Ina Mae Denham had a huge heart. Denny, as she was better known, wasn’t a highly community-involved Clermont Park resident, after all, she was busy running her private practice and seeing clients as a clinical social worker. But her love for Clermont Park was great, especially for team members, and dining associates in particular.

Denny was born in Texas and graduated from Stanford University and then the University of Denver where she received her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) in 1959. She was a dedicated career woman and considered a pioneer and esteemed mentor in her field. In fact, the Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work in 1997 established the Ina Mae Denham Award in her honor. The award is given annually to a graduating MSW student who plans a career specialty in clinical social work.

When Denny passed in June 2019, six years after moving to Clermont Park, she left nearly all of her estate to the community. In June, Clermont Park received the first large disbursement, more than $120,000 from her retirement account, as Clermont Park was the beneficiary of her IRA. Additional gifts are likely as her estate is settled.

Her donation has been invested, and the interest and growth from her gift will benefit Clermont Park annually. Keeping in mind her heart for team members and her career in social work, the community is exploring ways to use the annual proceeds that will honor what was important to Denny.

If you have ever wondered exactly how you could contribute something meaningful to the legacy that you want to leave behind, please contact please contact Stephanie Manley, Director of Philanthropy, at 720-974-3675 or smanley@clcliving.org. Christian Living Communities would be honored to help you build a lasting legacy for residents and team members served by Christian Living Communities.