Connect, Collaborate, Learn: Sponsoring Friends and Partners Express Importance of CHHSM Annual Gathering

The theme of this year’s Annual Gathering — March 11-13, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge, Mass. — is “Into the Deep: Casting Nets of Justice.” The event will explore ways in which CHHSM members and their community partners can use bold action to encourage collaboration and dedication in creating a more just and compassionate world. 

Indeed, collaboration and partnership are key to the Annual Gathering itself, as many CHHSM partners and members have stepped up to sponsor the keynotes, plenaries, meals, workshops, and other meeting opportunities and support services during the event.

CHHSM members who serve as Annual Gathering sponsors often choose to do so because of the long history and commitment they feel to both CHHSM and the other member organizations. Lee Syria, president and CEO of EveryAge — based in Newton, N.C. — sums it up best.

“Attending the Annual Gathering and serving as a sponsor not only cultivates fellowship with other human services professionals but also informs our vision of EveryAge’s future, including how we can best provide the right services, at the right time, in the right care setting,” Syria said. “Our desire to learn from the experiences of CHHSM attendees, coupled with our own natural curiosity, sets a solid foundation for compassionate, thoughtful organizational growth and excellence.”

For the eighth year running, the Annual Gathering’s presenting platinum sponsor is Ziegler, based in Chicago. Ziegler is a privately held investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. Specializing in the healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance, Ziegler is proud of the positive impact its work has on the communities it serves.

Ziegler will host a special plenary session on Wednesday, March 12, at 1:45 p.m. The plenary session will include a presentation from Keith Robertson, one of Ziegler’s managing director bankers. Robertson’s discussion, on senior living trends, will focus on a brief overview of the most relevant operating topics facing senior living providers in 2025. The session will then transition to a focus on the state of the senior living capital markets from an investment banker perspective.

“Ziegler is pleased to sponsor the 2025 CHHSM Annual Gathering and look forward to learn, share and fellowship,” said Dan Hermann, president and CEO of Ziegler.

As in the past, CHHSM offers scholarships in order to encourage first-time attendees and make it possible for people with limited resources to attend. These scholarships are possible thanks to the platinum sponsorship of the UCC’s regional Southern New England Conference. 

“The Southern New England Conference is committed to living the love and justice of Jesus. CHHSM models this imperative through all of its programs and services and the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said the Rev. Darrell Goodwin, the Southern New England executive conference minister. “As a covenant partner, it fulfills our mission to support the ministry of CHHSM as a platinum sponsor. As a conference, we also want to reestablish the historic connections that have often existed between the conference, CHHSM agencies, and the local church. The annual gathering in New England offers us this possibility in a real and tangible way.”

Goodwin also is the preacher of the Wednesday worship service during which this year’s Nollau Leadership Institute class will be consecrated as Diakonial Ministers.

The Platinum sponsor of the opening dinner of the event is long-time returning sponsor, Retirement Housing Foundation, a CHHSM member based in Long Beach, Calif. 

Also returning is Archway Communities in Lakewood, Colo., a gold sponsor of the opening plenary session. Laura Brudzynski, president and CEO of Archway, feels that the Annual Gathering is an invaluable gift of being part of CHHSM.

“The systemic impacts of wealth inequality have communities across the country in crisis,” Brudzynski said. “As a nonprofit affordable housing developer, Archway Communities values partners such as CHHSM that work to influence change in our communities through events like the Annual Gathering, as well as the shared commitment to creating a more just, caring and compassionate world. Through this gathering, Archway and other CHHSM members can find partnership, resources, and support to create innovative solutions that empower individuals and families across the country.”

United Church Funds and the UCC’s Cornerstone Fund are again co-sponsors, this year serving as gold sponsors of the Annual Business Meeting that takes place during the gathering. 

“Once again, the Cornerstone Fund is delighted to join with United Church Funds in contributing to the CHHSM Annual Gathering, and we hope you can stop by our joint workshop!” said Maria Coyne, Cornerstone’s president and CEO. “For many years, Cornerstone has supported CHHSM and their member organizations, not only at the Annual Gathering but throughout the year as well. This support feels more urgent than ever.”

The Rev. Dr. Charles Buck, United Church Funds’ president and CEO, concurred. “United Church Funds (UCF) is honored to be a repeat sponsor of the CHHSM 87th Annual Gathering in Boston,” he said. “This year’s theme, ‘Into the Deep: Casting Nets of Justice,’ deeply resonates with our vision of a just and sustainable world for all — one where faith-driven values shape financial decisions that promote social, economic, environmental and racial justice.”

“Through this sponsorship, UCF celebrates our shared faith and purpose and seeks an opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue and strengthen partnerships to deepen our impact with CHHSM members,” Buck added. “We invite participants to join our co-sponsored workshop with Cornerstone Fund, “Deepening Social Impact through Investing: How Money Serves the Faith-based Community?“ on Wednesday, March 12. This session promises to be a rich learning experience, exploring how faith and finance intersect to drive positive change. By working together, we can amplify our collective efforts to build a more just future.”

Another gold sponsor, and a returning sponsor, is the UCC’s Church Building and Loan Fund (CBLF). CHHSM is close to the heart of the Rev. Dr. Patrick Duggan, chief divisional operating officer of CBLF. The ministries of several CHHSM agencies, including MOLO Village CDC in Louisville, Ky., have been transformed thanks to their partnerships with CBLF. 

“The nearly 3 million people served annually by CHHSM represents the United Church of Christ living out its Jesus-centered missional impact across the United States,” said Duggan. “Whether it’s health care, a home, or human services, CHHSM agencies offer the best.”

The Annual Gathering also is fortunate for the silver sponsorship of CHHSM member United Church Homes (UCH). Based in Marion, Ohio, UCH is another long-time sponsor of the Annual Gathering. Additionally, the Rev. Dr. Ken Daniel, UCH’s senior strategic advisor, is running a workshop this year, “Value Based Arrangements.”

“United Church Homes is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Annual Gathering,” said Daniel. “Through CHHSM, we benefit from a vibrant network of like-minded organizations working together to innovate, advocate and uplift those we serve. The event provides invaluable opportunities to connect, learn and share ideas that help us transform aging and expand our impact.”

Several CHHSM agencies and partners are serving as bronze sponsors of this year’s Annual Gathering, including EveryAge, Cedar Community, the UCC’s Insurance Board, and Care Purchasing Services, the group purchasing agent behind the CHHSM Store.

“The Annual Gathering invites expression from a diverse audience while honoring the UCC’s common threads, including inclusivity, civil rights, and social justice,” said EveryAge’s Syria. “EveryAge’s abiding connection to the UCC has been a catalyst for our organization to develop diverse programs of outreach over the past 54 years.”

During the gathering, EveryAge’s Kelly Sigmon will be offering a workshop on “Storytelling: Smart Techniques.”

Nicole Pretre, president and CEO of Cedar Community in West Bend, Wis., noted the importance of connecting with other CHHSM agencies. “Cedar Community is proud to sponsor this year’s CHHSM Annual Gathering, joining with our faith-based health and human service peers as we come together under our shared mission and values,” she said, “and to celebrate and connect with like-minded organizations and industry leaders through our commitment to advocacy, justice, and service.”

Jennifer Perri, assistant vice president of United Church Insurance Services for the Insurance Board, said she looks forward to each Annual Gathering. 

“The CHHSM Annual Gathering is an event we eagerly anticipate attending and supporting in every way possible,” Perri said. “The exhibitors provide essential resources and services that foster opportunities for networking and meaningful conversations among participants. These interactions help build a strong, lasting network of contacts, colleagues, and friendships. Insurance Board looks forward to attending and supporting CHHSM for many years to come, particularly in engaging more CHHSM members regarding our risk management and insurance solutions.”

Care Purchasing Services’ Quinn Adair always looks forward to sponsoring the Annual Gathering and solidifying CPS’ relationships with CHHSM members. “We value our long-standing partnership with CHHSM and appreciate the opportunity to further support the Annual Gathering,” Adair said, whose company is the group purchasing agent for the CHHSM Store. “CHHSM members have access to our experienced procurement consulting team and negotiated contracts. We are here to help bring resources, savings, and value to members, which we hope further enables CHHSM members to carry out their ministries and missions. We look forward to being together in Cambridge and hearing more about additional areas for which we can provide support and savings.”

Other sponsors to this year’s Annual Gathering include long-time sponsor and CHHSM member Beatitudes Campus in Phoenix, the Pension Boards UCC, and the Center for Lived Faith and Organizing at UCC-related Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, Mo.

“Our continued sponsorship of the Annual Gathering of CHHSM underscores Beatitudes Campus’ deep commitment to advancing faith-based service and leadership,” said Michelle Just, president and CEO of Beatitudes. “We value the opportunity to connect, collaborate and learn alongside other organizations who share our passion for transforming lives and fostering compassionate care. Together, we can inspire innovation and strengthen the mission-driven work that uplifts communities across the nation.”

The UCC Pensions Boards is returning as a sponsor, and the Rev. Dr. Paul Ramsey, director of church relations and philanthropy, will be leading the workshop, ““Justice and Compassion for our Caregivers.”

“We are proud to sponsor the Annual Gathering for the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries and look forward to a thoughtful dialogue with everyone at this year’s meeting,” said Ramsey. “As partners in ministry, we aim to provide a strong foundation for all those called to serve, including clergy, church lay employees, and caregivers in health and human service organizations.”

“CHHSM plays a crucial role in the UCC,” Ramsey added, “serving more than 2.5 million people annually. Our commitment to equitable and just compensation empowers caregivers to manage their finances, plan for a secure future, and protect their health and wellbeing. Together, we help people navigate the intersection of faith and finance, fulfilling the UCC’s vision of a just world for all.”

The Rev. Dr. Justin Shamell, relationship manager and recruiter of congregations at Eden Theological Seminary, sees many opportunities for continued partnerships between Eden and CHHSM. 

“Eden Theological Seminary is dedicated to nurturing and empowering the life of the Church,” he said. “We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with CHHSM as we collaborate to equip leaders committed to participating in God’s transformative and liberating work in the world. Together, we can cast a wide net for justice, supporting leaders and organizations in living out love and liberation through their missions and programs.”

Eden’s the Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker will offer a workshop during the Annual Gathering, “Building a Net for Justice.”

Jamar Doyle, president and CEO of CHHSM, expressed thanks for the many sponsors of the Annual Gathering. 

“We are so incredibly grateful for all of the members and friends of CHHSM who, year after year, help us make each Annual Gathering a special and meaningful event,” he said. “Our CHHSM members and valued friends make each Annual Gathering a memorable experience. But more than that, their collaboration with CHHSM as a whole and with individual ministries continues across the years, helping all of us to build a just, equitable, caring, and compassionate world.”

Learn more about this year’s exciting Annual Gathering!