A “bridge” is growing between Pasadena Village and Journey House, an organization in Pasadena that has been helping former foster youth continue their education. Journey House has been around for more than 40 years and, while no one actually lives there anymore, this lovely historical home in Pasadena continues to provide a “home-base” for its young people.

For years before Pasadena Village and Journey House started a relationship, several Villagers had been supporting the work of Journey House. Toni Cavanagh-Johnson has been a long-time supporter and was well-acquainted with its founder, Tim Mayworm. Tim remained the Executive Director until his death last year. Tom and Liz Polenzani have also been long-time supporters.

Jesse Aguiar, the current Executive Director, was one of the young men that Journey House helped. Reflecting back on those days, Jesse told me, “Tim saw something in me that I could not see for myself.” Jesse was the one Tim named as his successor. Jesse is just one of many success stories from this organization.

I have been involved with Journey House for nearly eight years working mainly with the young women. I also helped organize their silent auctions. Last year I hosted their first tea party with the help of many Villagers who donated China tea cups for the event. These beautiful cups came from Paula Rao, Denise Aronow, Dan Guerrero and Suzi Hoge. Refreshments for the two tea parties serving close to 40 women were partially provided by LuCinda Haagenson, Bridget Brewster, and myself.

Villagers Valerie Jones, Wayne April and Jeff Gutstadt have attended several of the graduation parties. “It’s important for me to donate my time and resources to this organization,” Jeff told me.

Other Villagers donated time and home-cooking to the Thanksgiving dinner last year. Among them were Debbie Baird, Katy Townsend, Elizabeth and Tom Polenzani, Sharon Jarrett, Sue Addelson, Maureen Schmid, Bruce Christensen, Wayne April, Jeff Gutstadt, Al Miller and Jean Buennagel. Everyone agreed that it felt like “coming home...” food, laughter, hugs, kids playing in the yard and a real sense of caring. Afterwards, Debbie Baird, who was a fairly new member at the time, said, “Journey House has such a wonderful homey atmosphere.”

More Villagers will be needed for the plans being made going forward as Jesse and Pasadena Village Executive Director Katie Brandon work together to create meaningful inter-generational programming.

An exhibit of photography produced by the VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) program at Journey House will be hung in our new Village office in October. The opening reception will be announced in the Fall and the exhibit will run through the last quarter of the year. You can view some of the work of Journey House artists in a photo-essay series at www.wearehealing.org. We hope you will take time to appreciate the work and the healing energy it evokes.

The young people at Journey House have much to teach us about perseverance and determination. We have much to offer, as well. Our hope is that this bridge will bring us together in ways that will be mutually beneficial. Each of us can help make this happen.

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