From Bosnia to Bowman Place –
Sharing Traditions and Love Over Coffee and Cooking

Maintenance team member and housekeeper, Fahra, came to the United States from Bosnia with big dreams but very little to her name. Through hard work – cleaning offices, clinics and small businesses – she and her husband saved paycheck by paycheck until they were able to purchase their own home. The American dream, realized.

With a big smile, she recounts her first day of work at Bowman Place. “I said to my husband, ‘Why did I wait so long to come here? I really like it. I’m happy. I found something good here.’”

While Fahra’s elderly mother still lives in Bosnia, and she misses her immensely, there are a lot of residents that remind Fahra of her majka.

In fact, one resident told Fahra that if she needed love, “Come to me. I have five kids – you’re my sixth.”

It meant the world to her.

And that’s what Bowman Place is. It’s a big family. It’s a place where folks from near and far come together to care for each other, sharing stories and love, sometimes over a cup of Turkish coffee.

More than a cup of joe, Turkish coffee is a cherished ritual in Bosnia, symbolizing friendship, hospitality and conversation. A popular proverb says, “A cup of coffee is remembered for 40 years,” a reminder that small moments can create lasting memories.

“I brought in Turkish coffee from my country for the residents and they were very excited to try it,” said Fahra. “We like to share our traditions and culture here.”

Last year Fahra started a new tradition at Bowman Place – a monthly cooking class that she leads with another staff member. Residents can roll up their sleeves, tie on their aprons and try new festive, holiday-inspired recipes – making new memories together.

Because at Bowman Place, it’s often the simple moments, a cup of coffee, a slice of freshly baked cake or a caring conversation that matter most