Why Does Community Matter?
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 28
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.
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.
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. Residents clung to dolls repeating their child's name and begged me to take them "to the station"; their mind locked in the past. Through those experiences, I also met amazing seniors with more left to give. I even learned to tie a bow tie, because that resident wouldn't leave his room till he was "properly dressed." Many of the seniors shared amusing stories that remain part of my formative DNA. 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. You'll find it exhausting and depressing to continually deal with the loss."
She was projecting her own frustrations.
In 2021, I re-engaged 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 from what they can't process. 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.
When you visit PeakFest, step over to our booth. Learn how you can support an inclusive future for aging. Follow their socials Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for ways to support or donate here.
Watch our recent social media story introducing this non-profit here.
See ya at Town Hall Campus on Saturday May 2nd!
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