Front Porch in the Media: September – October

Here’s a roundup of articles, news stories and media mentions that feature Front Porch or its communities, programs and services from September – October 2024.

On September 3rd, Familiar Touch, a “coming of old age” film made in collaboration with the residents and staff of Villa Gardens Continuing Care Retirement Community, had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival Orizzonti Competition, winning Best Debut Film, Best Director and Best Actress. In Variety, director Sarah Friedland is quoted, saying, “We want to replicate the intergenerational method of how we shot this film. We facilitated a filmmaking workshop for residents at a real assisted living facility called Villa Gardens, encouraging them to make their own films. Later, they joined our cast and crew.” In McKnights, residents and staff share their experience of taking part in the filmmaking process. Pasadena Weekly highlights why Sarah Friedland chose Villa Gardens as the location for the film. Read Front Porch’s press release about the film here.

McKnights announced Anna Hall’s arrival as Front Porch’s new Chief Culture and Community Officer in their September 17th People in the News feature.

Newsweek named Spring Lake Village‘s skilled nursing as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025.

On September 25, LeadingAge used Front Porch’s pilot project using robots to expedite food as an example of an opportunity to use technology to shift staff roles toward more meaningful interactions in this article.

San Diego News reported on Front Porch Gallery‘s first fashion show, held on September 7. The show “celebrate[d] the fashions and creativity of older adults by redefining aging through self-expression.”

Live! in the Bay on KRON interviewed Evan Johnson, director Ruth’s Table, as well as Victoria Campa, co-founder of Counter Collective, to talk about Acts of Care, Ruth’s Table’s latest exhibition, which assembles a collection of works that illuminate moments of care, regeneration, and solidarity. The interview is also available on YouTube.

Friends House residents are featured in this article about their volunteer get-out-the-vote postcard campaign.

Front Porch and Rendever won Gold in the Assistive Technology category of McKnight’s Tech Awards for “Rendever Improves Mobility and Reduces Fall Risk.” As this article states, “Rendever partnered with Front Porch at its Villa Gardens community for a four-week pilot study to test the ability of RendeverFit exercises to improve resident mobility and increase physical independence.”

McKnights announced Annette Balter’s promotion to Director of Well Connected in their October 8th People in the News feature.

Vista del Monte sponsored the 33rd Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, described by Edhat as “better than ever.“

The Wesley Palms auditorium is one of four voting centers in Pacific Beach, the San Diego Union Tribune reported.

The Aging for All Podcast from the Virginia Center on Aging interviewed Luke Barnesmoore, Director of Strategy for Home Match, about the Home Match program and innovative housing solutions for older adults.