Christian Living Communities

01/23/2026

New Episode Alert! 🎙️
Colorado is changing. Birth rates are falling, fewer people are moving here, and the fastest-growing age group is adults 75–84—with more Coloradans living into their 90s and beyond.
What does this mean for our communities, healthcare, and workforce?
In the latest episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan talk with former Colorado State Demographer Elizabeth Garner about Colorado's population pivot and what it means for all of us.
🎧 Listen now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HbJyS04ar4 or wherever you get your podcasts

Colorado is in the middle of a demographic shift unlike anything we’ve seen before. Birth rates are falling, migration has slowed, and the fastest-growing ag...

01/20/2026

A tax-smart giving strategy allows supporters of non-profit organizations to make an incredible impact while also maximizing their tax savings. Beginning in 2026, there will be some exciting (and in some cases complicated) changes to charitable giving tax deductions. As you start thinking about your charitable giving plan for this year, you may want to keep these changes in mind. Learn more at https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/why-2026-brings-new-opportunities-for-meaningful-tax-smart-giving/.

We break down the exciting - and complicated - changes to charitable giving tax deductions that start in 2026.

01/20/2026

Evidence tells us that to live a long and healthy life, we need a role to play, meaningful purpose in our lives, and we need to belong and have influence. This is what CLC’s Citizenship Model is all about. In a recent guest blog written for Love & Company, CLC President & CEO Jill Vitale-Aussem shares how cultures of citizenship within senior living communities can unlock meaning, autonomy, and well-being: https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/reimagining-senior-living-citizenship-model-life-plan-communities/.

CLC President & CEO Jill Vitale-Aussem shares how citizenship can help senior living communities unlock meaning, autonomy, and well-being.

01/08/2026

For CLC communities providing care for lower-income older adults, Medicaid already reimburses just 70–80% of the actual cost of care. What happens if funding is cut even more? When the Colorado legislature convenes on January 14, lawmakers will face a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, and Medicaid funding will be at the center of the debate over how to balance the budget.

Medicaid makes up close to 36% of Colorado’s combined budget and supports critical services for families, people with disabilities, and older adults. That’s why we’re urging all Coloradans to understand the real cost of cutting Medicaid—and learn how you can help protect essential senior services: https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/medicaid-budgets-and-the-future-of-aging-care/.

Medicaid funding makes up 36% of the state’s budget when state and federal dollars are combined, and supports critical aging care services.

01/08/2026

After reading “Bed Number Ten,” written by Sue Baier and Mary Zimmeth Schomaker about Sue’s 10-month hospital stay battling Guillain-Barre syndrome, Dan Swiatkiewicz, CLC’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, drew parallels between Sue’s story and the experiences of residents of senior living communities who are impacted by institutional practices.

While many senior living communities have moved away from institutional models, there are still opportunities for growth and change in our field. Through the lens of The Eden Alternative Domains of Well-Being, Dan shares the lessons that senior living communities - and healthcare providers as a whole - can learn from Sue’s story and how they can embrace a culture of well-being, dignity, and person-directed care: https://www.edenalt.org/lessons-in-senior-living-from-the-book-bed-number-ten/.

**New blog alert!**

Eden Alternative Board Vice Chair, Dan Swiatkiewicz, was moved when he read "Bed Number Ten" by Sue Baier & Mary Zimmeth Schomaker. Read his blog to find out which parts were particularly powerful and how he is using what he read to remind himself of the consequences of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
Click here to read: https://bit.ly/48jhnFp

12/31/2025

New Episode Alert - Aging Unscripted. The funding crisis affecting older adults isn't abstract policy — it's about real people who deserve better.

In our latest episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Doug Farmer, President & CEO of the Colorado Healthcare Association, to break down the Medicaid funding landscape in clear, everyday terms.

Listen now and discover how you can make a difference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2m5I5hKSYY

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, “The Fight for Funding: Seniors, Medicaid, and the Road Ahead,” we break down the complex world of Medicaid funding — wh...

12/30/2025

It has been a festive and joyful December at CLC-Ca****la communities across Colorado! From horse-drawn carriage rides and caroling to Christmas light parades and holiday dinners, we’ve enjoyed gathering with friends and family this holiday season.

12/19/2025

For many supporters, giving is about more than meeting a financial requirement. It’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. A gift from your IRA offers a powerful way to do both. Learn more about IRA gifts and how they can support creativity, connection, and well-being for older adults: https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/making-an-ira-gift/.

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows individuals age 70½ or older to make a tax-free gift directly from their IRA to a qualified nonprofit—like Christian Living Communities.

12/16/2025

As the year comes to an end, we say goodbye and hello to dedicated and outstanding members of CLC's volunteer Board of Directors. Last week, we gathered for our annual Board Celebration Dinner, which was filled with gratitude, shared accomplishments, and anticipation for the future. Learn more about the Board members whose terms have come to a close and who we are welcoming to service in 2026 at https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/celebrating-leadership-service-and-a-bright-future/.

At our annual board dinner, we say thank you to outgoing Board members and welcome the new leaders joining this vital governing body.

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

What a tremendous day of generosity! The kindness of the CLC community is incredible! We are only 10% away from our Colorado Gives Day goal. Can you help us cross the finish line?

Your gift will impact real lives in a really big way.

We have enjoyed spotlighting some wonderful things supporters like you have made possible this year for residents and caring team members. You can help create just as many opportunities for security, purpose, and joy at CLC in 2026 by giving before midnight at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/clc-co.

Christian Living Communities is a mission-driven, Colorado-based, not-for-profit organization enriching older adult lives since 1972. The heart of our communities are the relationships that we build with each other. It's right there in our value that We! Care for Each

12/10/2025