AIG’s Geriatric Certificate Program
for U.S. Women Religious Congregations
The Avila Institute of Gerontology (AIG), in partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s Catholic Sisters Initiative, is pleased to offer the Sisters Aging Well Together (SAWT) program again in 2026.
Above: Sr. Ida Heinzmann, Sr. Francetta Scherer, and Sr. Theresa Marie Yeakel, Sisters of Christian Charity (Used with Permission)
A Privileged Ministry Within Ministry:
A Practical Approach
The goal of the Geriatric Certificate Program (GCP) is to provide Communities with opportunities for discussion on aging concerns facing religious women today and provide an assessment tool that addresses a proactive approach to elder concerns. Each Community will learn techniques through education and training on how to implement solutions for identified needs.
This program was designed to support sisters in religious Communities by helping them:
- Build a foundational understanding of aging and effective coping strategies
- Explore different care center models
- Learn assessment tools to evaluate congregational elder care and plan for future needs
What decisions are needed to support the culture and ensure long-term benefits for the entire Community?
It is the experience of the Avila Institute of Gerontology that religious Communities can benefit by coming together to collaborate, share, and discuss ways to support the culture of religious life and the well-being of sisters with great sensitivity to both elder members and the Community at large.
This certificate program provides Communities with practical information that addresses our current lived reality and offers guidance to plan strategically, ensuring that Communities can continue to thrive. The four-day in-person program will address these issues.
We invite you to join the program in 2026. Scholarships are available based on Community needs. Scroll down to learn more and register online. Download the program flyer for a full overview of the program, sessions, and topics.
Registration and Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
scholarships are available based on the needs of your Community.
Registration and scholarship cover the following ($2,345 per sister):
In-Person Geriatric Certificate Program Training
- An in-person Geriatric Certificate Program (GCP) for women religious congregations over a four-day period, including room and board. Please note: Travel and local transportation are not included in program costs.
Monday-Thursday, June 22-25, 2026
Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center
Sandy Springs, GA
Three Post-Conference Virtual Meetings
- Customized content based on the pressing needs of the participants’ Communities.
- Continued training on the AIG Care Transitions Assessment tool (CTA) and interpreting the results.
Access to the AIG Online Subscription Library
- Free access to all programs and Religious Community specific content for one year.
Registration and Scholarship Options
Our objective is to make the program available to as many Communities as possible. Given the varied needs of Communities, several options are available.
- Option One: Your Community can pay for your participation in the program.
- Option Two: Your Community can pay for a portion of your participation in the program.
- Option Three: Your Community will require a full scholarship for your participation in the program.
Scholarship Qualifications
To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must commit to the following:
- Attend and actively participate at the four-day Geriatric Certificate program.
- Attend and actively participate in at least one of the three Post-Conference Meetings.
- Implement at least one part of the CTA within their Community and report back on the results.
- Train at least five (5) other sisters and report back on the results.
- Complete and submit all pre/post-tests and surveys.
- Utilize the AIG online learning library.
- Complete and submit a reflection paper.
PRAISE for Sisters Aging Well Together
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This program has been a true gift. Helpful in so many ways regarding aging, religious life and care partnering with dignity and love. The staff presented with passion and compassion for aging persons, were well researched, and made learning enjoyable. I am most grateful for having this opportunity. Thank you.
Sr. Cindy Kaye, RSM
Sisters of Mercy
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I’m very grateful for the time and space to receive the wisdom/ advice of so many on this important topic of caring for our elder Sisters. I am particularly grateful to be able to network with other religious communities on this topic as well as professionals in their respective fields of expertise!
Sr. Ave Maria Hayes
Dominican Sisters of Mary,
Mother of the Eucharist
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Special thanks to the Conrad Hilton’s generous gift of making this conference possible. “Sisters Aging Well Together” was one of the most well-orchestrated conferences and offered “top notch” presenters. Topics were relevant and touched my heart as well as educating my mind. Thank you to all who planned and organized these memorable days.
Sr. Cory Canon
Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill
Registration and Scholarship Applications
Thanks to the generosity of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, scholarships are available.
Based on your Community’s needs, please complete and submit the online form as soon as possible.
Space is limited. Registration and payment are due no later than Friday, May 22, 2026.
Want to Learn More or Have Questions?
Thank you for your interest in our "Sisters Aging Well Together" Geriatric Certificate Program. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Tony Silvestro by calling 518-537-5000 ext. 1309, emailing tony@avilainstitute.org, or by filling out the form below.