At Christian Living Communities, we’ve seen how animals can do something extraordinary—bring joy, stir cherished memories, and create meaningful connections for older adults.
Thanks to kind gifts from supporters like you, residents across our communities recently delighted in unforgettable animal encounters. The Suites at Holly Creek welcomed Ellie’s Little Farm, a mobile petting zoo where goats, ducklings, chicks, and bunnies brightened the day for residents and families alike.
Clermont Park celebrated Western Week with wheelchair-accessible horse-drawn wagon rides led by two majestic Belgian Draft Horses. The event was inspired by a resident’s lifelong love of horses and farm life, and brought huge smiles to older adults and team members alike. As Erin Klein, Life Enrichment Coordinator, shared, one of the most rewarding outcomes was watching older adults from across Clermont Park’s neighborhoods come together to share in fellowship, joy, laughter.
Donor funding also enabled residents and team members at The Suites at Holly Creek to embark on a unique adventure. They partnered with Rent the Chicken and cared for seven eggs through incubation. Residents eagerly counted down the 21 days and chose to name the chicks after the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White.
Nikki Wiberg, Assistant Director of Nursing at The Suites at Holly Creek, explains that waiting for the chicks to hatch “gives residents and team members a sense of purpose and something joyful to anticipate each day.”
Caring for animals awakens long-term memories that older adults recall more easily, and for some, the experience stirs cherished memories of growing up on the farm. These moments spark connections across neighborhoods, strengthen community, and bring comfort and joy.
We believe these experiences bring dignity, connectedness, and meaning to everyday life. They remind us of the importance of connection between humans and animals.
You can make life more purposeful, connected, and joyful for older adults. Your gift to the General Mission Fund directly supports meaningful community life experiences like art, woodworking, music, and gardening.