At 99, Al Sutton’s legacy keeps shaping life at Victory Lakes

The Village at Victory Lakes is spotlighting resident Al Sutton, a longtime educator and coach whose story reflects the community’s focus on connection, purpose and wellness at every age. The Lindenhurst, Illinois senior living campus is also investing in new residences, dining upgrades and corridor improvements as it expands its care model.

Why it matters: - The Village at Victory Lakes is using Sutton’s story to show how senior living can support purpose, relationships and engagement, not just care. - The community’s approach could matter to older adults who want to stay active, connected and supported across changing health needs. - Victory Lakes is also signaling long-term investment in the campus with new residences and amenity upgrades.

What happened: - The Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, Illinois, highlighted resident Al Sutton, who is 99. - Sutton is a longtime educator, coach and mentor whose relationships from decades of work still remain part of his life. - Sutton was recently featured in the Lake County Journal story, “35 Years in the Dugout Creates Lifetime of Connection for Al Sutton.” - The article points to his career in education and coaching, and to the relationships that continue to matter to him.

The details: - The Village at Victory Lakes sits on a 38-acre campus and is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago through Franciscan Ministries. - The community is organized around the Seven Dimensions of Wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, vocational and environmental. - Residents have access to fitness and wellness programs, lifelong learning, creative pursuits, social gatherings, outdoor spaces, spiritual opportunities, dining and community events. - The campus offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. - Victory Lakes says the model lets residents get additional support while staying connected to familiar relationships and community life. - The Franciscan Ministries mission is to Celebrate Life and Serve with Joy, and the community’s philosophy is Living Joyfully. - Anshu Raina, executive director of The Village at Victory Lakes, said associates take time to know residents’ stories, interests, traditions and sources of joy. - Franciscan Ministries has served older adults for more than 130 years. - Victory Lakes has started a broader reinvestment that includes new premium independent living residences called The Premiums, a renovated formal dining space and expanded corridor enhancements. - The community uses the phrase “Joy Lives Here.” - The community says that joy shows up in friendships over coffee, stories at dinner, activities with friends and milestones celebrated together. - The Village at Victory Lakes offers more information at victorylakes.org or by phone at 847.979.9871. - Franciscan Ministries provides more information at Franciscan Ministries or by phone at 331.318.5200. - The community’s LinkedIn page is available at Village at Victory Lakes LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - The Sutton profile is more than a resident feature. It functions as proof of concept for a senior living model built around identity, continuity and purpose. - The reinvestment effort suggests Victory Lakes is trying to pair mission language with visible physical upgrades. - The community’s framing leans heavily on relationships, which can be a differentiator in a crowded senior living market.

What’s next: - Victory Lakes is expected to continue promoting its Living Joyfully philosophy through resident stories and campus improvements. - The new residences and amenity changes appear aimed at current residents and prospective older adults looking for a fuller-service community. - The broader Franciscan Ministries network will likely keep tying its brand to care, hospitality and mission-driven service.

The bottom line: - At Victory Lakes, the message is that aging can still mean growth, connection and purpose — and Sutton’s life is the example being used to make that case.