Annie Bishop Maxim Cowen
George Alden Cowen
Annie Maxim House (AMH) is one of the few congregate living programs in the country to be free of charge to its residents. Congregate housing is a shared living arrangement that combines housing and services. The AMH model affords residents a private apartment as well as the use of shared common spaces where residents can come together for socialization and activities. Services include transportation, community meals and help with light housekeeping as needed.
Our story begins with Annie Bishop Maxim and George Alden Cowen, who were married in 1904. They lived in a farmhouse with Annie's parents located at 707 North Avenue in Rochester, Mass. Together, they farmed the land and expanded extensively into the cranberry industry.
As they aged, Annie and George discussed what they should do with the bountiful assets they had accumulated in their working years. They developed a plan to help those in the latter part of their lives, knowing that the challenges posed by health and finances can become overwhelming, especially for those with limited means.
In 1959, Annie passed away at the age of 87. George then drafted a will that directed Trustees to invest their assets until there were sufficient funds to construct a residential living environment. The will instructed that a house be built with these funds to accommodate, free of charge, persons who met certain criteria.
In 1984, 21 years after George's death, the Annie Maxim House was constructed and opened. Today, with the support of a dedicated Board of Directors and Trustees of the George A Cowen Trust, committed staff uphold the tenets of the will, providing a loving and compassionate environment to household residents.
In 1994, the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) was created to serve more people aligned with the mission of Annie and George. HAP focuses on small-scale house repairs for homeowners ages 62+ who are of slender means within the AMH service area. HAP provides assistance with home repairs or modifications that improve the homeowner's safety and ability to function independently.
