I became aware of and involved with Northaven through my good friend and neighbor Darlene Storti. At the time, she was the Director of Assisted Living. Through the years, I attended the galas, volunteered at the picnic and attended the annual meetings. It was only after I had immersed myself in Northaven’s mission—providing not-for-profit affordable housing, compassionate care and community services to improve the quality of life for older adults—and seeing firsthand the difference that Northaven makes in the lives of older adults that I realized I had found the way I wanted to give back to the community. I’ve been a board member for five years now!
Northaven’s vision—creating a community actively engaged so all may approach their elder years with hope, confidence and dignity—matters to me in for several reasons:
I think that we, as a society, undermine the value of our seniors. While my grandparents and parents are all passed on, I feel a commitment to honoring older adults by honoring Northaven’s mission.
We have a homeless and affordable housing crisis in the Seattle area. Northaven is helping keep low-income seniors from becoming homeless. It offers caring services and employees who are committed to the Heart of Northaven.
Lastly, supporting senior services is not the shiny object. Many donors and volunteers are drawn to services that help children. And while that is definitely a worthy cause, there are fewer people involved with older adults. I like to think that I’m rooting for the underdog by sharing time, treasure and talent with Northaven and expanding that to my circle of friends and co-workers.