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2025 Photo & Testimonial Contest WINNERS!

About AALC’s 2025 Photo & Testimonial Contest

Each year, we look forward to the launch of our Photo & Testimonial Contest. We receive hundreds of photos and testimonials capturing the true essence of what Supportive Living (SL) is all about.

Check out this year's winners as they showcase all the things Supportive Living communities do to ensure our seniors and individuals with disabilities have the support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Prizes!

Winning entries from both the photo and testimonial contests received cash donations to sponsor resident or employee activities at the Supportive Living communities they represent!

1st Place: $200 cash donation
2nd Place: $100 cash donation
3rd Place: $50 cash donation


2025 Photo Contest Winners

Winners in order of appearance: (shown on left)
1st Place: Planting Seeds of Happiness: Shirley transforms the garden with her passion
                         Heritage Woods of Flora
2nd Place: Western Day: Frank enjoys Supportive Living Week's Western Day
                          Heritage Woods of Rockford
3rd Place:
Goat Therapy: Bonnie hugs a goat during Goat Therapy 
                         Heritage Woods of  Batavia

Honorable Mentions (shown below)

  • Judy & the Alpaca: Judy can't contain her excitement after an alpaca ate from her hand
    Lacey Creek Supportive Living
  • Cinco de Mayo & Linda: Linda brings a festive spirit to the Cinco de Mayo celebration   
    Heritage Woods of Flora
  • Family Time: Elsie enjoys time with her granddaughters
    Heritage Woods of Benton
  • Bright BIrd Houses: Residents enjoy painting colorful birdhouses during craft time
    Heritage Woods of Moline 
  • Friends & Art: Resident artists and dear friends share time together
    Eagle Ridge of Decatur
  • Wreaths for All: Monthly craft club members assemble Easter wreaths for fellow residents
    Cambridge House Maryville
  • Brightening the Day: Wally spends time planting some flowers
    Heritage Woods of Plainfield

2025 Testimonial Contest Winners

Winning Testimonials (photos shown on left)

1st Place: Diana, Brookstone Estates of Tuscola

"All I can say is that I LOVE THIS PLACE. I love my cozy apartment, my view, my patio and having my own privacy. The staff is nice, the food is good, and the activities are fun. I always look forward to spending time with my friends. Having available activities keeps me motivated. Without them I would spend all day sitting in my room watching TV or reading. I have formed many great friendships here. My family is grateful that I am happy and have a great support system. They can rest easy knowing that I am safe and cared for."

2nd Place: Jennie, Heritage Woods of Sullivan

"I first came to know Heritage Woods of Sullivan as Courtyard Estates when I moved my father in. He received such wonderful care during his time here. I knew when it came time for me to find a place that this is where I wanted to be. I couldn’t ask for a better place to be. I know I can trust and rely on all the staff here. I find myself being more active, having developed a close group of friends. I don’t like to be alone, and I never feel alone here. I have tried games and activities that I would not have thought of doing. And my family is happy knowing that I am here under the best possible care."

    3rd Place: Doris, Knollwood Retirement Community
    (written by daughter, Clarette) 

    "My mom, Doris, has been at Knollwood in Memory Care for a little over a year. Although it was a difficult decision to transition her care outside of the home, all that anxiety has subsided and has been replaced with incredible joy. From the very beginning, the staff have treated our family with professionalism.

    Thank you, Memory Care staff. It’s been incredibly reassuring to know that mom is surrounded by people who see her as more than a resident. Everyone that interacts with her takes the time to understand her stories, her smile, and her spirit. Our family appreciates you!"


    Honorable Mention Winners (photos lower left)

    Linda, Heritage Woods of Flora

    "After the passing of my husband, I went through a very dark and difficult time. Depression took a heavy toll on me, and I struggled to cope with the challenges of daily life. I eventually made the decision to return to my hometown, and that’s when I found Heritage Woods of Flora.

    Moving here has truly changed my life. Heritage Woods provides the daily support I needed—three delicious meals a day, snacks, weekly housekeeping, and even laundry services. They offer a wide range of activities to keep our minds active and engaged. These services helped take the pressure off and gave me the space to focus on healing.

    Since settling in, I’ve been inspired to give back by starting a monthly group called Linda’s Chat, where we discuss important topics like mental health, depression, and the value of friendship. It’s a place for open conversation and support, and I’m proud to help others who may be struggling like I once was.

    Heritage Woods has become more than just a place to live—it’s a supportive, caring community that I’m proud to call home." 

    Marjorie, Brookstone Estates of Robinson 
    (written by son, Stan) 

    "Mom has been residing at Brookstone Estates of Robinson now for over a year, and she is very happy there. My brother, sister and I all agree that she is receiving wonderful care since moving there. Mom’s health has been up and down, having good days and bad days, and through it all she has received so much love and care, and the whole staff, from the caretakers to the management have seen to it that her needs, both physical and mental were not only met, but exceeded. The communication between us and the nurses and management has been awesome. They go above and beyond when any situation arises. It’s very clear that they really and truly care about mom and her needs."

    Phyllis, Heritage Woods of Centralia

    "Supportive Living is Grateful Living….It has been a long time since I have been able to get out and get my hands dirty and plant some flowers. This was a great activity to do to help life seem normal. It’s one of those things that people take for granted. I would not have been able to do this without Supportive Living."


    Affordable Assisted Living Coalition
    P.O. Box 1245
    Springfield, IL  62705


    AALC is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.


    AALC ACKNOWLEDGES & APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT OF OUR 2025 CROWN MEMBER


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