South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging, headquartered in Laurens, operated two facilities: Bethea Baptist Retirement Community and Health Center in Darlington, and Martha Franks Retirement Center in Laurens. Thanks to a bequest by Dr. and Mrs. Percy Bethea, Bethea Baptist Retirement Community opened its doors in 1960. The residence community is much like its own small town with a library, beauty/barbershop, store, mail center and dining room. Emergency nursing care is always available, both in residences and the 88-bed health care center. Martha Franks is a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Laurens. Apartments offer residents their own home, complete with a full kitchen, bath, and terrace. Patio homes are also offered and property is available for those who would like to build their own single-family residence.