The GEMAYEL family has been active in a variety of humanitarian causes for many generations.

• 1968: SOS children village
  Michel Aoun GEMAYEL and his wife Madeleine Ayoub SAAB started the first SOS children village in Lebanon. Presently the village hosts over a hundred children.

• 1987: LONGUE VIE, a different nursing home
  Louis Michel GEMAYEL, son of Michel and Madeleine, realized his mother's dream to broaden the family's humanitarian support to include elders by creating a Senior Association and founding LONGUE VIE.

• Today: LONGUE VIE & MONT JOLI, convalescent home
  Louis Michel GEMAYEL's children have extended the family's accomplishments with the creation of Mont Joli. Initially designed as an inn to host families visiting LONGUE VIE residents, MONT JOLI has evolved into a center for convalescence and relaxation.

Mr Riad FIKANI, who has 30 years of experience in social fields, is Director of LONGUE VIE & MONT JOLI. A dynamic and qualified professional team assists him:

• MANAGEMENT STAFF:
  • RIAD FIKANI, Director (30 years of experience, degree in Psychology and degree in Education from St Joseph Univ., Beirut)
  • ROKKA HAJJ BOUTROS, Assistant Director (3 years of experience, Degree in Computer Science Administration and Management from the Technical College of “Immaculée Conception”)
  • LILIANE TYAN, Communications and Public Relations Manager (25 years of experience, Degree in Communications from Paris Univ.)

• MEDICAL STAFF:
  • Dr ELIAS KAMAL, Physician, (over 35 years of experience, Degree in Medicine from Lyon Univ.)
  • MINERVA DAHER, Certified Nurse, daytime shift (over 12 years of experience in Lebanon hospitals, degree from the National Institute for Nurses, Beirut)
  • MIRNA ABOU ANTOUN, Certified Nurse, night shift (over 6 years of experience in Lebanon hospitals, degree from the National Institute for Nurses, Beirut)
  • GEORGES SAAB, Physical Therapist (over 8 years of experience, degree from Notre Dame Univ., Jounieh)
  • ELIZABETH DAOU, Occupational Therapist (over 10 years of experience, degree in Occupational Therapy from the Provincial College for Physical and Occupational Therapist, Belgium)
  • RAYA HADAD, Speech Therapist (1 year of experience, degree in Speech Therapy from St Joseph Univ., Beirut)
  • MIREILLE CORBANI, Licensed Dietician (over 7 years of experience, degree in Dietetics from Beirut Univ.)
  • Dr KARIM CORBANI, Dentist (over 10 years of experience, degree in Dentistry from St Joseph Univ., Beirut)

L'ORIENT LE JOUR, 31 July 1997
«GREENERY, LEISURE AND MEDICAL FOLLOW UP AT «LONGUE VIE»,
LIFE STARTS AT SIXTY YEARS OLD...»

A little lady, her head covered with a hat, a walking stick in hand, is strolling around under the noon sun. Inside, three grandmothers, elegantly dressed, are chatting in a cozy sitting room. A couple of “little old fellows”, hand in hand, get ready to join the group. Nearby, two ladies play cards, one of them has a whistle into which she blows every time she wins. In the hall leading to the rooms and studios, one meets “Charles”, a young 93 year old gentleman in his jogging suit, holding weights and just back from his daily walk... One can hear a resident singing, accompanied by her pianist friend.

 

MAGAZINE, 8 August 1997
«LONGUE VIE - SENIORS REBORN»

LONGUE VIE is celebrating this year its tenth anniversary. On this occasion the Management team , on July 25th, organized dinner for the residents, who had the pleasure of listening to music from their youth. Some expressed their musical talents by playing the mandolin while another sang in Turkish. A few even danced. The event ended with a big fireworks display, appreciated by all.

 

LA REVUE DU LIBAN, n^o 1500 of 27 August to 3 September 1988
«A SPECIAL ATTENTION FOR SENIORS, LONGUE VIE PROJECT»

Despite everything, several people did not forget Lebanon and are actively involved in helping the needy. This is the case of Louis Michel GEMAYEL, long established in Iran, and deeply convinced that this is one of the best alternatives. After having created the SOS Village for children without shelter and rescue, he contributed to the success of the French Union of Lebanon summer camps. He also supported disabled people of the "Arc-en-Ciel" center in Sin-el-Fil, and then decided to care for Seniors, to whom he is dedicating a retirement home in Bhersaf: The LONGUE VIE project.