Front Porch Communities Foundation Archives - Front Porch https://frontporch.net/tag/front-porch-communities-foundation/ Building Communities & Innovative Solutions for Seniors Fri, 12 Apr 2024 22:10:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Don Cotton’s Generosity Shines at Villa Gardens https://frontporch.net/don-cottons-generosity-shines-at-villa-gardens/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 22:10:15 +0000 https://frontporch.net/?p=4276 Meet Don Cotton. His generosity impacts lives at Villa Gardens and beyond, enriching his community with culture and enrichment programs.

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Villa Gardens resident Don Cotton embodies the spirit of generosity at Front Porch through his philanthropic efforts. A donor to the Front Porch Communities Foundation, Don’s contributions have significantly impacted the lives of many in his community.

Don’s journey to Villa Gardens is marked by a deep connection to the city. After living in Pasadena and the surrounding area for over 45 years, Don moved to a retirement community in Orange County. However, following the passing of his wife, he felt a strong pull to return to Pasadena, a place he considers home, and settled at Villa
Gardens.

Don’s generosity extends beyond Villa Gardens. He also supports various other organizations, including the Old Mill Foundation, Huntington Library, Colonial Williamsburg and The Smithsonian. His diverse philanthropic interests reflect a commitment to enriching the cultural and historical fabric of his community.

At Villa Gardens, Don’s donations are driven by a passion for enhancing culture and life enrichment. “I like to bring additional programming to Villa Gardens, particularly more music programs,” he said, envisioning a community enriched by the arts.

Don’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact one individual can have. His three years at Villa Gardens have been marked by a desire to give back to a community that resonates deeply with him, a sentiment that inspires many. His contributions to the Front Porch Communities Foundation and other charitable organizations demonstrate a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those around him, making Don a true pillar of his community.

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Vista del Monte: Looking to the Future https://frontporch.net/vista-del-monte-looking-to-the-future/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:03:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/?p=4146 At Vista del Monte, residents' generosity fuels enhancements and charitable endeavors, fostering a spirit of giving amidst the vitality of Santa Barbara living.

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Founded in 1964 as a community for retired teachers, Vista del Monte is located in Santa Barbara’s Hidden Valley, between the foothills and the sea. Throughout the decades since it first opened its doors, Vista grew into a senior living community serving people from all walks of life and expanded to include a health clinic and its renowned Fitness and Aquatic Center. The Fitness and Aquatic Center serves as a unique link with the surrounding community, a place open to all in the Santa Barbara area to enjoy exercise and recreation.

Several years ago, the community opened Summer House, a memory care neighborhood serving residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and began offering Truly Yours, a program that brings personal assisted living services directly to residents in their homes at Vista. The community also recently enhanced resident amenities, including a new resident lounge, refurbished and expanded dining room and an outdoor patio.

In 2022, the Foundation partnered with Vista to pilot video touch-screens that tell resident and community stories, provide information about the campus, and showcase the community’s compassion through charitable gifts to the Foundation.


Vista del Monte residents have a zest for life that matches the vitality of the entire Santa Barbara area. Some residents explore their creative sides, in groups like the Vista Voices Choral Group and the Vista del Monte Players theatre company. Others stretch their minds with lifelong learning classes taught by outside experts as well as by residents.


Vista del Monte has always been a generous community. Through gifts from residents, the community has been able to make numerous enhancements to its campus, including the opening of Summer House. Joanne Freeman, the chair of the VDM Philanthropy Committee, made a gift through her Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to support that project, and also regularly donates to the Employee Scholarship Fund. “When I was a child, my family had a practice of giving back to others,” Joanne said. “I’ve kept this practice throughout my adult life and love giving to programs that serve people in my local community.”


Joanne’s friend and neighbor Jeanne Giacobine chairs the Scholarship Committee, a role she took on because “it’s a cause that means a lot to me.” But Jeanne’s charitable giving did not stop there. She has also donated to the Foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund for her community, to assist those neighbors who, by no fault of their own, have outlived their resources. “I look at residents who have been here for a long time and think how scary it must be if they ran out of money,” Jeanne said. “The Foundation elevates Front Porch and this community from just being a business to something bigger and greater. I’m happy to be part of that greater good.”

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Son Honors Mother by Supporting Circle of Friends https://frontporch.net/son-honors-mother-by-supporting-circle-of-friends/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 03:32:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/son-honors-mother-by-supporting-circle-of-friends/ Dixie Harvey’s son Stan recalls that his mother wanted to find a place to live that would be able to care for her until the end of her life. After a thoughtful search, she found her home at Spring Lake Village. She especially enjoyed the beautiful scenery and her view of the courtyard, as well […]

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Dixie Harvey’s son Stan recalls that his mother wanted to find a place to live that would be able to care for her until the end of her life. After a thoughtful search, she found her home at Spring Lake Village.

She especially enjoyed the beautiful scenery and her view of the courtyard, as well as the proximity to Stan, who lived nearby in Santa Rosa.

Stan is grateful to the staff of Spring Lake Village and the Front Porch organization for the support his mother received while she was a member of the community.

“I appreciated the friendliness and continuity of the team members at Spring Lake Village, a sign of a very well-run organization,” Stan said. “The people who cared for my mother were committed, caring and engaged. I also loved that it was a nonprofit organization that clearly prioritized the needs of the community.”

Dixie lived at Spring Lake Village for eight years, moving into Assisted Living shortly before her death in 2022.

During her time at Spring Lake Village, she always shared the community news with Stan, including copies of the Front Porch Communities Foundation newsletter, Community Matters.

“I enjoyed reading about what was happening in the larger organization, and when I read about the Circle of Friends resident assistance fund, I just thought it was a really great idea and a wonderful cause,” Stan said. “I thought about my own mother and how much stress she would have been under, without me as her back stop, with having to pay bills and worry about running out of resources.

When she passed away, making a gift to the Circle of Friends was a way to honor my mother, but also a way to pay back some of our good fortune by helping others who might not have the support my mother did.”

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Fredericka Manor Resident Inspired by Neighbor Who Makes a Difference https://frontporch.net/fredericka-manor-resident-inspired-by-neighbor-who-makes-a-difference/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 23:25:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/fredericka-manor-resident-inspired-by-neighbor-who-makes-a-difference/ When retired small business owner Joan Ransom and her husband, John, moved toe Fredericka Manor in 2006, they were excited to get involved at the community. An avid volunteer, Joan quickly joined the Fredericka Club, a resident-run fundraising group, and was appointed secretary. Many other opportunities followed. One resident in particular inspired Joan and John […]

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When retired small business owner Joan Ransom and her husband, John, moved toe Fredericka Manor in 2006, they were excited to get involved at the community. An avid volunteer, Joan quickly joined the Fredericka Club, a resident-run fundraising group, and was appointed secretary. Many other opportunities followed.

One resident in particular inspired Joan and John to support their community: Steve Connor.

“Steve has been quite the inspiration to many here, including me and my husband,” Joan said. “He got us interested and shined a light on how we could make a difference through charitable giving.”

Steve, a longtime advocate for the work of the then Pacific Homes Foundation and its successor, the Front Porch Communities Foundation has made and does make in the lives of residents here,” Joan said. “And Keith is not only an advisor but has become a friend.” After weighing their philanthropic options, the Ransoms have been longtime donors to the Foundation in support of the Fredericka Manor Resident Assistance Fund. This “circle of friends” helps provide support for those at the community who outlive their resources.

“No one really knows what their financial situation may be years from now, so it’s important that if someone does run out of money they are able to keep living at Fredericka Manor,” Joan said. “I love it here, and I don’t want to see other people, who also love it here, to have to move out through no fault of theirs.”

Joan has also supported the Scholarship Fund, which provides grants to employees to help them pay for colleg,e trade school, or continuing education. She and John also decided to support Fredericka through planned giving, both opening charitable gift annuities through the Foundation that name Fredericka Manor as the beneficiary, while providing tax savings and generating lifetime income. John passed away in 2020, but Joan appreciates her CGA and the income it provides to her.

“It’s a good feeling knowing I’m helping others and making a difference,” Joan said. “I live here so it’s important that I support the people around me.”

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Appreciating Those Who Care https://frontporch.net/appreciating-those-who-care/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:09:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/appreciating-those-who-care/ Resident generosity and commitment are celebrated in each Front Porch retirement community in a special way. The Honor Rolls in the legacy Covia communities and the Trees of Life at the legacy Front Porch communities allow the Front Porch Communities Foundation to recognize and appreciate supporters. Each display tells a story of community, how current […]

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Resident generosity and commitment are celebrated in each Front Porch retirement community in a special way. The Honor Rolls in the legacy Covia communities and the Trees of Life at the legacy Front Porch communities allow the Front Porch Communities Foundation to recognize and appreciate supporters.

At Carlsbad By The Sea, residents who were newly added to the Tree of Life were honored at a celebration. CBTS Philanthropy Chair Clara Wentland also recognized Don and Joyce Harvey as philanthropists of the year. Don accepted the honor in memory of his wife who recently passed away.

Each display tells a story of community, how current residents and those who came before them have made generous gifts to make their communities into what they are today. For many who make gifts to improve their communities and care for others, the Honor Roll or Tree of Life is a way to show their pride in their contribution and connection to others who believe in the same mission. For others, like Casa de Mañana resident Linda Shaw, being on the Tree of Life is a way to pay tribute to her late husband, Allan. “I recently learned the extraordinary story of Casa team member Miriam Roldan and her daughter, who each received a scholarship from Casa to further their education,” Linda said. “I was so moved that I made a gift to the Casa de Futuro Fund to support scholarships for children of Casa team members. And knowing that Allan’s name is now on the Tree of Life at Casa makes the experience that much more special to me.”

Long before she moved in, Jean Owen visited teachers and friends at Villa Gardens and admired the Tree of Life mounted near the front lobby. When she moved to Villa Gardens and learned she could become a Gold Leaf honoree by committing a gift from her repayable entrance fee, she was excited to receive the honor.

“We are the leading edge of aging well, and this is my part of ensuring this legacy for others,” Jean said. “I want to be a part of building community as I am aging.”


“It is so moving to see the displays honoring residents whose charitable gifts make a difference in their communities and provide assistance to neighbors in need,” said Katharine Miller, the Foundation’s executive director. “We are always grateful that a resident allows us to honor their contributions in this way, so their caring can be an inspiration for others in the future.”

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Casa Resident Dr. Kate Morton Plants a Legacy for the Future https://frontporch.net/casa-resident-dr-kate-morton-plants-a-legacy-for-the-future/ Sun, 15 Oct 2023 02:12:27 +0000 https://frontporch.net/casa-resident-dr-kate-morton-plants-a-legacy-for-the-future/ Soon after moving to Casa de Mañana in 2005, Dr. Kate Morton, affectionately known by fellow residents and staff as the “Rose Lady,” found her passion keeping the dozens of roses “neat and tidy” in between visits from the professional gardeners who maintain the community’s landscaping. Although Kate has since handed over her rose duties […]

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Soon after moving to Casa de Mañana in 2005, Dr. Kate Morton, affectionately known by fellow residents and staff as the “Rose Lady,” found her passion keeping the dozens of roses “neat and tidy” in between visits from the professional gardeners who maintain the community’s landscaping.

Although Kate has since handed over her rose duties to a small volunteer committee, her legacy continues to be laid for the future. Kate is a generous supporter of the Front Porch Communities Foundation through donations to the Employee Scholarship, HEART, and Resident Assistance funds at Casa, and has named the Foundation as a beneficiary of her living trust.

“I’m living in a wonderful place and I believe in what the Foundation is trying to do,” Kate said. “It’s like a family and I want to support my family.” Kate is particularly passionate about supporting Casa’s Scholarship Fund, which not only benefits those who attend traditional two- and four-year colleges but also those attending trade schools, pursuing certificate programs (like nursing programs), continuing education or GED studies.

“There are a lot of young people here who are keen on moving forward in life,” Kate said. “I received financial support while in medical school, and I suppose contributing to the Scholarship Fund is a way of giving back for me.”

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Joining Together to Support At-Risk Older Adults https://frontporch.net/joining-together-to-support-at-risk-older-adults/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:14:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/joining-together-to-support-at-risk-older-adults/ Community friends and business partners joined Front Porch Communities Foundation for the 12th Annual Celtic Cup Golf Tournament to raise more than $100,000 for older adults who are at risk for housing and food insecurity as well as social isolation. This year’s golfers enjoyed the challenging course and the expansive views of the San Francisco […]

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Community friends and business partners joined Front Porch Communities Foundation for the 12th Annual Celtic Cup Golf Tournament to raise more than $100,000 for older adults who are at risk for housing and food insecurity as well as social isolation. This year’s golfers enjoyed the challenging course and the expansive views of the San Francisco Bay from the Berkeley Country Club.

“We are proud to support the great and necessary work
that Front Porch and the Foundation are doing every day
to create a genuine sense of community for their
residents.”

— Justin Brennan, Capital Group senior vice president and
Celtic Cup sponsor

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Celtic Cup to advance our Community Services programs, and a special thanks to this year’s sponsors for their generosity, including Capital Group Private Client Services. Justin Brennan, Capital Group’s senior vice president, said, “We are proud to support the great and necessary work that Front Porch and the Foundation are doing every day to create a genuine sense of community for their residents. We have long believed that strong and lasting relationships are key to helping our clients achieve their goals, and we support Front Porch and their efforts to create and foster those important connections.”


Funds raised at the Celtic Cup support Front Porch’s Community Services division, which primarily serves isolated and low-income older adults living in the community at large. Community Services focuses on four areas of impact: food security, stable housing, creative engagement, and social connection. Funds raised through the Celtic Cup, along with grants from local governments and foundations, and Front Porch’s support, enable the Community Services programs to reach people with life-changing services.

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Circle of Friends Provides a Safety Net for Residents in Need https://frontporch.net/circle-of-friends-provides-a-safety-net-for-residents-in-need/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 23:35:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/circle-of-friends-provides-a-safety-net-for-residents-in-need/ Imagine having a group of friends who care deeply about you and are there for you, especially during challenging times. Imagine a Circle of Friends. This spirit is exemplified by the funds that provide support to residents who have outlived their resources. These resident assistance funds, known as the Circle of Friends, embody the genuine […]

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Imagine having a group of friends who care deeply about you and are there for you, especially during challenging times. Imagine a Circle of Friends. This spirit is exemplified by the funds that provide support to residents who have outlived their resources. These resident assistance funds, known as the Circle of Friends, embody the genuine sense of community that exists for Front Porch residents.

Through Front Porch Communities Foundation’s Circle of Friends funds, neighbors extend their care and assistance to one another when they need it most. Since the very first Front Porch communities opened their doors, residents and their family members have shown their support for the Circle of Friends through annual contributions and gifts made through wills or estate plans.


Front Porch communities support and celebrate the Circle of Friends in various ways. Recently, residents at five Front Porch communities came together for a special dinner aimed at raising awareness and support for the Circle of Friends. The Foundation collaborated with Morrison Community Living, the executive chefs from Spring Lake Village (Santa Rosa), St. Paul’s Towers (Oakland), Webster House (Palo Alto), San Francisco Towers and Walnut Village (Anaheim), as well as a committee of residents, to create a unique menu for the occasion. Residents gathered together, fostering new friendships, cherishing old ones and learning more about the Circle of Friends.

Other communities also place significant emphasis on resident assistance funds. Many Front Porch communities in Southern California educate residents during Philanthropy Week and engage in specific outreach efforts to raise funds for assisting those in need. The philanthropy committees are firmly engaged in the mission to ensure that residents who have outlived their resources receive the support they require.

The Circle of Friends resident assistance funds embody the compassionate spirit of a community that looks out for one another. The funds provide a safety net for residents facing financial difficulties and offer a sense of security and peace of mind. By fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and support, Front Porch communities continue to empower their residents to live fulfilling lives, knowing that they are part of a compassionate Circle of Friends.

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Admiration for Scholarship Programs Fuels Giving https://frontporch.net/admiration-for-scholarship-programs-fuels-giving/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 23:17:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/admiration-for-scholarship-programs-fuels-giving/ For many years before moving to Vista del Monte, longtime Santa Barbara residents Roxana and Fred were members of Vista’s Fitness and Aquatic Center, which is open to the public. “We were very familiar with Vista, so when we decided to move to a retirement community, Vista was a natural choice,” Fred said. After they […]

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For many years before moving to Vista del Monte, longtime Santa Barbara residents Roxana and Fred were members of Vista’s Fitness and Aquatic Center, which is open to the public. “We were very familiar with Vista, so when we decided to move to a retirement community, Vista was a natural choice,” Fred said.

After they settled into Vista in 2019, Roxana became president of the Resident Association and currently serves as its past president. She was also a member of Vista’s Philanthropy Committee, which helps guide how donations to Vista del Monte through the Front Porch Communities Foundation will be used.

Fred and Roxana Anson have supported the scholarship fund at Vista del Monte as a reflection of the value placed on education as a result of their time as educators.


The couple recently made a generous gift to the Foundation from Fred’s individual retirement account. The gift was made as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), one of the savviest ways for those over 70½ to use their IRAs to maximize their charitable impact and realize tax savings. Fred, a retired university professor, and Roxana,
a retired librarian, have a particular affinity for the Foundation’s scholarship funds, which awards cash
grants to qualified Vista employees and also to their children. Scholarships benefit those who attend traditional two- and four-year colleges and those attending trade schools, pursuing certificate programs (like nursing programs), continuing education or GED studies.


“We donate to the Foundation because Vista is our home, and it’s our way of supporting an organization that we admire,” Fred said. “The staff here takes good care of us so we want to be generous to them in return,” Roxana added.

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Social Call Brings People Together for Connection and Friendship https://frontporch.net/social-call-brings-people-together-for-connection-and-friendship/ Sun, 18 Jun 2023 01:13:00 +0000 https://frontporch.net/social-call-brings-people-together-for-connection-and-friendship/ Social connection, especially for isolated and at-risk older adults, is at the heart of Front Porch Community Services programs. The Front Porch Communities Foundation’s annual Celtic Cup Golf Tournament raises funds to support these critical programs. Social Call, connecting adults 60 and older with volunteers for a weekly phone or video call, is one of […]

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Social connection, especially for isolated and at-risk older adults, is at the heart of Front Porch Community Services programs. The Front Porch Communities Foundation’s annual Celtic Cup Golf Tournament raises funds to support these critical programs. Social Call, connecting adults 60 and older with volunteers for a weekly phone or video call, is one of the Community Services programs that changes lives.

Rita LaForce, 81, was lonely before being matched with her friend, Austen Creger.

“Although I have good friends, I don’t have many,” said Rita, a San Francisco resident. “I was feeling really shut in.”

Rita and Austen have spoken weekly for the last three years, and the conversations have improved their quality of life.

Rita LaForce and Austen Creger, Social Call participants,
recently got to meet in person for the first time after
having known each other by phone for three years.


“I can’t tell you what Austen has done for me,” Rita said. “She encourages my creativity. I read my poems to her, share my projects. I am much more outgoing. Austen has made me want to make a real contribution to the world.”

Austen feels the same way.

“It’s so inspiring to talk to Rita,” said Austen. “She never ceases to amaze me. We talk about her past, present, and future, and it’s incredible to see the world through someone else’s perspective.”


Rita and Austen are two of 450 people in Northern California, and more than 1,100 nationwide, who participate in Social Call. Front Porch Community Services staff matched participants with a high level of detail, including shared interests, values, and needs. The matches are diverse, with 70% being intergenerational and 30% peer-to-peer.


“The beauty of the relationship is that both people in the match are offered the chance to feel seen and heard,” said Katie Wade, the senior director who oversees Social Call. “It builds lifelong friendships and increases vitality.”

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