History & Mission

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Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community’s rich history began in the early 19th century when surveyor John Gabriel Guignard was hired to survey the newly established capital city, Columbia.  He built a home on these peaceful grounds.

Once the surveying work was complete, Guignard decided to stay and establish a plantation. Acknowledging the risky times, he named it Chance.  A second plantation was named Rising Hopes, reflecting his cautious optimism.  The third and final property he named Still Hopes.  From this site, Guignard Brick Works produced what are known as “the bricks that built Columbia.”

After the Civil War, Gabrial Alexander Guignard, built the elegant Victorian mansion that remains the focal point of the community.  At the time of its completion in 1910, the mansion at Still Hopes was the largest home in Lexington County.  Guignard's daughter, Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard, bequeathed the home and nearly 40 acres to Trinity Episcopal Church in the 1960s.  Her vision of a home to serve the area’s seniors was finally realized in 1977 when the Episcopal Diocese and a Board of Trustees created a not-for-profit retirement community.  In 1983 the Guignard Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Today Still Hopes is a faith-based Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that remains affiliated with the Episcopal Church.  Home to nearly 400 residents, Still Hopes is governed by a Board of Trustees and is served by a staff of 250 dedicated employees.

OUR MISSION

To provide a faith based community where life will be rich and full as God intends it to be, holding to our values, serving one another with dedication and promoting health and wellness for all.

OUR VISION

To exemplify a new expectation for senior living.

OUR VALUES

F A I T H

Family -- We are here for each other.

Attitude -- We can achieve anything with the right spirit.

Integrity -- We are anchored in trust, respect and accountability.

Team -- We work together to make it happen.

Health -- We nurture physical, emotional and spiritual wellness.