January 2026

Farewell from the 2023/24 Social Work Interns

By Lyle Tooks
Posted: 05/28/2024

Co-written with Julie Coveney.

 Throughout our time at Pasadena Village, we created lasting memories that will resonate for years to come. Our journey has been a profound learning experience, both personally and professionally. From committee engagement to direct interactions with members, each encounter deepened our understanding of the diverse lives and aspirations of older adults. We are humbled by the resilience and spirit of the members, whose stories continue to inspire us in our advocacy for aging populations. From the onset of our placement, we immediately felt the power of community and connection. Pasadena Village is a shining example of older adults shifting the narrative on aging. 

Witnessing member-led programming firsthand was captivating and served as a motivating factor to strengthen our knowledge of the Village Movement. Each semester we immersed ourselves in a number of programs aimed at supporting and empowering Village members. More importantly, we explored the transformative nature of older adults leading fulfilling lives on their own terms. We are inspired to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of older adults, ensuring they are valued and supported every step of the way.

Katie Brandon was an absolute pleasure to work with as she effortlessly increased our understanding of nonprofit management and funding strategies to facilitate program expansion. Her humility created a free-flowing and supportive environment, and we are grateful for her encouragement throughout the year. Similarly, Esther Gillies’ sage advice and insightful guidance created a foundation for meaningful development as we continue our educational journey. Her discerning eye for areas of growth accentuated our maturation process as future social workers. Moving forward, we are committed to using these experiences as a catalyst to drive positive change for policies and programs that empower older adults to live with self-determination and autonomy. As we embark on new endeavors, we carry the invaluable lessons learned from Pasadena Village, fueling our passion for serving and uplifting the voices of older adults in our communities.

Special thanks to Priyanka and Hannah for their patience, kindness and enthusiasm.

To the wonderful members of Pasadena Village, thank you for welcoming us with open arms. We look forward to staying in touch.