How We Got Started: Our History
Founded in 1968 as Allied Jewish Apartments, Kavod Senior Life emerged from the vision of philanthropic individuals in the Jewish community. Their goal was to establish a high-quality, affordable housing community for older adults, transcending backgrounds and income levels.
Today, as Kavod Senior Life, we proudly continue this legacy, flourishing as an organization that honors and respects older adults from diverse backgrounds and religions. Our commitment to Jewish values remains unwavering as we strive to create a thriving community for all.
Milestones
- Elaine Wolf Dining Room: Renovated in 2015, the East Building dining room and kitchen were made possible through major underwriting from the Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation and were dedicated to Elaine Wolf in 2018.
- Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Health & Wellness Center: Opened in 2016, this center provides ongoing health clinics, physical therapy, wellness classes, and opportunities for socialization, with more than 20 providers on campus.
- CU Geriatrics: Established in 2020, CU Medicine launched an on-site geriatric clinic to deliver medical services for residents—an uncommon offering in subsidized housing.
- Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado Health Services: Opened in 2025
- CU Dentistry: Expanded in 2026, CU Medicine added on-site dental services to further support residents’ health and well-being.
Kavod has received external recognition for advancing an effective “aging in community” service model, including:
- 2022, 2020 and 2019: Beacon Award from the International Council on Active Aging and NuStep, LLC for “Best in Wellness”
- 2023 – 2015: Various Jewish Programming Awards, Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS)
- 2023: AJAS Young Executive of the Year – Amanda Birchem, Kavod staff
2024: ICAA NuStep Top 5 Wellness Director Pinnacle Award – Amanda Birchem, Director of Health & Wellness
2025: ICAA NuStep Top 5 Wellness Executive – Michael Klein, President & CEO