We’ve been focusing on EngAGE in Northern California recently on social media. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see what’s happening in all of our communities throughout California and in Oregon.
Laura Mason, Executive Director, EngAGE, Northern California, is responsible for developing strategic partnerships, projects, and resources to expand our award-winning program model in Northern California. As a member of the senior management team, Laura also plays an active role in developing and driving EngAGE’s overall strategy, governance, and vision for the future.
Earlier this year, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation renewed their generous one-year grant of $150,000 to EngAGE to support the expansion in the Bay area of our service model which works to reduce the isolation and loneliness of older adults. We are so grateful for their continuing support.
EngAGE Program Highlights
In May, Laura Mason sent a huge thank you to Home Depot for their generous donation of garden supplies. All would be used to beautify the community garden at The Huntington Senior Apartments in Morgan Hill, CA. Laura is pictured below with manager Angel Miramontes (right) and Yesenia Millan (left) of store 8752 in Morgan Hill.
And here are the results: The large fountain in the main courtyard that once held dirt is now filled with a lovely array of flowers! In addition to Home Depot’s welcome donation, Johnson Lumber gave a generous discount on products used for the beautification of the garden area. Program Director Cassandra (at far right) reports that the residents have been thrilled to see the colorful life that has been created in what was a very dry, brown area. In addition to the beautiful flowers, the garden now has multiple tomato, cantaloupe, green onion seedlings, and basil plants. To celebrate, an outdoor gathering was held on the Friday before Mother’s Day.
At Crescent Park in Richmond, CA, residents were introduced to a new tablet “rental” program hosted by EngAGE. In exchange for a tablet, they must participate in at least one EngAGE programming event per week. With these tablets, residents have been able to access not only virtual EngAGE programming, but also to enjoy other personal digital activities like connecting with family and friends while sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program Director Liv visited each participating resident to assist with setting up their tablets with wifi connections, email, and Zoom login, plus any other tech assistance requested. The tablets are provided on a monthly basis with check-ins from Liv. Additional tablets were made available in May, allowing ten residents to have easy and vital technology access.
Also at Crescent Park, residents began a weekly art class earlier this year with Teaching Artist Hugh Leeman of Art with Elders. The organization also provides the art materials: colored pencils, sketch pads, pastels. Hugh, a well-traveled, experienced artist, asks participants to bring mementos and stories to the class, and to dig deeper to connect their personal histories to what they’re creating. Some residents have invited their younger family members, helping to shape this class into a special intergenerational opportunity. Pictured is Margie, who is delighted by her drawing of a lighthouse.
The second floor patio and garden at 808 A Street in Hayward, CA, has gotten a makeover! What used to be covered in dandelion weeds was cleared by Program Director Liv and helpful residents (and some of their family members) in efforts to prepare for a summer of gathering outdoors. Residents added new seeds to the community garden, including watermelon, tomatoes, thyme, chives, and oregano. Pictured here (bottom row), you can see the beautifully cleared space and detailed photograph of the watermelon garden marker. Also pictured is 808 resident George sharing a beautiful vintage gardening book owned by his mother, and helping in the garden. Gardening is a beautiful metaphor for how this property is beginning to emerge from a dark year into a year of light and growth as a community.
Also at 808 A Street, residents hold their freshly planted succulents during Program Director Liv’s “Build Your Own Succulent” event. Participants were able to select a pot and succulent, then were guided through tips and tricks to plant it. Materials were provided by EngAGE, and residents were able to bring their new plant-friends home. What a great launch for outdoor activities in the community’s newly-made-over garden and patio area!
This past spring was an exciting one for 15 artistic residents of the Empress, Le Nain, and Windsor communities in San Francisco. At their Swim Gallery group art show, John stood proudly in front of his two squares in the community’s Hope Quilt (one gold with his initials MH painted on them, and the second his re-interpretation of the American flag), and Maurice took in his photography of the city (made possible by EngAGE’s purchase of a disposable camera) with Program Director Mattie. A closing reception allowed artists to celebrate their success, and the quilt was subsequently exhibited at the Tenderloin Art Fair, along with individual artwork. Then, artist Bautista got back to work immediately on his birdhouse creation as art classes continued!
EngAGE takes a whole-person approach to community and creative, healthy living by providing arts, wellness, lifelong learning, community building, and intergenerational programs to thousands of residents in affordable senior and multi-generational apartment communities in California and Oregon. We appreciate your interest and support!
