Villa Gardens Retirement Community in Pasadena was filled with song, joy and laughter last night as residents, mainly from Summer House, the community’s memory care neighborhood, teamed up with visiting youth and made their debut as the Joyful Hearts Choir.
Although many of the residents have cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease, they enthusiastically sang familiar songs, including patriotic favorites and American standards. They were joined by their volunteer “buddies,” fellow residents, community members or family members who provided encouragement. Singing side-by-side with residents were the “Young Ambassadors,” a youth choir, ages 7-14, from Los Angeles.
“Our goal is not perfection,” said Bonnie Stover, director of volunteer services for Front Porch, who helped organize the Joyful Hearts. “We emphasize the meaningful connections and shared purpose in weekly participation, and the heartfelt joy that goes along with it.”
Villa Gardens is a Front Porch community located in the heart of Pasadena. For more information, visit villagardens.org.
Although many of the residents have cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease, they enthusiastically sang familiar songs, including patriotic favorites and American standards. They were joined by their volunteer “buddies,” fellow residents, community members or family members who provided encouragement. Singing side-by-side with residents were the “Young Ambassadors,” a youth choir, ages 7-14, from Los Angeles.
“Our goal is not perfection,” said Bonnie Stover, director of volunteer services for Front Porch, who helped organize the Joyful Hearts. “We emphasize the meaningful connections and shared purpose in weekly participation, and the heartfelt joy that goes along with it.”
Villa Gardens is a Front Porch community located in the heart of Pasadena. For more information, visit villagardens.org.
