Resident-driven living at Dayspring Villa means activities, projects, and initiatives are shaped, led, and inspired by the residents themselves. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all activity calendar, Dayspring Villa listens to what residents care about and supports them in bringing those ideas to life.

In short: residents don’t just participate—they help create the community.

This approach fosters purpose, connection, and a deeper sense of belonging, which research shows is essential to overall well-being as we age.

How Are Resident-Driven Programs Determined?

At Dayspring Villa, residents decide which programs and projects take shape.

Through conversation, collaboration, and ongoing feedback, residents are empowered to participate in developing programs that align with their interests, passions, and hobbies.

Resident-driven living at Dayspring Villa begins by listening.

Ideas often emerge through:

Resident councils and community meetings
Small group conversations and interest surveys
One-on-one discussion with staff
Informal feedback about passions, hobbies, and unmet needs.

Staff then partner with residents to help turn ideas into action. That could mean coordinating resources, connecting residents with shared interests, or providing logistical support.

This process ensures programs are meaningful, relevant, and rooted in what residents truly value, rather than what someone else assumes they might enjoy.

What Are Examples of Resident-Driven Projects?

Resident-driven programming plays out in many different ways.

At Dayspring Villa, it shows up in projects that strengthen connection, purpose, and generosity.

The Resident-Led Library Renovation

Recently, a group of Dayspring Villa residents embarked on an inspiring journey to renovate the beloved community library. It was a project driven by their passion for reading and shared experiences. When this group expressed a desire for a more welcoming, functional library space. They didn’t just make a request—they became part of the solution.

The library renovation inspired creativity, collaboration, and generosity from the broader Denver community. The project resulted in a refreshed space that residents feel proud to use and share.

The Community Garden at Dayspring Villa

Another example of a resident-driven program is the garden renovation. Similar to the library project, the garden renovation began with the resident Philanthropy Committee who had a shared stewardship, and connection to nature.

Through teamwork and a strong sense of citizenship, residents decided to raise funds to reimagine the space into a place of beauty, reflection, and shared responsibility. Through the residents annual art show and through the Aged To Perfection silent auction, they fundraised the funds needed to renovate the garden. None of it could have been done, though, without the generosity from caring donors, as well.

The Men’s Group

The Men’s Group at Dayspring Villa is a resident-inspired gathering focused on conversation, support, and shared life experience. It provides space for connection, storytelling and camaraderie—strengthening relationships and emotional well-being.

Resident-Led Teams and Committees

Resident-driven programs at Dayspring Villa go beyond one off projects or seasonal initiatives.

The Men’s Group, for example, has taken ownership of maintaining and enhancing the community’s outdoor spaces or using the collective technical skills to help others fix appliances and gadgets.

Groups of residents, such as the crew that initiated the library and garden renovations and garden, formed the Philanthropy Committee. The committee has worked to develop relationships with donors, staff, and the broader Denver community to raise funds for future and ongoing initiatives.

While not directly “resident-led,” through the partnership with Duet Dining, residents are encouraged to share their favorite recipes and try new items on the seasonal menu to level up their culinary experience at mealtimes. Further, the community’s monthly Life Enrichment Calendar is full of many resident-led programs and activities such as walking club, bingo, movie nights, and more.

These projects and team-led programs reflect a common theme: residents identifying what matters and working together to make it happen.

Not only do these resident-driven programs enhance the lives of the residents themselves, but the community impact helps redefine assisted living in Denver, CO. They additionally show seniors the vast opportunity that exists for them to find joyful moments in everyday living, no matter what stage of life.

Understanding the Christian Living Communities Citizenship Model

At Dayspring Villa, we embrace the CLC-Citizenship Model. This model was developed by our parent organization Christian Living Communities and encourages residents to see themselves not just as participants, but as contributors and champions of their community.

The CLC Citizen Model emphasizes:

Shared responsibility
Mutual respect
Active participation
Giving back to one another

Through this model, residents are empowered to take ownership of projects, support one another’s ideas, and shape the culture of the community together. It reinforces the belief that everyone has something meaningful to offer, regardless of age or ability.

The Eden Alternative—What is it and how does it support resident-driven programs?

Dayspring Villa’s approach to community life is guided by the Eden Alternative, a nationally recognized model focused on well-being and meaningful living for all aging adults.

The Eden Alternative philosophy is built around addressing the “Three Plagues” of aging: loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.

It emphasizes:

Meaningful relationships
Autonomy and choice
Purposeful activity
A life worth living at every stage

Resident-driven programs at Dayspring Villa align naturally with the Eden Alternative by giving residents voice, choice, and control over their daily life. Rather than having programs done for them, residents help shape programs done with them.

Why Resident-Driven Programs Matter

Research consistently shows that seniors who remain socially engaged and practice purposeful living experience better emotional health and overall satisfaction. Resident-driven programs help make that possible by honoring individuality and encouraging meaningful participation