Our Mission

Moving Senior Living Forward

The mission of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) is to enhance the quality of life for those we serve. This shall be accomplished by serving as an active resource for our membership through the proactive development and implementation of continuing educational services and professional development efforts for the membership while supporting and advancing the common business interests of Assisted Living service providers in Connecticut.

Association Values

Accountability

Conducting business and providing care and services consistent with the expectations of those we serve.

Compassion

Understanding the special needs of those we serve by promoting dignified quality care.

Innovation

Proactive service delivery through continuous improvement and feedback from our customers.

Integrity

Honesty in all our interactions with our customers.

Professionalism

Our commitment to the highest standards and character in our relationships with those we serve and others with whom we interact.

Respect

Treating people in a manner that recognizes their past history and their contributions to Assisted Living.

Our History

1995

CALA Begins

Adoption of CT Assisted Living Service Agency regulation by State of CT

1995

First CALA Conference & Trade Show

First CALA Conference & Trade Show - theme: "From Concept to Reality"

1999

CALA hires Gaffney Bennett

Gaffney Bennett & Associates hired as CALA's government relations consultant

1999

CALA Becomes an Affiliate of Argentum

CALA becomes 34th state affiliate of Argentum (formerly ALFA)

2001

Steps Taken for Assisted Living in CT

First state public policy adopted to provide resources and financing for subsidized Assisted Living in CT

2001

First SALSA Course Presented

First presentation of CALA's annual course designed specifically for Assisted Living RN Supervisors (SALSA)

2002

"CALA Update" Hits The Press

CALA begins collaboration with The Hartford Courant to produce the "CALA Update" in statewide newspapers

2003

CALA Presents First Awards Recognition

CALA presents first annual and best practice awards at annual meeting of the membership

2005

The Year of the Caregiver

CALA celebrates its 10th Anniversary with “The Year of the Caregiver” and initiates its Caregiver Recognition Event at Mystic Seaport

2005

CALA Ups Its Golf Game

CALA begins its first annual golf outing for CALA members and residents

2007

"Find Your Legislator" Launched

CALA launches its web based legislator search engine for use by members in grassroots advocacy

2009

Institute for Senior Living Education (ISLE)

CALA launches the Institute for Senior Living Education.

2010

Executive Directors Course Launches

First presentation of CALA's annual certification course for Assisted Living Executive Directors

2012

CALA Presents Award Named in honor of Martha Meng, Esq.

Martha Everett Meng Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Marylyn Kusek, RN

2015

CALA Begins Recognizing Residents

CALA launches its first outstanding resident accomplishment award event

2019

Purple Flag for Dementia Care

ISLE begins accepting first applications for participation with the Purple Flag for Dementia Care program in Summer of 2019

2020

CALA’s 25th Anniversary

The Connecticut Assisted Living Association celebrates 25 years.