in support of the nursing home remains a beloved annual affair for Pine Prairie, LA, still today— the Boggy Bayou Festival.
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On August 20, 1985— as a result of tremendous outside support observed by the lending company— a FmHA loan was successfully closed.
Construction of Prairie Manor Nursing Home began the same day.
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The dream of Prairie Manor Nursing Home became a reality, welcoming its first resident on September 26, 1986.
Prairie Manor Nursing Home is truly “the home that prayer built.”
The Home That Prayer Built
