Dear CLC Family,

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens . . . a time to plant and a time to uproot . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh . . .” Ecclesiastes 3

As this verse reminds us, life continually evolves and changes. Seasons have beginnings and endings.

Thirty years ago, this very week, a wonderful season began, as Jim Kok accepted the position as CLC’s full-time chaplain, rejoining the organization after a short break.

Today, after a total of nearly 38 years of service, I share the bittersweet news that the exceptional “season of Jim” will soon come to an end as Jim plans to retire his Executive Director of Chaplain Services position at the end of May 2024.

I know I speak on behalf of countless others, that as excited as we are for Jim’s next season of life, we are sad for ourselves, because Jim represents so much joy, love, and truly embodies the CLC mission.

Jim grew the Chaplain program to include full and part-time chaplains at each of our three Legacy communities and at Dayspring Villa. Jim’s philosophy of “they will know we are Christians by our love”, ensures that our Christian faith isn’t just words but is evident in our actions of providing Christian love, respect, and compassion to each individual, of every faith, belief system and background, to “love each other as God loves us.” Jim has served on the senior leadership team for many years providing guidance and spiritual care during difficult and celebratory times.

Jim will lead the search process for his replacement and is committed to staying with CLC until such a time that the new Executive Director of Chaplain Services is on board and oriented to Holly Creek and the rest of our organization. A selection committee is forming and will seek and consider input from residents, team members, the Board of Directors, and of course, the Chaplain team.

We’ve created a special honor page which includes a personal video message from Jim, you can find it here.

Over the coming months, please join me in congratulating Jim on his retirement and thanking him for a job “well done, good and faithful servant!”

In continued service,

Jill Vitale-Aussem

President & CEO