EngAGE changes lives by transforming affordable senior and family housing communities into vibrant centers of art & creativity, learning, and wellness.
Thanks to EngAGE Intergenerational Program Director Liv for #MakingADifference and sharing several lovely resident testimonials.
In Northern California, EngAGE provides a variety of art programming for residents in the communities we serve. Classes culminate with projects such as a beautifully printed calendar as well as art shows in the Community Rooms or in other venues. including San Francisco City Hall. There, Art With Elders, our Programming Partner organization, curated a selection of work from all of the communities where they teach. EngAGE community residents Rita, Helen, and Jackie were delighted to have their work included. Six residents took a field trip to see the show, with lunch and transportation provided by EngAGE. Pictured below are Liv and the group gathered at City Hall’s main stairs and in front of their art in the show last summer.
Please scroll down to read some of the testimonials Liv collected from residents who participate in all of our art programming.
Resident Testimonials
First off, I think the art class with Virginia is very rewarding. Under her instruction we’ve been awarded the chance to explore our creativeness. Even though I am a part of the class I had no work shown in the exhibit. It was inspiring seeing the work of my fellow residents as well as other communities on display. It was awesome and I saw the sense of accomplishment in everyone. — Thoette
I enjoyed all of the art that is still in our community room. I also enjoyed the calendar for 2023, especially since one of my pieces made January. I also enjoyed our visit to San Francisco where some of our art was on display at the court house I hope EngAGE will continue with the programs in our community. — Helen
I never been involved with the art exhibit before. I thought it was very thoughtful of them to do it for us. It was great. I really enjoyed it but most of all I enjoyed all the people and the artists explaining each picture to the people that attend. It was really great, loved it. — Rita
I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the EngAGE art program. Virginia is so great at teaching us about color and variances, lines and shapes, and shading and contrasts. She has encouraged me to engage (no pun intended ) with putting pen, pencil, brush, and/or ink to paper, and that there are no mistakes in art and there’s no need to fear the canvas or the paper. Being able to go see the exhibit in San Francisco and seeing artwork of people who live in my community was an honorable experience. I’m so grateful that our community received such a wonderful, (here I go again) engaging opportunity. I look forward to attending our sessions each week anticipating what our next art project will be. I look forward to seeing my friends and their creations as well as seeing their joy and accomplishments. I sincerely hope this EngAGE program continues to receive more grants so the Art class continues. —Sheila
When the pandemic hit, EngAGE responded by moving our programming online as much as possible in order to keep our residents connected and active mentally and physically. One vital service that needed to be continued was supplemental food delivery. Our team rose to the occasion, and food boxes that under normal circumstances would have been picked up in the community room by residents were delivered directly to recipients’ apartment doors. EngAGE team member Miles Morse explains in this brief video.
Thanks to EngAGE Northwest Program Director Pauline for #MakingADifference and sharing this story.
Last month, I introduced needle felting to my community’s craft class. While the demonstration and instructions were starting, resident Kristi reluctantly walked in to join the group and immediately said the project looked too difficult for her. So, we worked together, taking each step slowly, to create a rainbow flower. Kristi said it was hard to use the sharp needle and coordinate her movements, but she kept working. After an hour, she had mastered the skill and felt so proud.
The next week, Kristi was the first to show up for class. I was still setting up the materials but was excited to see her gathering supplies and beginning to work. She worked carefully and quietly, not asking any questions. After about an hour she proclaimed that she was done. She held up her work to share it with the group, beaming with pride: a fish with bubbles. Her lovely piece of artwork required focus and resilience, yet she faced the challenge and was successful. It was exciting to see her joyful transformation, thanks to this new opportunity to create art.
Thanks to EngAGE Program Director Megan for #MakingADifference and sharing the story of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at three of our communities.
Megan, the youngest from a big family and a miliary wife and mom, loves to cook for large groups. She had corned beef and cabbage on the stove for hours at each community celebration! Megan reports: The residents loved the green decorations, the cute green glasses, and the opportunity to gather with their neighbors for the holiday. But most of all, they really loved the food. In fact, the celebration became more about corned beef than St. Patrick’s Day!
Through classes, interest groups, and special events, EngAGE participants have opportunities to learn about such topics as financial literacy and scam prevention, health news, music appreciation, and more, all in a supportive environment. One area we think is particularly important is learning about technology. When possible, we even arrange to provide the technology itself.
Thanks to EngAGE Program Director Michelle for #MakingADifference and sharing this story.
A resident told me that she didn’t like painting. She actually thought it was boring, but she decided to come to class for the friendship time. It wasn’t long before she began to appreciate the creativity involved in painting. Now she enjoys seeing the variety of perspectives from her artistic classmates and looks forward to continuing to discover her own style.
We hope you’ll enjoy these highlights from recent programming at our communities.
ENGAGE CALIFORNIA
Burbank Senior Artists Colony: In the spirit of holidays, Teaching Artist Jinet offered a snow globe-making workshop for residents. Participants enjoyed the unexpected creative treat of coming up with a design and choosing items to include in the globe.
Coventry Court: Residents were thrilled to welcome a team of law students from UC Irvine who were invited to the community by Brooke Weitzman, Executive Director at the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center in Irvine. After an informative session on wills and health directives, the students jumped in to answer questions from residents. (No, they did not give legal advice because they are not lawyers!)
The Grove: Residents enjoy the monthly Orange County Mobile Library visit when they can register for a library card, check out books and Chromebooks, and much more. Puzzle and arts and crafts are also offered. Books and media are available in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish, and English to meet the language needs of residents. Other languages can be accommodated as well when requested.
LBSAC: “A little of this and a little of that” is how Regional Program Director Henry describes the many art supplies in his rolling art wagon that he brings to class. Residents enjoyed working in their wonderful maker space to create their holiday art.
NOHO SAC: Program Director Lisa co-teaches American Sign Language with resident Lillian, who is hearing impaired. Lillian has been able to develop friendships through teaching the class for her community. The group enjoys a lot of laughs while learning a valuable communication skill.
Pac Arts: In December, the youngest residents had fun opportunities to get creative and celebrate the winter season and holidays in Liza’s Art class.
The Piedmont: For the past several months, the UCLA chapter of the Dialogue Society has brought “The Passion Project” to The Piedmont. The goal of this project is to use social media to transform the stereotypical negative views about aging. Residents were encouraged to bring their art, stories, wisdom, and advice for younger generations to the first presentation, which laid the groundwork. The project continued with individual interviews of residents interested in participating. In the final step, residents are being interviewed again on tape. The student producers are working closely with EngAGE Program Director Arnold and each of the participating residents to ensure that this project will be fun and meaningful.
Portofino Villas: The holiday Coffee Talk was exciting when Candice Miller from “CDs for Seniors” presented upcycled (gently used) CDs and CD players to surprised and delighted residents. Look at their faces!
The Remi: The Remi is a brand new affordable older adult apartment community now leasing in South Los Angeles. EngAGE celebrated the opening with a Valentine’s Day party that included gorgeous donated desserts made by a talented resident baker, shown below with his proud son. At right, EngAGE COO Nancy enjoys the celebration with a resident.
Tizon: In anticipation of fresh spring flowers, residents enjoyed making and framing beautiful, pressed flower bouquets in Teaching Artist Shelly’s art class. It was fun for them to try something completely different that challenged their creativity.
ENGAGE NORTHWEST
Broadleaf Arbor: Resident Patrick is a gifted musician who volunteers his time and shares his talent by teaching a weekly beginner ukulele class for all ages in the community room. Before each class, Patrick walks through the courtyard to gather students, and he encourages students to bring their own string instrument, if they have one. The students have been learning how to properly care for the instrument as well as play and read music.
Mahonia Crossing: In Salem, Oregon, this is our second Community for All Ages project in conjunction with Community Development Partners. Construction is being done in two phases, with 313 units serving 30% to 80% AMI residents. This development includes a dedicated senior building. Community spaces include a community center, kitchen, fitness area, outdoor paths and playground, and community garden beds. Fifteen units are occupied so far, with construction still underway on the bulk of the property. We are currently interviewing for a full-time Program Director and expect to have someone in place by the end of March.
Terrace Glen: Residents celebrated the winter holiday season with a selection of pies, warm drinks, and art activities provided by EngAGE. They assembled gingerbread houses, played board games, and spent time talking and laughing with their neighbors. Everyone had fun donning festive gear and snapping pictures at our photo wall.
The Art Hub class at Terrace Glen is full of creative energy and freedom for residents to explore their own artistic styles. In January, Program Director Laura showed the resident artists how to make vision boards for the new year, encouraging them to think about the words and images that they want to bring into their lives in 2024. The group also created cards and art pieces to share with loved ones for Valentine’s Day. Giving participants the freedom to play with the art materials reinforces that there is no right or wrong way to be creative!
25TH ANNIVERSARY
EngAGE 25th anniversary posts have been launched. We have been posting once or twice weekly on social media, including LinkedIn and here on our blog. We started with Tim’s TEDx Talk as well as his essay written when he turned 55, making him eligible to live in some of our communities. Throughout the year, we’ll be covering all of our programming categories, plus sharing stories from our Program Directors to show how we’re carrying on the EngAGE mission today. If you’d like to see all of our 25th anniversary posts on the blog, click here.
STORIES
Sandra Vargas shared a photo and screenshot from a conversation with a resident who was excited to report that the gift cards she’d been saving made her grocery shopping trip affordable. And she had praise for Sandra, too.
EngAGE NW Executive Director Laura shared a story about a new Terrace Glen resident who was being shown the community room when she burst into tears of joy and said, “I’m just so grateful that I won’t have to be alone anymore.” Laura’s comment to us: “It’s wonderful to see that after 25 years of EngAGE programming, our impact continues to grow in our newest communities.”
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!
