Silver Shores Living was born out of a dream that Ann-Marie Knight held for over 25 years. At that time, Knight, a high school student, served as a candy striper at a local nursing home in New York City. Later, while serving in the US Navy, when Knight responded to tours-of-duty the vision for the business took shape. At every duty station, she experienced the impact of stories in the public news where elders died as a result of some sort of neglect or malice. Situations varied from insufficient family and community engagement to horrible stories of intentional neglect.
Now a retired US Naval Officer, Knight realized she could turn her passion into a business, and Silver Shores Living was born. Operating as an intermediate size Assisted Living Facility, Silver Shores Living provides a secure setting where resident’s independence is encouraged, while offering peace of mind to family members who are not able to care for their loved ones on a daily basis in the manner that is needed.
Forever dedicated to community service, Knight was honored with the Local Business Achiever profile by Jacksonville's 904 Magazine for her community service as a committee member of United Way’s Women in Local Leadership.
Knight turned to the Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida (UNF) seeking assistance with business management and growth. Florida SBDC at UNF consultant Lucy Diala helped Knight better understand ways to streamline her business operation financials and provided tools she could use to compliment her existing resources. Diala also discussed how to use the financials to prepare for business growth.
In four short months, Silver Shores Living has grown to a highly sought-after community. This is not surprising as the staff and residents are, naturally, more attuned to each other and a sense of home and feeling of security is easily recognized. Moreover, Silver Shores Living makes it a priority to encourage activity of the mind, body and spirit – daily!
“Serving as an Assisted Living Facility Administrator is a calling – just like community service. It is only fitting that a conversation during a United Way event resulted in the fulfillment of this dream. While I possess solid business acumen, I don’t take for granted the resources available in our community. These resources, such as Florida SBDC, are keys to success. I look forward to enhancing my tool box of resources and knowledge.”
