Find out how this 55+ community helps residents build friendships, try new things + thrive

Sponsored

At Overture Tributary, a 55+ active adult community in Birmingham, there’s always something going on, from live music nights to craft workshops, morning yoga and resident-led book clubs. 

As the lifestyle coordinator—affectionately known as the “Director of Fun”—Dwan Christian is the creative force behind the bustling calendar of events.

Resident-led, community-drive

Every month, Dwan builds out an exciting event calendar, but she doesn’t do it alone. More than half of the activities are resident-led, thanks to the unique community culture she helps foster.

“Usually someone comes to me with an idea: maybe they want to teach Pilates or start a Mahjong group. I just ask them ‘How can I help?’ and get to work on whatever it takes to get their event going.”

That includes everything from designing flyers and creating sign-up sheets to making sure the event has tablecloths, chairs and even elevator signage. Dwan empowers residents to take the lead, helping them share their passions while building connections with others.

Not your average 55+ calendar

Forget bingo stereotypes. Dwan plans events that are bold, trendy and fun—no age limits required.

From diamond art to calligraphy, painting nights to themed parties, Dwan’s calendar reflects the energy and curiosity of the people who call Overture Tributary home.

“I don’t plan based on what’s “appropriate for 55+”. I plan based on what’s exciting, what’s trending, what we haven’t done yet.

We want to have something for everyone, but in some ways, we also kind of want to make their kids and their grandkids jealous. So I never think about something as being restricted to their demographic or their age group.”

Some of this month’s activities and events include:

• Sips + strokes
• Live music + comedy nights
• Off-site trips to Pepper Place Farmers’ Market
• Guided journaling
• Resident-led potluck

A seat at the table for everyone

At the heart of it all is Dwan’s commitment to creating an inclusive space.

“Whether you’re super active or just want to grab a coffee and chat, you belong here. Everyone has a seat at the table. And if there aren’t enough chairs, we pull one up. People come here after loss, after life changes or just looking for something more, and they blossom here. We lift each other up.”

Dwan’s own journey to Overture Tributary is nothing short of inspiring.

Originally from Mobile, she relocated to Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and spent years working in the world of fine dining and hospitality, learning from culinary legends like Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings. Everything changed after a cycling accident during the pandemic left her with brain and spine injuries.

“When I started at Overture Tributary, I was walking with a cane, but no one judged me. They accepted me with open arms. This community built me up just as much as I’ve tried to build them up. Now that I’m healed and able to walk on my own, it’s pretty awesome to see how far I’ve come, how far this community has come, how far individual residents have come.

It’s a comeback story for me, but it’s a comeback story for so many of our residents, too.”

Whether you’re looking to try something new, make meaningful connections or just be somewhere you feel right at home, there’s a seat at the table waiting for you.

Schedule a tour today + come see firsthand how Dwan and the residents of Overture Tributary are redefining what it means to live vibrantly after 55.

Sponsored by: