If you spend even a few minutes talking with Billy Nelson, Fairview’s Chief Executive Officer, one thing becomes immediately clear: Fairview isn’t just where he works — it’s where his values live.
In a recent Community Conversations interview with the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Billy shared what makes Fairview such a rare place in senior living: a deep-rooted mission, financial stewardship that fuels generosity, and a view — both literal and philosophical — that stretches far beyond today.
A Nonprofit with Purpose — and Staying Power
Fairview is a mission-driven, standalone nonprofit, and that distinction matters. As Billy puts it, “If you have no margin, you have no mission. But the more margin you have, the more mission you can do.”
That balance, financial strength paired with generosity, is what allows Fairview to give back to the community it calls home. After 133 years in Groton, Fairview isn’t focused on short-term wins. It’s built for longevity, stability, and service for generations to come.
Billy joined Fairview in 2019, bringing more than 21 years of senior living leadership in Connecticut. For him, leading a standalone nonprofit has been both unique and deeply fulfilling. Healthcare is complex, but when mission and sustainability are in balance, the work becomes meaningful. “I feel like a duck in water here,” he says — inheriting a strong team, a respected organization, and a campus with a remarkable story.
133 Years of History — and Still Evolving
Fairview’s roots run deep. Established 133 years ago and affiliated with the Connecticut Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Fairview has long been supported by a philanthropic tradition grounded in service and community care.
Over more than a century, Fairview has evolved alongside the country itself — adapting through major healthcare shifts, including the rise of Medicare and Medicaid in the 1970s, when its skilled nursing services earned widespread respect for compassionate, high-quality care. Thousands of caregivers over the decades have contributed to that legacy.
Eleven years ago, Fairview took another important step, becoming one of Connecticut’s Life Plan Communities. Since then, the campus has continued to mature thoughtfully — honoring its past while planning for the future.
Sunsets, Sailboats, and Submarines
Location is part of Fairview’s soul. Perched safely above the Thames River, the campus offers sweeping views that have become part of its identity. “Sunsets, sailboats, and submarines” isn’t just a tagline, it’s daily life here.
Residents and neighbors alike can now take in those views anytime through a new live webcam, watching the river change with the light, the seasons, and the steady rhythm of the community below. It’s a reminder that Fairview is deeply connected to the place it serves — Groton, Mystic, and Old Saybrook included.
Vista Point at Fairview: A Defining Next Chapter
Now, Fairview stands on the edge of its most ambitious chapter yet.
Vista Point at Fairview is the largest expansion in the organization’s history — a thoughtful evolution on 35 acres of land Fairview already owns, within its 70-acre campus. The plan includes 193 new independent living residences and a brand-new, 70-unit assisted living community.
For the first time, Fairview will offer the full continuum of care on campus — something residents and focus groups have asked for clearly and consistently. This addition ensures continuity, flexibility, and peace of mind, all without leaving the community residents love.
And this isn’t just about adding buildings. Vista Point is designed as what Billy calls a “cruise ship on land” — multiple dining venues, creative studios, golf simulators, paint and pottery spaces, and abundant opportunities for connection and fun. All of it anchored by, quite possibly, one of the best views in Connecticut.
Rooted in Community — Looking Ahead Together
Even as Fairview grows, its commitment to the broader community remains central. Today, Fairview provides care for more than 200 local residents and supports initiatives like coat drives and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Giving back isn’t an add-on. It’s part of the mission.
With Vista Point, Fairview will welcome hundreds more residents into Groton and the surrounding area, strengthening local connections and creating new opportunities to serve. Billy sees endless potential ahead — not just for Fairview residents, but for Mystic, Old Saybrook, and the entire region.
After 133 years, Fairview continues to prove that legacy isn’t about standing still. It’s about evolving with intention, leading with purpose, and always keeping the community — and the view — in focus.
Vista Point at Fairview is the only nonprofit Life Plan Community in Southeastern Connecticut offering a rich, active lifestyle complemented by beautiful waterfront views. To learn more, call (860) 968-VIEW (8439) or contact us here. We’d love to introduce you to a retirement experience unlike any other in the area.