Imagine struggling to access your own front door…
Meet Ms. Darlene Latimore, a fiery beauty who moved from California to Billings 11 years ago. She has put down roots and built a community in the Magic City. Tragically, in 2016, Ms. Darlene suffered a stroke that left her encumbered and unable to speak clearly. During that time she moved out of a place riddled with bed bugs only to find herself homeless and rooming with a friend. She was rescued by her
dear friend Ms. LouLou who introduced her to Miriam, our Koinonia Management Company Manager.
Ms. Darlene moved into the basement apartment below LouLou who came alongside her as she slowly recovered from the stroke. Unfortunately, Ms. Darlene’s space is only accessed by a steep flight of stairs which she struggles to manage without help. Because of this, Ms. Darlene doesn’t leave very often.
MOSAIC COTTAGES: MORE THAN SHELTER
Restoring dignity & independence for our senior neighbors
CLDI’s latest ambition is to transform a plot of land on the South Side into the Mosaic Senior Living Cottages: a small neighborhood of single-level apartments that would feature 100% ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. These affordable homes would empower seniors like sweet Ms. Darlene to safely maintain their independence without having to leave the familiarity of their community.
“I’m safe, and that’s important to me,” Ms. Darlene said clasping her beautiful, petite hands together, “I don’t have to worry about going to bed at night.” She hopes she could move into one of the two-bedroom cottages CLDI has planned because her two grandsons often visit with their mom, Shawana, and the extra room would be perfect.
Ms. Darlene loves how close these homes would be to Rail//Line Coffee—especially because they offer soft-serve ice cream, and she can envision sharing a cone with her grandsons in the summertime. But what excites Ms. Darlene the most about life in the new cottages? No more stairs! We are so grateful to the foundations, church partners, and community members who caught the vision for the Mosaic Senior Living Cottages early on and have generously supported this project: The Mary Alice Fortin Family Foundation, Faith Chapel, SCL Health Mission Fund, First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, and those foundations who wish to remain anonymous.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO BUILD A VILLAGE
As of March 1st, we needed to raise an additional $60,000 to fully fund this project. Thanks to our incredible community, we are 30% of the way there! Help us close the gap, so we can break ground on these cottages.Would you partner with us in this opportunity to empower our seniors to age in place with dignity?
