Christian Living Communities (CLC) recently gathered residents, families, team members, volunteers, donors, and friends for a meaningful morning of reflection and celebration at the 2026 Founders Day Breakfast. The event marked 54 years of faithful service to older adults and their families while honoring the people whose compassion, courage, and generosity continue to shape the organization’s mission today.
The morning also carried special significance as it aligned with the national USA 250 and Colorado 150 anniversary celebrations, reminding attendees that history is ultimately about people—the lives, sacrifices, and everyday acts of care that leave a lasting impact on communities.
From heartfelt storytelling to honoring extraordinary individuals, the gathering reflected the very spirit of CLC: creating communities where aging is honored and celebrated.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Service
CLC’s story began in 1972 with a small but determined group of volunteers from the Christian Reformed and Reformed Churches of America. Faced with the displacement of older adults after the Bethesda Sanitarium transitioned away from tuberculosis care, these founders stepped forward with faith, resilience, and a commitment to creating a new home for elders in need.
What followed was a remarkable example of grassroots dedication. Early supporters sold unsecured bonds, placed ads in church publications, cleaned construction sites, and invested countless volunteer hours to bring the dream to life. On May 7, 1972, University Hills Christian Nursing Home—now Clermont Park—opened its doors with 62 skilled nursing beds.
More than five decades later, that single act of faith has grown into a thriving nonprofit organization operating seven senior living communities across Colorado, Rhythms Home Care, and consulting services for mission-aligned organizations. Read more about CLC’s history.
Yet despite its growth, the heart of CLC’s mission remains unchanged: enriching the quality and dignity of life for every individual through services and care that reflect Christian love, respect, and compassion.
Honoring the Community Behind the Mission
The event highlighted the many individuals whose generosity and partnership continue to sustain CLC’s work.
Special recognition was given to members of the Compassion Circle, individuals who have included CLC in their estate plans through legacy giving. Their quiet acts of generosity ensure that future generations of older adults will continue to experience dignity, belonging, and compassionate care.
Faithful Friends—those who have supported the organization consistently for more than five years or through monthly giving—were also celebrated for their steadfast commitment to residents and team members alike.
CLC additionally honored its volunteer Board of Directors, whose leadership helps guide the organization while remaining grounded in its founding values and mission.
Our People | Our Legacy
One of the most moving moments of the morning centered around the launch of CLC’s Our People | Our Legacy storytelling initiative, created in recognition of USA 250 and Colorado 150.
The year-long project seeks to preserve the stories of residents, families, volunteers, and team members whose lives have shaped both CLC and the broader community.
Attendees heard several remarkable stories that exemplify courage, advocacy, and service.
Among them was Jeanne Wilde, a resident of Holly Creek, who courageously advocated for her daughter Andrea, born with Down syndrome, at a time when families were often pressured to institutionalize children with disabilities. Jeanne fought tirelessly for inclusion in public education, helping challenge systemic barriers and opening doors for countless children across Colorado.
We are in the story gathering phase of this project now. If you or someone you know have a story to share, please submit some details at the Our People | Our Legacy page now. Later this year, this site will transform into a tribute page, sharing the remarkable legacies of members of our CLC family through everyday acts of courage, advocacy, and compassion.
Honoring an Earthen Vessel
For 32 years, CLC has presented the Earthen Vessel Award to individuals who embody servant leadership and faithful generosity.
This year’s recipient, Christine Powers, was honored for a lifetime of compassion, volunteerism, and dedication to the CLC mission.
Christine’s story is one marked by resilience, purpose, and listening closely to life’s “nudges.” From her early experiences traveling with her mother after the tragic loss of her father, to her career in volunteer management and nonprofit development, she consistently found herself drawn toward service and connection.
Alongside her late husband Clayton, Christine devoted herself to supporting others through philanthropy, volunteer leadership, and advocacy. Together, they established initiatives like the Powers Training Fund, helping CLC team members pursue professional growth and development and the Dayspring Villa haircut program, providing the simple dignity of a fresh haircut to older adults who cannot afford one.
During the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christine also became known for her deeply personal acts of kindness—writing more than 150 handwritten notes each year to team members to encourage and thank them during an extraordinarily difficult season.
Today, through her ongoing service on the Healthcare Ethics Committee, Christine continues to shape the future of CLC with wisdom, empathy, and generosity.
Introducing the CLC Citizenship Award
A powerful new video was introduced sharing the impact of CLC’s Citizenship Model® of Community Life.
The event also marked the debut of a brand-new recognition: the CLC Citizenship Award.
Rooted in the organization’s Citizenship Model of Community Life, the award celebrates individuals who actively help shape inclusive, engaged, and connected communities.
The inaugural recipient, Ken Davis of Cappella of Pueblo West, exemplifies this vision through his simple but powerful motto: “Find a way.”
Ken’s life has long been centered on serving others. Alongside his late wife Pam, he dedicated decades to community service, affordable housing, and creating spaces where everyone belonged.
At Cappella of Pueblo West, Ken continues that mission every day. He helps neighbors with vision loss participate in games, supports residents recovering from debilitating health events, reads to those unable to see, and advocates for inclusion at every opportunity.
Ken’s actions reflect a profound truth at the center of the Citizenship Model: community is not something we simply live in—it is something we actively build together.
About the Author
Pam Sullivan, Vice-President of Strategy and Communications, joined the team in 2004 in the Donor Relations department. Since then, she has held various positions include Donor Relations Director, Executive Director of Marketing and Vice-President of Engagement. Pam is responsible for internal and external communications, branding and brand messaging, crisis communication and guiding and supporting strategic initiatives.
