Who We Are
In May 2023, alarmed by the closing of three nursing homes in Champaign County and its impact on access to care for area residents, a group of individuals decided to work together to advocate for quality, affordable, and innovative skilled nursing care in our county. Advocates for Aging Care (AAC), a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization, was created to better understand the impact of the shortage of skilled nursing care for older citizens and their families, and address any deficits.
Our Future
Advocates for Aging Care is working with state government, local businesses, health officials, and numerous concerned citizens to address the shortage of quality skilled nursing care for seniors in our community. AAC has obtained a Certificate of Need for a new skilled nursing facility and established a nonprofit organization to serve as the owner and operator.
After extensive research, AAC selected a nationally recognized partner for the development and management of the facility. This partnership will ensure that the new skilled nursing facility remains a nonprofit organization while benefiting from the expertise and experience of a national leader in quality skilled nursing care. Together, AAC and its partner will develop and operate an innovative, person-centered facility designed to expand access to skilled nursing care and help address the growing needs of seniors and their families in Champaign County.
AAC’s vision extends beyond the development of The Cottages. We want to help position Champaign County as a destination recognized for innovative services, exceptional facilities, and forward-thinking approaches to caring for aging individuals
Steering Committee Members
Our team is a passionate group of volunteers committed to making Champaign County a safe, innovative, and high quality community for aging residents.
Cathy Emanuel
Committee Chair
Lynne Barnes
Ramona Cheek
Tom Corbin
Joan Dixon
Mary Hodson
Holly Jordan
Cathy Kirby
Sarah Laufenberg
Communications Team
Claudia Lenhoff
Laurie Reynolds
Susan Schnuer
Communications Team
Jan Sherbert
Communications Team
Ann Sussman
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Kathy Vance
Nancy Yeagle
“As my husband and I cared for some close friends the past two years, we encountered delays and worries as we tried to find a suitable and nearby skilled care after hospitalizations - 3 separate times for the wife and 2 separate times for the husband. It was clear the hospital case management staff were struggling to access a bed in Champaign-Urbana. The location was important to all of us because we knew that frequent visits for the two of them were so critical as they navigated end-of-life.”
Lynne Barnes, AAC Steering Committee