Burcham Hills Retirement Community in East Lansing, MI renewed their Eden Registry status on July 29, 2010. They support about 350 Elders that live in a variety of settings including independently owned condos, apartments, assisted living, skilled services and rehabilitation. They are located on 38 acres of land with lots of walking paths, patios, gardens, putting greens and a playground. They have created an Ambassador Team that helps guide their Eden Alternative journey and assure that they stay close to the Burcham Hills' values. Ambassadors include employees, Elders and family members. Decisions are being moved closer to the Elders every day. The new Culture Change Coaches will play a big part in supporting the ongoing effort to make the Elders the decision-makers in their home. Meals are served in one of nine dining areas across the campus and each dining area has its own unique atmosphere. The Elders recently helped remodel one of the dining areas and chose pictures of themselves and their care partners to decorate the walls. If you are hungry between meals, there are snack stations located throughout the campus as well. They have a monthly community-wide educational series that offers everyone the chance to share their travels, hobbies, passions and culture with others. The Elders are involved with local second graders during the school year to help them with their reading. This is a community that is finding their identity as they create their own unique Elder-garden.