Voices of Embrace: Real People. Real Stories.
Voices of Embrace is a new campaign dedicated to lifting the lived experiences of residents and the staff who walk alongside them every day. These stories reflect something deeper than housing, they speak about dignity, belonging, growth, and opportunity.
One story that beautifully captures this spirit is Herb’s.
When Social Service Coordinator Judy Christian first met Herb at Greencastle of Morgan Park & Beverly, an Embrace Living Community, he was shy and often kept to himself. He walked with his head down and rarely engaged with others. Judy gently invited him to attend a health presentation. His response? “Maybe.”
That “maybe” became a turning point.
Over time, Herb began to open up. He shared that he wished he could get new teeth but felt afraid, worried about the procedure, his health, and the cost. After becoming eligible for Medicare and meeting with a licensed specialist, Herb made a courageous decision. He chose a plan. He faced his fears. He scheduled the appointment.
He took the first step.
Today, even as he continues healing and looks forward to receiving his dentures, Herb is smiling, joking, and proudly sharing that his family is proud of him. As Judy reflected:
“Herb has become a new person. He is smiling, he feels happy. Yesterday he told me his family is proud of him. This is a moment in my life I will always embrace.”, Judy Christian
This is what affordable housing makes possible. Not just stability, but transformation.
Strengthening Leadership, Strengthening Mission
Progress also comes through strong leadership. We are proud to celebrate several key promotions within Embrace Living Communities that position us for continued growth and impact.
Dawn Zenkner has been promoted to Vice President of Finance after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening our financial stewardship, including overseeing successful refinance projects across multiple communities.
Jennifer Truppa has assumed responsibility for the newly aligned Director of Operations function, bringing collaborative leadership and deep operational expertise.
Darea Seifer has been promoted to Manager of Social Services & Quality Assurance, contributing more than two decades of experience and insight.
Lillian Carter has stepped into the newly created role of Compliance Manager, where her institutional knowledge and industry expertise will help ensure excellence and accountability.
Together, these leaders reflect strength, continuity, and forward momentum guiding Embrace into the future.
Engaging the Broader Affordable Housing Community
Our work extends beyond our communities into broader conversations shaping the future of affordable housing.
We look forward to connecting with colleagues and partners at the 2026 Illinois Affordable Housing Forum, hosted annually by the Illinois Housing Council at Navy Pier in Chicago. This statewide gathering brings together hundreds of industry leaders to share ideas, discuss best practices, and strengthen collaboration across Illinois.
We are also grateful for the leadership of our partners at LeadingAge Illinois and LeadingAge Iowa. We congratulate Samantha Heibel on her promotion to Executive Director of LeadingAge Iowa and Jason Speaks on his promotion to Executive Director of LeadingAge Illinois. Their leadership will continue advancing advocacy and support for affordable housing and aging services across both states.
Investing in Opportunity and Connection
This season has also brought renewed investment in our mission. Thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Neighborhood Grant, the Midland States Bank Foundation, and the Truist Foundation, we are expanding programming, deepening resident engagement, and creating new opportunities for wellness and connection across our communities.
These partnerships allow us to do more than provide housing. They allow us to foster community.
At Embrace Living Communities, every story matters. Every leader contributes. Every partner strengthens the mission.
