EngAGE changes lives by transforming affordable senior and multigenerational apartment communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness, and creativity.
Thanks to EngAGE Program Director CandyJoe for #MakingADifference and sharing Cantabria Senior Apartmentsresident Steve‘s delightful letter of praise for the Tech Class she teaches which changed his life and that of his neighbor.
Dear CandyJoe:
I want to thank you for all I’ve learned in your Technology Class.
At 77 years old, I was totally unaware of all I was missing because I wasn’t tech-savvy.
As a retired musician, I really appreciated the music streaming service you introduced me to. It has provided countless hours of enjoyment. Finding my way to a new doctor was a breeze with the method you taught me to use on my cell phone. I was able to revive a dying plant by taking a picture of it, identifying it, and discovering online how to care for it. I recently made a short video at a birthday party and shared it with someone far away who couldn’t attend the event in person.
My neighbor and friend is apartment-bound and in a wheelchair, and without a piano in his apartment, he was never able to hear me play. You taught me how to bring the piano-playing to him on my phone and play it through a portable speaker.
On his 90th birthday, he wanted a particular food item, and thanks to what I learned with you, we were able to video-chat when I was at the store and he could see for himself the choices on the shelves. Video-chatting is definitely the next-best-thing to actually being there, and you can’t imagine the difference it makes to someone who can’t get out.
… and the list goes on, and on, and on.
Life grows steadily more limited as we age, unfortunately, and your class doesn’t just teach the right buttons to push, it makes a very real, very meaningful difference in the daily lives of us seniors.
Thank you also for the extreme patience and understanding you always exhibited with all your elderly students. I am sure that you will be making many meaningful contributions to seniors wherever you go, and I sincerely wish you success in all your future work.
All the Best Always –
Steve
Thank you, Steve! We’re pleased that you’re pleased, and we wish you many more enjoyable and helpful tech adventures.
Thanks to EngAGE Program Director Lisa for #MakingADifference and sharing NoHo SAC resident Tom‘s holiday letter to friends, including EngAGE.
I have been living a very creative life since moving a year ago to The North Hollywood Senior Arts Colony. It’s fun. I run a monthly happy hour, now dubbed The Expressive Cafe. I play piano, sing and direct. Others play flute and piano and sing, too. I have also been known to be the impresario for some skits, recitations & dance numbers. My photos were featured in the lobby recently as one of the in-house art exhibits. I also take part in classes held here in the building such as Tai Chi and yoga. We have other events such as movies and potlucks. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day party was probably the best one in my entire life.
I attend a monthly song-writer’s circle, held in our “artists’ lounge,” where I drag out old songs I wrote 20 years ago, brush them off and perform. There is a memoir class offered here online. So far I’ve been reading from my autobiography which has the casual working title, “Waiting For a Better Ending.” And The Road Theatre has its home in this complex. How great to get complimentary tickets to the professional readings and plays. I stay busy and have met many new people. Lisa Argenziano, the Program Director from EngAGE, Inc., makes sure that classes and activities run smoothly. In summary, I hope we all find inspiration to undertake many fun and creative endeavors in 2025.
Some of the residents at St. Patrick’s Day Party + on stage in the theater.
Thank you, Tom! We love to hear that our programs are working well for residents.
Our Program Directors collaborate with a variety of partners to bring valuable programs to our residents. From services to presentations to workshops, residents get resources, gain knowledge, and enjoy unique performances that help build strong, thriving communities. We invariably get positive feedback for our collaborative programming. Here are some highlights.
California
Crenshaw YMCA delivers fresh produce weekly to Buckingham Senior Apartments. Grateful residents bring their empty recycled bags and fill them up with fruits and vegetables.
EngAGE partnered with the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center to provide Cotton’s Point residents with educational workshops. Local attorneys and law students presented helpful information on Estate Planning, Healthcare Directives, and Power of Attorney.
Ten happy residents at Downtown Hayward each received a new iPad thanks to the Alameda County Department of Aging. EngAGE provides free tech classes to help them learn how to use their new devices for things such as scheduling doctor appointments, checking their patient portals, and managing online banking.
Students from Music for Sharing raised funds to benefit a Supplemental Food Project for the residents of The Metro @ Chinatown. They’re seen here presenting their donation check of $1,000 to EngAGE and grateful residents. Music For Sharing is a non-profit, Los Angeles-based organization created by students who are committed to making a difference in people’s lives through music performance. The students will return to help distribute food boxes and perform a piano concert for residents.
Music for Sharing also played a “Haunted Melodies” piano program for the Metro @ Hollywood residents in October. The residents loved the performance and enjoyed interacting with the students afterward. One resident is a retired musician, and she expressed interest in playing a duet with the students when they return for future performances.
Partner programming is particularly robust at The Piedmont, so we’re going to present three examples. First, Georgina, a presenter from Independence At Home (A SCAN Community Service), conducted a five-week Guided Autobiography class. Residents met weekly for the two-hour sessions which included a presentation followed by writing and discussion based on prompts, and then readings and discussion of the previous week’s homework. The class was designed to guide residents through writing about meaningful or pivotal events in their lives.
Students from the UCLA chapter of Dialogue Society and Tech Up! visited The Piedmont for an entertaining, educational technology workshop. After a short presentation about how the internet works, the students explained many of the common scams we all encounter online and were shown how to avoid them. The students also combined teaching with a game in which residents could win bouquets of flowers. After the presentation, each resident was paired with a student to get answers to their specific tech questions.
EngAGE welcomed Upworthy to The Piedmont where they shared a celebratory event with residents from Piedmont, BSAC, NoHoSAC, and our staff members, including new CEO Joe Altepeter. Upworthy representative Lucia talked about their mission to share uplifting stories that foster positive connections, and the publication of their new book, “Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity.” The event concluded with musical performances by the Piedmont House Band under the direction of Program Director Arnold and featuring the “famous” Piedmont Kazoo Horn Section. (Scroll down to hear a sample!)
Residents at The Grove enjoyed meeting with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus staff. Participants learned about fees, routes, free days, and programs available to older adults. Every participant received a gift from OCTA and two bus passes. Further group and individual bus training is available which provides hands-on experience riding the bus.
Oregon
At Terrace Glen Apartments, the children had fun exploring their primary instruments: voice and body. They used song and movement to learn the language of music under the supervision of Benjamin from Portland’s Music Quest for Kids. It’s a great after-school program that everyone wants to continue.
For “Wellness Wednesday” at Mahonia Crossing, our partner, the Marion County Department of Health and Human Services, provided an educational presentation on mental health. Afterward, residents of all ages participated in therapeutic activities, including crafts and sensory experiences, and they connected with others in the community (a therapeutic activity in itself). One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was the immediate positive impact it had on participants. Most of the children in attendance said this was their first time hearing the phrase “mental health.” One young resident was apprehensive about participating but left inspired to share what he’d learned with his sibling at home. One mother tearfully said that the event provided much-needed support on a difficult day.
Openings
EngAGE is honored to have helped create the Community For All Ages model in affordable housing through our long collaboration with Community Development Partners. Mahonia Crossing is a 313-unit affordable housing CFAA community located in the South Gateway neighborhood of Salem, OR. In addition to speeches and the ribbon cutting, two special treats were offered to our youngest residents: pumpkin decorating and face painting.
At the Citrus Crossing grand opening, Glendale Mayor Elen Asatryan and Western Community Housing President Graham Espley-Jones welcomed residents as well as attendees from the organizations and businesses involved. The community has 124 units and has reduced environmental impact thanks to its many solar panels and LED lights throughout. Citrus Crossing is a Meta Housing Corp. community.
Washington Crossing is a new affordable family apartment community in the convenient mid-city area of Los Angeles, CA. The pet-friendly homes were developed by Meta Housing Corp. EngAGE looks forward to bringing our signature programming to residents of all ages.
Testimonial
For 25 years, our Program Directorshave been the on-the-ground team members who make sure we deliver classes and events that serve and appeal to residents. We are always delighted when we receive letters and emails from residents that show their appreciation. A resident at Piedmont Senior Apartments recently submitted this glowing review for Program Director Arnold which we received via Legacy Partners, the management company for that community:
“The 5 star review is for Arnold Schmidt, our Activities Director. He is an absolute gem. I have been living here at the Piedmont for over 22 years. Have seen several Activities directors come and go. None hold a candle to Arnold. He is kind, caring, and very insightful as to what activity is needed for the benefit of the residents. Frankly, Arnold deserves his budget to be increased…. Again, 5 stars for Arnold*****” ~ Ilene
Support Us
If you’d like to support our efforts to provide valuable programming in the arts, wellness, lifelong learning, and community building to older adults and families, please visit the Donation pageon our website. Thank you for your interest in EngAGE!
Now, here’s a music clip featuring the Piedmont House Band’s Kazoo Horn Section!
For almost a decade, EngAGE celebrated the arts for all ages every spring at Burbank Senior Artists Colony. The “EngAGE in Creativity” event included a live band on the patio (with plenty of room for dancing), art projects and face painting for kids, art and fine craft sales (proceeds benefiting EngAGE), with occasional appearances by the Colony Chorus, Talk Story, a resident improv comedy troupe, resident poetry reading, and others. The Experience Talks Radio Booth allowed guests the opportunity to record a personal story that would be used on our radio show. Gourmet wines and appetizers were served. It was open to residents in all of our communities, the EngAGE team, and all of our partners/funders/supporters.
Our final event was in 2019; we stopped due to COVID restrictions, but who knows what the future will bring?! Here are some photos from 2011/2012/2013 to provide a bit of historical perspective. Everyone always had a great time!
Every year, EngAGE transforms thousands of lives in senior and multigenerational communities in California and Oregon through the power of arts, wellness, lifelong learning, and intergenerational programs.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in our mission to create healthy aging experiences for older adults and creative living experiences for all ages. Your support empowers us to bring vital programs that combat isolation, spark creativity, and build vibrant communities where everyone can flourish.
Every contribution counts. Here’s what your gift can do:
$200 provides art supplies for a creative class. $250 funds a wellness workshop to promote physical and mental health. $300 sponsors an intergenerational event, connecting older adults and youth in meaningful ways.
Let’s make this season of giving a time of transformation. Your generosity ensures that residents in our communities continue to have access to life-changing programs and experiences.
Make your mark today by joining our Giving Tuesday campaign. Visit the Donate page on our website to donate and learn more.
Thank you for being a part of this important work. Together, we can move older adults and families from living to thriving.
P.S.: Act now—your donation will bring joy and opportunity this holiday season!
We’d like to pay tribute to Tim Carpenter, our retired CEO, who founded EngAGE in 1999 and helped it grow to become a leading model for creative aging and resident services in affordable housing.
EngAGE began as More Than Shelter for Seniors, with a staff of one: Tim, who taught one writing class to get things started. He recalls,
” I taught creative writing at Heritage Park Duarte (this one was our first class offered as an org), Villa Azusa, Pacific Villa (Pomona), and Cedar Villas (Ontario). We had staged culminating events and would take writing trips on our bus (back when we had one). It was just me doing the classes and events, and the bus driver when I would steal it for our adventures.”
Early days: photos of the “We’re Still Here Revue,” a resident culminating event from Tim’s classes at the Skirball Cultural Center in LA.At right, daughter Zoë dances with Tim.
Years later, in partnership with Meta Housing, Tim catalyzed the creation of the Burbank Senior Artists Colony, a first-of-its-kind older adult housing community with high-end arts amenities and programs that opened in 2005. This led to the construction of several more Arts Colonies for both older adults and families.
During his tenure at EngAGE, Tim was a frequent speaker nationally, including giving a Grantmakers in the Arts keynote address. He spoke internationally at events and conferences in Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, and New Zealand.
For his social entrepreneurship, he was honored with an Ashoka Fellowship, the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award, and both a Stanton Award and a Sabbatical Fellowship from the Durfee Foundation. Tim was also named an Encore Public Voices Fellow, a Next Avenue Influencer in Aging, and was appointed to serve on Governor Gavin Newsom’s task force on Alzheimer’s where he worked with Maria Shriver.
Tim is proud of becoming part of the Creativity and Aging movement, bringing arts to older people. He is particularly proud of being honored by the NEA, which selected EngAGE as one of the ten best practices programs in Arts & Aging in the country.
Behind the personal and professional accomplishments stands Tim, the man. He has a deeply caring, generous spirit with room for a great sense of humor and a rock ‘n’ roll heart of gold.
Tim has expressed his gratitude to his loyal staff (some of us have been with EngAGE for fifteen to twenty years) and to the supportive Board members who have continuously encouraged him. Now it’s our turn to express our gratitude to him. Thank you, Tim, for all you’ve done and for being who you are!
Get to know Tim a bit at these links to articles he wrote for NextAvenue:
Life After My Heart Attack ~ “At 62, after working to make healthier choices, I had a heart attack. Here are the lessons that I’m now carrying with me.”
This Thanksgiving, we’re profoundly grateful for you—our cherished participants, supporters, and advocates. This year, as we celebrate 25 years of transforming senior and multigenerational communities through arts, wellness, learning, and intergenerational connection, we recognize that none of this would have been possible without you.
Your support has empowered thousands of older adults to express themselves, embrace vitality, and build meaningful relationships. Together, we’ve created vibrant spaces where creativity and connection thrive. We’ve witnessed:
Art transform lives, giving older adults a platform to express themselves and connect with others.
Health & wellness initiatives bring vitality, fostering a sense of resilience and independence.
Learning opportunities open new doors, proving that curiosity and growth have no age limit.
Intergenerational programs foster understanding and respect, creating purposeful, mutually beneficial relationships that help all generations thrive.
As we mark this milestone, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your Giving Tuesday and Year-End Donation will help us expand our reach, create new programs, and impact even more lives.
Please support us today by visiting the Donate Page on our website.
On behalf of theEngAGE Team,I wish you a warm holiday complete with Creativity, Wellness, and Connection.
