ClarkLindsey’s Ethel & Maud’s Program Earns Statewide Recognition for Community Impact
- ClarkLindsey
- Apr 11, 2016
- 2 min read
A community engagement program created by ClarkLindsey has received a statewide Community Impact Award from LeadingAge Illinois. The initiative, known as Ethel & Maud’s, offers social, educational, and wellness experiences for adults 55 and older throughout Champaign County—many of whom do not live at ClarkLindsey. The recognition highlights the program’s growing reach and its role in strengthening age‑friendly efforts across the region.
What Happened
LeadingAge Illinois presented ClarkLindsey with its Community Impact Award during the organization’s statewide ceremony on April 6 in Schaumburg. The award acknowledges organizations that extend meaningful support beyond their own campuses and into the broader community.
Ethel & Maud’s began in 2015 as a themed monthly luncheon featuring food and entertainment. Over time, it expanded to include educational presentations, wellness activities, and opportunities for social connection. The program now welcomes an average of 85 attendees each month and has served more than 1,000 meals to nearly 400 unique participants in its first 11 months.
Community Relations Coordinator Laura Beyer, who launched the program, was also honored by LeadingAge Illinois. She received the Strive and Thrive Management Staff Award for her leadership, innovation, and contributions to age‑friendly initiatives in Champaign‑Urbana, including the development of the CLVolunteer program.
Why This Matters
Programs like Ethel & Maud’s help bridge gaps between senior living organizations and the wider community. By offering accessible, engaging activities for older adults who may never live at ClarkLindsey, the program supports social connection, lifelong learning, and overall well‑being—key components of healthy aging.
The recognition from LeadingAge Illinois reinforces the importance of community‑based outreach in aging services. It also highlights the growing expectation that organizations serving older adults play an active role in building inclusive, age‑friendly communities.
For Champaign County, the award signals that local efforts are gaining statewide attention and contributing to broader conversations about how communities can support older adults in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Key Details at a Glance
Award: Community Impact Award from LeadingAge Illinois
Recipient: ClarkLindsey, for its Ethel & Maud’s community program
Program Launch: April 2015
Average Attendance: ~85 participants per month
Total Meals Served: Over 1,000
Unique Participants: Nearly 400
Additional Recognition: Laura Beyer received the Strive and Thrive Management Staff Award
Program Focus: Social connection, education, wellness, and community outreach for adults 55+
Broader Context
Across the country, senior living organizations are expanding their missions to include community‑wide engagement rather than focusing solely on residents. This shift reflects a growing understanding that aging well depends on access to social networks, educational opportunities, and supportive environments—regardless of where someone lives.
Ethel & Maud’s aligns with national age‑friendly initiatives that encourage collaboration between local governments, nonprofits, and senior living communities. By offering open‑access programming, ClarkLindsey contributes to a more connected and inclusive Champaign‑Urbana.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by The News‑Gazette.
