Leader of CHHSM-Member Embrace Living Communities One of 50 recognized by AARP and Crain’s Communications

Susan Sinderson

Fair housing education, helping employees find balance and residents find purpose in their lives is more than Susan Sinderson’s profession, it’s her passion. Sinderson, executive vice president of CHHSM-member Embrace Living Communities based in Oak Brook, Ill., was one of just 50 people over 50 recognized by AARP Illinois and Crain’s Communications for creating opportunities that make a big impact on Illinois while disrupting old attitudes about aging.

“I’m humbled to be recognized, and honored to share this with every member of our team, and our residents,” said Sinderson. “They are the voices for change when it comes to creating just housing for all.” Sinderson was recognized for her national leadership in fair housing education and for creating quality housing programs, particularly in helping foster living environments in which residents can actively age.

David Opitz, a member of the leadership team at Embrace Living Communities, feels one of Sinderson’s greatest attributes is creating a culture where residents and employees alike are given the freedom to define, and live out, how to “embrace living.”

“One of the areas Susan focuses on is helping people understand what ‘wellness’ means to them and giving them opportunities to explore wellness and embracing life in a positive setting,”  Opitz said, adding that it’s been through this focus on wellness that Sinderson has led the efforts on creating partnerships with Advocate Health (also a UCC CHHSM member), one of the Chicagoland’s largest faith-based health systems, as well as partnerships with other corporate and social service organizations.

Sinderson also is an active member of LeadingAge’s public policy committee, regularly meeting with Illinois state legislators as well as Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C.

“Providing affordable, welcoming homes to aging adults will only continue to be possible with an engaged legislative leadership at the state and federal levels,” said Sinderson. “Our voices and advocacy for just housing for all is critical.”

Embrace Living Communities provides affordable and accessible apartments at 35 communities in three states serving almost 3,000 residents.