Jacksonville, Fla. – March 31, 2026 – River Garden Hebrew Home has once again been awarded the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care, a clear indicator that the nursing home remains on-track as a premier care facility for seniors in northeast Florida. River Garden Hebrew Home has proudly achieved this esteemed status since the award was created 24 years ago.
The Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care was created in 2002 by the Florida State Legislature to recognize Florida’s premier quality nursing homes that have exceptionally high standards and display excellence in the quality of care delivered to their residents. Prior to receiving the award, a nursing facility must undergo a rigorous examination to ensure strict regulatory compliance and the provision of enhanced programming and services. In addition, a site visit is made to the facility by representatives of the Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care.
In order to receive the Governor’s Gold Seal Award, River Garden had to demonstrate:
• High quality care ranking among all nursing homes in the region
• Financial soundness and stability
• Excellent record with the state Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Evidence of community involvement
• A stable workforce
• “Best practices” in elder care
River Garden acknowledges that this award would not be possible were it not for the outstanding efforts and successes of every member of the River Garden team, from Environmental Services, Dining Services and Plant Operations to the nurses, therapists, volunteers and everyone involved in the day-to-day, 24/7/365 operation that is River Garden.
The agency is also enjoying its 80-year anniversary year and it continues to be a ‘hidden gem’ in the realm of senior services. As a high-end provider, River Garden proudly remains the only not-for-profit, faith-based senior services agency in northeast Florida.
“River Garden has long-been a recipient of awards for excellence, and we appreciate every acknowledgement,” says Mauri Mizrahi, Chief Executive Officer. “Our staff dedicates themselves every day to being the best and they deserve a round of applause for this success.” Currently, there are over 700 nursing homes in the state of Florida and River Garden is part of an elite group that are recognized with the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care. River Garden and one other facility have maintained the recognition since its inception in 2002. The full list of current nursing homes recognized by the Governor can be found online.