Dedicated. Innovative. Mission-driven.

For Ajmal “AJ” Rais, every day brings a new opportunity to create a better quality of life for others. As Construction Project Manager, he’s responsible for overseeing the countless details that go into a new 2Life building—from coordinating contractors and schedules to ensuring ADA compliance. But he never loses sight of the people who will live there.

That sensitivity is second nature to AJ, having grown up in a multigenerational household in India. “I’ve always been around older people, so I’m empathetic to their concerns,” he says.

Often, that empathy combines with AJ’s talent for observation, leading to improvements. In one case, while reviewing some construction plans, he noticed a door to a staircase was not specified to have a window. Recognizing the potential for someone quickly opening the door to hit someone on the other side, AJ requested a window be added to the plan.

Helping others is something AJ practices beyond his job. An accomplished practitioner of yoga, he offers lessons to his 2Life co-workers. “I like to transfer my knowledge, helping others learn some basic exercises they can incorporate into their daily lives,” he says.

Currently, AJ spends much of his time managing the new 2Life J.J. Carroll site under construction in Brighton. He pays attention to even the smallest detail—from the height of the grab bars in the showers to the amount of force required to open a door.

“I try to put myself in the residents’ shoes and think about it from their perspective,” AJ says. “I’m always mindful of what we’re building at 2Life—we’re creating a community.”

Embracing new experiences is key to living a fulfilling life. Making those experiences happen is what drives Susie Swanson. As Group Program Director at Coleman House, she makes sure residents have activities that are engaging, stimulating and, most of all, fun.

From lectures and discussion groups to performances, creative activities and celebrations, Susie is always brainstorming new ways to help Coleman residents expand their horizons. Ideas for programs often come from the participants themselves—Susie stays in close touch with residents to learn what sparks their interest. And she coordinates with her Program Director peers across 2Life to share ideas and experiences.

2Life is a multicultural community and Susie leans into that diversity, organizing events that celebrate different cultures. For example, during Chinese New Year, Coleman residents were treated to a performance of the traditional lion dance.

“I’m so proud of our residents, who really embrace the different cultures and languages within our community,” Susie says.

Susie has a knack for organizing the many details that go into a successful program, including lining up outside vendors or performers well in advance. Those skills are especially important for ambitious programs like the Wednesday Program for Learners, a multi-week enrichment program combining education, movement, creative projects, and lunch that is open to residents of other 2Life campuses and the local Newton community.

For Susie, giving 2Life residents the best possible programs is a calling. “I’ve had incredible moments of pure joy with people,” she says. “Any time we can open new doors for people is really meaningful.”

For Charles Horn, a lead chef in the food service group at Shillman House, his work isn’t just about ensuring good nutrition—it’s about feeding a sense of wellbeing.

“My goal is to make food that makes people happy. A good meal can really brighten someone’s day,” he explains.

Charles brings years of hospitality experience to his role at 2Life. He couples that professional expertise with a personal commitment to meeting the needs and preferences of Shillman residents. In fact, Charles took the initiative to create a guide to help other kitchen staff be aware of individual dietary needs, allergies and preferences for specific residents. In addition, he took it upon himself to type up the weekly menus for residents.

He also stepped up to the plate when leadership was needed to help direct the dining facility’s wait staff of teenage part-timers. With patience and gentle guidance, Charles helps the wait staff develop confidence. For many of these teens, 2Life is their first job and Charles goes out of his way to make it a positive experience for them and for the residents they serve.

While Charles has worked in restaurant and corporate food service settings, he enjoys being part of a close-knit community. If someone has a special food request, Charles is happy to accommodate it. And if an order does not come through for someone who regularly orders, he makes sure to follow up.

“I really enjoy interacting with residents,” he says. “It’s great to have those personal connections. We know who we’re serving and that makes a big difference.”