History of Gold Crest
Gold Crest Retirement Center was founded on the principles of hard work, dedication, and faith. When pioneers James B. and Salatheil Coffman, born in Mt. Morris, Illinois, came to Nebraska to farm in 1881, they had to have faith that the land would provide for them. Salatheil and his wife, Lillie, lived on a farm southwest of Adams until 1909 when they moved to Lincoln. Together, they raised two daughters, Marian and Bessie. Bessie would marry in 1921 to George Coffman. They lived in Lincoln all of their married lives, but the Adams community left an impression that could not be forgotten.
In 1970, George and Bessie sought assistance in drawing up their will. Their kind and generous gift was that the bulk of their estate would be used to create Gold Crest. It was their dream that a complete health care facility be created in Adams to provide an environment that would enable the elderly to receive the best in health care and rehabilitation. A provision was made, and a total of 2,500 acres of land was given which when sold, totaled over 2.5 million dollars.
George and Bessie entrusted Henry Gramann, Jr. and long time friend and attorney, Charles Phillips, to ensure the project was successful. With the help of James “Maurice” Helmink and the Board of Directors, the planning stage began with a request to the State Department of Health. At first, a healthcare facility was deemed unnecessary in such a small community; however, a Certificate of Need was eventually obtained for a portion of the proposed beds.
On April 29, 1984, Gold Crest Retirement Center was dedicated during an open house. Judge Van Pelt gave the dedication and noted, “There are three purposes for a retirement center, 1.) to cure whenever possible, 2.) to relieve from pain and injuries and 3.) to provide for comfort even when permanent cure and relief are impossible.” Since that day, that has been our mission of caring.
Our doors officially opened May 7, 1984 and by February 1985, all existing rooms were full. Residents and the community were enjoying the benefits of the pharmacy, health clinic, beauty parlor, dining rooms, therapy room and beautiful chapel. This progress proved there was indeed a need for the healthcare facility in the Adams community. The need for skilled beds increased so much that in 1987 an additional wing and gathering area with an aviary were built.
In 1990, the Child Care Center was added for the benefit of the staff members who have small children, age 6 weeks to 12 
years of age. This benefit for the staff was soon extended to the community, providing both day care and pre-school. In addition, benefit has been gained from and for those residents who like to participate with the children and also for those children who enjoy having a lot of grandparents, right next door.
In 1995, the campus expanded its type of living quarters to include independent living duplexes. In 2004 our first townhome with additional living space was added.
In 2000, the Henry Gramann Jr. Activity Center and Private Dining Room were built. The Activity Center consists of a large activity room with a fireplace, kitchen area, activities office, maintenance office, and a wellness center (exercise room) with adjoining rest room and shower area.
It may have begun with the vision of two, but many were involved with the overall planning, building, and work, which finally created the existing structure and overall dreams for this health care campus. Continuing on, year by year, with special activities and projects, the facility provides community benefit and also gains a special family spirit and the pioneering of new ideas and new ways to dedicate themselves to higher goals. As Rev. Don Greer stated on the dedication "All of us are receivers of the generosity of those who have given. Some have purchased land, some have contributed memorials, some have given of their skills and talents in labor, some have been planners, and some employees, and some day some will be residents. We dedicate a building, but we commit ourselves to its ongoing effectiveness and higher goal, and we give thanks for all that we have been given. In addition, let us give thanks for what we may continue to give and share with one another."