Why Does Community Matter?

Partners and champions of your story develop naturally when community matters!

We love seeing our partners grow. Together we can all do more. Support matters.

In 2018 we had an opportunity to focus on ourself or pay it forward for others. The choice was simple. Elevating your brand identity is our story; it's our why. Since 2018 we've created space at our PeakFest booth space to promote a local non-profit. Each non-profits we featured in our booth has a mission that touches our heart.

Meet Sage Crossing, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors through meaningful, service-based programs that foster intergenerational connection, nature-based engagement and compassionate caregiver support.

What the heart behind their story that resonates with me?

In the late 70's I was a "candy striper"- meaning I wore a striped uniform while volunteering in a senior community. By today's standards that facility was institutional, with dark corridors and overworked employees providing care to way too many residents. It was my first experience with dementia. I watched residents cling to dolls repeating their child's name, consistently asking me to get them to the station for work or to catch a bus, their mind locked in their past. Through those experiences, I also met amazing individuals, with much left to give; caregivers and seniors. I even learned to tie a bow tie because that resident wouldn't leave his room for meals till he was "properly dressed." Many of the seniors I met told entertaining and amusing stories that remain part of my formative DNA today. Touched by these residents, I considered a career in senior living, only to have my supervisor advise me against the pursuit. She stated, "this line of work will eat away at your kind heart. It will become exhausting and depressing to continually deal with the loss."

She was projecting her own frustrations.

In 2021, once again I re-engage with dementia through my own personal experiences with my mom, then my father in law. There is a void in senior healthcare and how society supports aging that's is not in lock-step with living. Dementia is an emotional journey for everyone involved- the caregivers, the family and the senior loosing a life they once controlled. As a society often we console the grief of loss by saying, at least you have your memories. What happens when you lose your memories and you can't process your day? The mind shuts down and senior cope by retreating and dis-engaging. Once the immoblized the senior frequently lives in solitude, confused. The senior is existing, but not living.

Supporting seniors requires innovative thinking.

In November 2025, Sage Crossing launched a group respite program as a first step towards a long-term vision to change how seniors live! The vision became a vibrant Senior Enrichment Center that empowers individuals with cognitive impairments to age with dignity and purpose, allowing them to experience a sense of belonging at every stage of aging. As part of their plan, the vision is a permanent location built through strong community partnerships that provide holistic care.

This year, when you visit PeakFest, step over to our booth. Learn more about their mission and how you can support this non profit seeking an inclusive future for aging. If your also touched by this mission, follow their socials Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for ways to support or donate here.

See ya at Town Hall Campus on Saturday May 2nd!