This spring marks a special milestone for The Windsor: six years of building not just a senior living residence, but a true community. Since opening its doors, The Windsor has grown from a brand-new building with a single resident into a vibrant, close-knit home filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful connections.
To honor this anniversary, The Windsor is shining a spotlight on four individuals who have been part of the community from day one: employees Kim and Julie, and residents Cecilia and Frances. Their reflections reveal how much The Windsor has evolved and how deeply it has impacted the lives of those who live and work there.
From the Ground Up: Creating a Community
When The Windsor first opened, everything was new—new rooms, new faces, new routines. For Kim, who was part of the original staff, that blank slate was an exciting opportunity: “We were creating The Windsor, our ideas, our vision.” Julie, also on the opening team, remembers the anticipation and excitement as they prepared to welcome the first residents.
Cecilia and Frances, both relocating from California, were among the very first residents to call The Windsor home. Cecilia appreciated the small size and the welcoming atmosphere, while Frances recalled how even before her furniture arrived, staff and fellow residents made her feel at ease. “It was very nice from the beginning,” she said. “I met wonderful people.”
Growth Rooted in Relationships
In those first weeks, The Windsor housed just a handful of residents, mostly women, who quickly formed strong bonds. Over time, the building filled, and so did the hearts of everyone inside. “We’ve learned to shift ideas, policies, and activities with the ever-changing population here,” said Kim, reflecting on the organic growth of the community.
That growth wasn’t just in numbers. It was also in shared experiences and deepening relationships. Frances fondly remembers a Fourth of July celebration with neighbors, cooking her famous spaghetti sauce for a community potluck, and winning a $50 gift card at a luau. Cecilia highlighted special outings like viewing elk in Estes Park, watching Irish dancers, and gathering around the table for cards and cribbage.
A True Sense of Family
What makes The Windsor exceptional, according to those who know it best, is its family-like atmosphere. Kim describes it as “small, so everyone knows each other and genuinely cares for each other.” Julie echoed this, calling it “a warm and inviting group of people” where staff and residents feel like extended family.
That sense of belonging is what has kept both employees and residents rooted for six years. Frances says, “Everyone is friendly. It feels like a second family.” Cecilia agrees: “You can sit down with anyone and have a chat. It feels like home.”
The Windsor’s Lasting Impact
For staff, the relationships formed at The Windsor have been life-changing. Kim, a former elementary school teacher, found unexpected joy in working with seniors. “They’re my BIG kiddos,” she said affectionately. Julie, too, values the daily connections: hugs from residents, words of appreciation, and heartfelt stories shared like family secrets.
For residents, life at The Windsor has meant more freedom, joy, and connection. Frances expressed gratitude for the ease of daily living, which allows her to focus on what she loves, reading, socializing, and spending time with family. Cecilia, who had lost a sense of community before moving, found it again at The Windsor.
Looking Toward the Future
As The Windsor looks ahead, there’s a shared hope that the sense of family, care, and connection will remain at the heart of everything. Julie hopes The Windsor “continues to be a great small community.” Kim adds, “My wish is that The Windsor always continues to hire passionate people who really care about the job they do and the residents we serve.”
For those considering The Windsor, both residents offered sound advice: get involved, stay active, and embrace the opportunity. “It’s one of the best places to live,” said Cecilia. “The staff are very willing to help and feel like family.”
A Celebration of Community
After six years, The Windsor has become more than just a senior living community; it’s a home in the truest sense. Thanks to the dedication of its staff and the spirit of its residents, it remains a place where stories are shared, friendships flourish, and every voice is valued.
Here’s to The Windsor’s past, present, and a future filled with care, connection, and celebration.