Philanthropy | Kirkland Village
At Presbyterian Senior Living, our communities are more than places to live and work—they are villages where people truly know and care for one another. While this spirit can be felt across all PSL locations, it shines brightly at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, PA, through team members like Eileen Smith.
Eileen has served in Dining Services for nearly 15 years, beginning at Westminster Village in Allentown, PA before transferring to Kirkland Village in 2021. “The environment makes it feel like a family atmosphere,” she says. “I am here more than I am at home, so you get close with the residents too.” She loves chatting with residents about their day, hearing feedback on meals, and even picking up new recipe ideas or alternate ways to prepare a favorite dish.
But community becomes most meaningful in moments of hardship. In 2016, Eileen’s sister was diagnosed with terminal cancer, a devastating turn no one can truly prepare for. Supported by her supervisor and coworkers, she took the time she needed to be with her family, but the absence led to lost income she couldn’t fully cover with vacation time.
That is where the Team Member Assistance Fund stepped in. The fund offers emergency grants to employees facing unexpected crises, and for Eileen, it eased a burden during one of the hardest times of her life. “You never know who will need it, but it is a real need that actually makes a difference in a person’s life,” she shared. “Kirkland Village is a supportive community, and I want to make sure I am a part of that.”
And she is. Having weathered her own season of difficulty, Eileen is now not only a donor but also a member of the Kirkland Care Crew, the committee that encourages employee giving and builds connections across the village. Whether organizing fundraising activities or spreading joy—like dressing up and delivering Valentine’s Day flowers to residents—the team makes community feel tangible. The smiles they receive are matched only by the joy they feel giving back.
Eileen’s story embodies what makes PSL so special: a place where neighbors uplift one another, where caring goes both ways, and where community is lived every day.
Want to join Eileen in supporting the Team Member Assistance Fund? Make a donation today!