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 Directors have 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 page on our website. Thank you for your interest in EngAGE!
Now, here’s a music clip featuring the Piedmont House Band’s Kazoo Horn Section!
