More than 500 residents recently shared the spirit of community during a special dinner to raise awareness and support of the Foundation’s resident assistance funds, called the Circle of Friends in the Northern California life care communities. The Foundation teamed up with dining partner Morrison, the executive chefs of Spring Lake Village (Santa Rosa), St. Paul’s Towers (Oakland), and San Francisco Towers, and a committee of residents to design a special menu for the evening dinner hour — and invited all residents to share dinner with friends at their community and learn about the assistance fund, which provides support for life care residents who outlive their resources.

“Things happen — and we may have greater needs than any of us anticipated,” said Hilda Pressman, a Circle of Friends committee member. “It’s a great comfort to know the Circle of Friends is there.”

The resident assistance funds provided through the Front Porch Communities Foundation provide peace of mind to neighbors and friends in need. As one resident said, “Any of us could outlive our resources, so I want to be a part of being there for one another.” In Northern California, the assistance program for life plan residents is called the Circle of Friends fund and the average age of recipients is 92, with many living at a higher level of care.

“Throughout our communities, the spirit of caring for one another is apparent in the many gifts we receive for the assistance funds,” said Foundation Executive Director Katharine Miller. “It is a reflection of the close friendships people form in our communities and the care that residents have for one another.”

*This story was originally shared in the Community Matters newsletter