Our History

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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

  • Buildings: The West Building, welcomed its first residents in 1971. The East building opened in 1979 and the South building in 1983. A walkway and bridge were added to connect all three buildings with inside access. Overall, a total of 397 apartment homes now house more than 400 individuals.
  • Programs: Programs and services have been added and customized to enable residents to live as independently as possible.
      • The Assisted Living program was formed in 1986 for residents who needed more help with basic daily activities but wanted to remain in the community.
      • A spacious dining room was built in the East Building for daily dining services; a second dining room was built for Assisted Living residents in the West building.
      • A staffed activity program was created in 1986 to provide residents with social and educational activities and trips.
    • Kavod on the Road: In 2010, an outreach program was created to deliver enrichment activities to individuals living off campus. Community organizations are involved as partners; an annual conference on aging is also provided.
    • Elaine Wolf Dining Room: The East Building dining room and kitchen were renovated in 2015 with major underwriting from the Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation and dedicated to Elaine Wolf in 2018.
    • Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Health & Wellness Center: Opening in 2016, this space offers ongoing health clinics, physical therapy, wellness classes and socialization with 20+ providers on campus.
    • CU Geriatrics: In 2020, CU Medicine established a geriatric clinic to provide on-site medical services for residents, very uncommon in subsidized housing. 
  • Awards: Kavod has received outside recognition for continuing these developments, promoting an effective “aging in community” service model.
      • 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)
      • 2021: Top Rated Nonprofit- Great Nonprofits
      • 2019: LeadingAge-Robert Wood Johnson Health Equity Award for outreach initiatives in partnership with Denver Housing Authority and NextFifty Initiative
      • 2019: Top Workplace Award, Denver Post
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