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President’s Message

When Pasadena Village was founded in 2012, it began with a simple wish: a group of neighbors wanted to keep their friends together to preserve the existing network of relationships that gave meaning and strength to their lives. Out of that desire grew something larger than anyone imagined. What started as a way to hold on to friendship has become a model of community and care. In a world that often feels fragmented and impersonal, the village concept has proven its worth. It reminds us that community is not just a nice extra—it is a necessity for a flourishing society.

Over the years, Pasadena Village has become more than a service to its members. We are part of something larger: a movement that is reshaping the way our culture understands aging, friendship, and resilience. We are deeply engaged in the Village to Village Network and Village Movement California, helping to lead and learn from this growing movement across the country. Our participation in the Rutgers research project and our contributions to the historical archives at Cal State LA further extend our influence beyond Pasadena, ensuring that our work adds to the broader understanding of community and care.

One of our greatest sources of pride is the diversity that has blossomed in our membership. From English, Irish, French, Mexican, Indonesian, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, and African backgrounds—and from every region of the United States—our members bring an extraordinary richness of culture and perspective. This diversity strengthens us, and the warmth and openness of our Village make every newcomer feel immediately at home. New members consistently tell us they are welcomed with friendship and kindness, a sure sign that we are living our values.

At the same time, we remain deeply committed to being member-driven and member-run. Thirteen of our nineteen board directors are Village members themselves. This majority preserves the spirit of a true community-led organization, while our non-member directors serve alongside them out of shared belief in our mission and values. Each board member brings care and thoughtfulness to their role, balancing the opportunities before us with the constraints we must face. Together, they act in the best interest of the entire Village, ensuring that our path forward reflects the values we all hold dear.

As we grow, we do not chase numbers but instead project realistic growth based on the strength of our community. Change is inevitable—demographic shifts, cultural trends, and the evolving needs of our members will shape our path. But our compass will remain steady: a focus on neighborliness, friendship, and mutual support.

Today, Pasadena Village stands as a leader among villages, demonstrating what is possible when people come together with intention and purpose. We are not only improving the lives of our own members—we are offering a model of connection and resilience to society at large.

Let us take pride in what we have built and look forward with confidence. Our village is strong; our spirit is welcoming; and our future is bright. Together, we are proving that aging in community is not simply a choice—it is a gift to ourselves and to the world around us.

With gratitude and hope,

Dick Myers