Ten Years of Independence

As they celebrated ten years of helping and connecting Pasadena seniors Thursday at the Shakespeare Club, the leadership of Pasadena Village also announced the launching of a new three-year strategic plan to scores of friends, supporters and volunteers. 

Board President Sue Kujawa explained: “We intend to grow our membership, be recognized as a leader in helping older adults age in place, and have a strong reputation for connecting older adults to the aging resources in our community.”

“Even as we look back on our first 10 years,” Kujawa continued,  “we look forward to the challenges that lie ahead, because we have seen how Pasadena Village has helped older adults navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging during these past 10 years.”

The ambitious plan “projects pretty major growth for us,” said Executive Director Katie Brandon, who explained,  “When we started it,  we were at 130 members. We wanna be 200 in the next three years. We think we have a great plan to do it.” 

Brandon pointed out that members have joined when they already know a member, so  they have emphasized community outreach, along with a number of other sources. 

“As a nonprofit,” she added, “it’s important to have diverse funding sources. Right, Of course. And so, we’ve had great support from the business community. As well as membership fees and individual donations. And so we hope to grow in all of those areas.

Brandon said Pasadena Village also hopes to increase its operating budget substantially as part of the strategic plan. 

The membership-based, nonprofit organization is an intentional community of adults over 55 who support each other while living independently in their homes. The Village provides activities and support for seniors who wish to remain independent as they age.

Pasadena Village is one of such 300 networked villages across the country working to support the population of seniors who choose to age in place and remain in their own homes as long as they wish.

As Kujawa told the members, board members and friends Thursday, “We are confident that with the community’s support, we can expand our reach so that more older adults have access to this vibrant community that enhances and expands the ways we can age well.”