Blog archive
April 2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
Susan Carr and Adria Navarro - BEYOND THE VILLAGE
By Blog MasterPosted: 01/06/2021
BEYOND THE VILLAGE
- Sue Kujawa -
When Susan Carr’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she turned to Alzheimer’s LA for help. As a Public Health Nurse who had worked for 40 years in the field, Susan knew how to find resources, and she found both resources and support from the staff and volunteers at Alzheimer’s LA. “They supported me on my six year journey. When I learned of his illness, I felt so alone. I realized it’s good to have someone to turn to who has been in the same situation and could guide me through the difficult decisions I faced.”
Susan became a strong advocate for her husband, and for others suffering from cognitive illnesses. She became a volunteer advocate for Alzheimer’s LA and focused on helping people in her community uncover resources to help deal with the many challenges that come with this disease. She co-founded Dementia Friendly Montrose, a community group based on a nationwide initiative that aims to improve the lives of those suffering with dementia.
After Jim’s death two years ago, Susan began building on the relationships she had formed with Alzheimer’s LA and with USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH). She shared her story with hospital executives and told them about the many people in the community who were reaching out to her for assistance. As a result, USC-VHH proposed the creation of a Community Resource Center focused on helping older adults. As Susan explains, “The hospital wanted to do something for the community. I was only the catalyst.” In early 2020, with a generous grant from Navigage Foundation, the Community Resource Center for Aging (CRCA) became a reality.
During the days of dreaming and planning for a resource center, Susan often consulted with her friend and colleague, Adria Navarro. The two had collaborated on Dementia Friendly Montrose. Adria, a professor at Azusa Pacific University, had years of experience working with the Huntington Hospital’s Senior Care Network. Adria had also been a Board member of Pasadena Village and is now a member. It was a great stroke of serendipity when Adria was hired to be the Program Manager of the newly created CRCA.
Adria has always had a strong commitment to community. She finds great satisfaction in helping people navigate the system to access resources. Says Adria, “Our community resources can be so fragmented. I am thrilled to be able to go back to my roots, helping people seek support to meet their needs. USC-VHH has created a support network for older adults in our community at a very critical time."
Susan and Adria are examples of people who understand the value of community and the power of working together to achieve a larger goal. They bring expertise and experience that benefit our Pasadena Village. They receive friendship and support and practical help from the Village, and they go out into the world committed to making it a better place. We are grateful that they are examples of our impact “beyond the Village”.