Mission Support & Philanthropy
A Personal Essay by Holly Lange, Cathedral Village Affiliate Board Member
My interest in aging began when I was in high school. My grandmother had a stroke and came to live with us. My family provided care for her and, as a new driver, I was thrilled to be allowed to borrow the family car on Saturdays to take Nana shopping and to lunch at the local diner.
Fast-forward to my professional career. I have worked for over 40 years in the field of geriatrics. I retired in 2020 as the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. This large nonprofit organization serves elders in Philadelphia with home delivery meals, adult day programs, home care, and senior centers.
In 2015, I was pleased to learn that PSL had acquired Cathedral Village because PSL’s approach to managing care and services for residents aligns with my views of compassion and respect.
In 2021, I was contacted by a former board member who is a resident at Cathedral Village. He asked me if I was interested in becoming Cathedral board member. After an interview with the board chair, I was elected to the board and started my term in January 2022. Being on the Cathedral board allows me to use my knowledge and expertise as a leader in aging services.
Each of the PSL communities has their own individual culture. However, all of them focus on person-centered care and work to support residents as they continue to be engaged in their communities. Each community has an active resident council which participates in governance and chooses which activities to pursue. PSL and Cathedral have worked hard to hire competent and responsive team members who address the needs of the residents and evolve with innovation.
My career in aging services has provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow. Throughout my working life, and now in retirement, as a Cathedral board member, I can continue to treat elders and residents with compassionate care and respect in their communities. I am proud to be an active member of the Cathedral board.