Outstanding Employees at 2Life Communities
Our Front Row Leadership
As a mission-driven organization, every member of the 2Life team has an opportunity to make a difference for those we serve. We are particularly proud of management practices that empower every person to be a leader -- whether by providing exceptional service to residents, contributing innovative ideas, or spreading the word about 2Life's mission. In this rotating segment, we highlight people from throughout our organization who lead by example and exemplify the mission of 2Life Communities.
Winter 2025
Maggie Skaza | Growing with Brown Family House
Maggie Skaza and Brown Family House have grown up together.
Fresh out of college, Maggie’s first few months were spent in a hard hat before the building opened, welcoming 73 residents in September 2020.
She was hired to be the Group Services Coordinator and plan engaging activities, but Maggie says the first half of her career at 2Life was “Covid rule enforcer.” She wrote and rewrote safety protocols, coordinated testing and later vaccination clinics, and kept seniors safe in their apartments and visitors out.
When residents could not see family or even meet each other, they had Maggie.
She has built close relationships with the small community that relies on her not only for fun but for support. She checks in when someone is missing from their usual class and worries when she is on vacation.
The residents look out for Maggie, too. One calls her “granddaughter,” and many treat her that way.
“Whenever I’m gone, they’ll check in with my supervisor to make sure I’m all right and say they miss me,” Maggie says.
Known for her care and creativity, Maggie organizes unique and enriching experiences. Whether that is a glass mosaic workshop, a salsa class, or a belly dancing performance, she keeps things lively.
Every weekday, Maggie posts a “joke of the day” and a small drawing in the lobby, where she works at the front desk. Residents look forward to it so much that they quickly let her know if she forgets to change it. At this point, she has shared more than 1,000 jokes.
“Residents stop and chuckle — or groan!” she laughs.
When she is not brightening up the Brown Family House community, Maggie is working toward a master’s in gerontology and aging services, which she says would not be possible without tuition assistance from 2Life.
She also enjoys finding odd museums, hiking to castles, and attending quirky live performances. Maggie’s love for the arts and her family roots in Boston keep her grounded and inspired.
Fresh out of college, Maggie’s first few months were spent in a hard hat before the building opened, welcoming 73 residents in September 2020.
She was hired to be the Group Services Coordinator and plan engaging activities, but Maggie says the first half of her career at 2Life was “Covid rule enforcer.” She wrote and rewrote safety protocols, coordinated testing and later vaccination clinics, and kept seniors safe in their apartments and visitors out.
When residents could not see family or even meet each other, they had Maggie.
She has built close relationships with the small community that relies on her not only for fun but for support. She checks in when someone is missing from their usual class and worries when she is on vacation.
The residents look out for Maggie, too. One calls her “granddaughter,” and many treat her that way.
“Whenever I’m gone, they’ll check in with my supervisor to make sure I’m all right and say they miss me,” Maggie says.
Known for her care and creativity, Maggie organizes unique and enriching experiences. Whether that is a glass mosaic workshop, a salsa class, or a belly dancing performance, she keeps things lively.
Every weekday, Maggie posts a “joke of the day” and a small drawing in the lobby, where she works at the front desk. Residents look forward to it so much that they quickly let her know if she forgets to change it. At this point, she has shared more than 1,000 jokes.
“Residents stop and chuckle — or groan!” she laughs.
When she is not brightening up the Brown Family House community, Maggie is working toward a master’s in gerontology and aging services, which she says would not be possible without tuition assistance from 2Life.
She also enjoys finding odd museums, hiking to castles, and attending quirky live performances. Maggie’s love for the arts and her family roots in Boston keep her grounded and inspired.
Jarek Kaczynski | Making repairs and connections
Jarek Kaczynski, 67, is brilliant with words and handy with tools.
Half his lifetime ago, Jarek arrived in the U.S. He had given up a successful career as a journalist and publisher in Poland to be closer to his son.
He got a job washing dishes in a pizzeria, where he set his mind to learning English from the young staff. After work, they would take Jarek to bars. They were there to listen to live music. Jarek was mostly there to listen to his friends.
English has served him well, of course, but now, as part of his job on the maintenance crew at 2Life, Jarek talks with residents in different languages every day. Although he is 100% Polish, he can also speak other Slavic languages. His time living in Moscow helps him connect with the many seniors on 2Life’s Brighton Campus who speak only Russian.
“When they need me, I am there to repair,” Jarek says. And while he is fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a thermostat, they chat easily in Russian. “I grew up in that kind of culture. We have a lot in common, like movies and songs. They call me ‘brother spirit.’”
Jarek is also often called on to translate for residents during emergencies. His supervisor believes Jarek has helped save lives in the year and a half he has worked there.
“I feel good that I can help,” he says. “But I am a gentle spirit. For me, sometimes it is very hard.”
Jarek unwinds by writing and reading. He reads two Polish journals a week and surrounds himself with books. He is constantly learning and enjoys practicing Spanish with friends on the maintenance crew.
Every Sunday, he and his friends from Boston’s Polish Triangle neighborhood meet at a donut shop chain and talk for hours.
They bring Polish “donuts” fresh from a local market, “but we buy lots of coffee, so it’s all right,” Jarek laughs. “I like to be close to my friends.”
When it comes to helping others, Jarek is always there. Whether fixing something around the community, offering a listening ear, or reassuring a resident in need, he goes above and beyond — even when it is hard.
Half his lifetime ago, Jarek arrived in the U.S. He had given up a successful career as a journalist and publisher in Poland to be closer to his son.
He got a job washing dishes in a pizzeria, where he set his mind to learning English from the young staff. After work, they would take Jarek to bars. They were there to listen to live music. Jarek was mostly there to listen to his friends.
English has served him well, of course, but now, as part of his job on the maintenance crew at 2Life, Jarek talks with residents in different languages every day. Although he is 100% Polish, he can also speak other Slavic languages. His time living in Moscow helps him connect with the many seniors on 2Life’s Brighton Campus who speak only Russian.
“When they need me, I am there to repair,” Jarek says. And while he is fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a thermostat, they chat easily in Russian. “I grew up in that kind of culture. We have a lot in common, like movies and songs. They call me ‘brother spirit.’”
Jarek is also often called on to translate for residents during emergencies. His supervisor believes Jarek has helped save lives in the year and a half he has worked there.
“I feel good that I can help,” he says. “But I am a gentle spirit. For me, sometimes it is very hard.”
Jarek unwinds by writing and reading. He reads two Polish journals a week and surrounds himself with books. He is constantly learning and enjoys practicing Spanish with friends on the maintenance crew.
Every Sunday, he and his friends from Boston’s Polish Triangle neighborhood meet at a donut shop chain and talk for hours.
They bring Polish “donuts” fresh from a local market, “but we buy lots of coffee, so it’s all right,” Jarek laughs. “I like to be close to my friends.”
When it comes to helping others, Jarek is always there. Whether fixing something around the community, offering a listening ear, or reassuring a resident in need, he goes above and beyond — even when it is hard.
Viktoria Seretyrova | Finding family far from home
Inside Coleman House, Viktoria Seretyrova answers to honey, dear, darling — and octopus.
“The residents say my hands are everywhere doing many things,” laughs the community coordinator, who says every day offers the chance to learn something new. “I love feeling like I'm doing something helpful.”
Joining the 2Life team has been a refreshing and fitting change for the IT graduate, who now greets everyone with a smile at the front desk, assists our compliance department, and works with over 300 seniors.
“I really enjoy being surrounded by people all the time,” Viktoria says. “I can’t see people when I’m working on computers.”
Viktoria grew up in Kalmykia, a republic of Russia that borders the Caspian Sea. She was never far from her Ääj (“grandmother” in Kalmyk) and was treated like family by her grandmother’s friends. The supportive community she watched those women create and nurture prepared her well for a career at 2Life. Viktoria joined the Coleman House staff last July and quickly endeared herself to the older adults there.
"Sometimes, I can forget they are not my family, because it feels like family when you check in with each other," she says.
When she moved to the United States three years ago, she spoke very little English. Now at work, she speaks about half the time in English and half in Russian, like 47% of seniors in Coleman House.
One resident stops by to chat several times a week, and Viktoria always has a few pronunciation questions ready for the New England native, grateful for his help and friendship. Another resident-turned-friend speaks only Russian and reminds Viktoria of her grandmother, the strong, intelligent woman who raised her 5,000 miles away.
With her caring nature and commitment to service, Viktoria has built lasting bonds with the residents in a very short time. Through her, they not only find a trusted companion but a reminder of the power of kindness and the value of community.
“When someone has a worry or a problem, they know I listen and try to bring calm. I tell them they are not alone,” she says. “They share with me everything. It makes me proud that they trust me.”
Viktoria is a thoughtful observer and has the vantage point — and desire — to witness so much.
“I see a lot of life surrounding me. It’s a lot of different stories, emotions, visions of the world,” she says. “I love the sharing of cultures, people living happily together without any complaints. For me, it’s like magic.”
“The residents say my hands are everywhere doing many things,” laughs the community coordinator, who says every day offers the chance to learn something new. “I love feeling like I'm doing something helpful.”
Joining the 2Life team has been a refreshing and fitting change for the IT graduate, who now greets everyone with a smile at the front desk, assists our compliance department, and works with over 300 seniors.
“I really enjoy being surrounded by people all the time,” Viktoria says. “I can’t see people when I’m working on computers.”
Viktoria grew up in Kalmykia, a republic of Russia that borders the Caspian Sea. She was never far from her Ääj (“grandmother” in Kalmyk) and was treated like family by her grandmother’s friends. The supportive community she watched those women create and nurture prepared her well for a career at 2Life. Viktoria joined the Coleman House staff last July and quickly endeared herself to the older adults there.
"Sometimes, I can forget they are not my family, because it feels like family when you check in with each other," she says.
When she moved to the United States three years ago, she spoke very little English. Now at work, she speaks about half the time in English and half in Russian, like 47% of seniors in Coleman House.
One resident stops by to chat several times a week, and Viktoria always has a few pronunciation questions ready for the New England native, grateful for his help and friendship. Another resident-turned-friend speaks only Russian and reminds Viktoria of her grandmother, the strong, intelligent woman who raised her 5,000 miles away.
With her caring nature and commitment to service, Viktoria has built lasting bonds with the residents in a very short time. Through her, they not only find a trusted companion but a reminder of the power of kindness and the value of community.
“When someone has a worry or a problem, they know I listen and try to bring calm. I tell them they are not alone,” she says. “They share with me everything. It makes me proud that they trust me.”
Viktoria is a thoughtful observer and has the vantage point — and desire — to witness so much.
“I see a lot of life surrounding me. It’s a lot of different stories, emotions, visions of the world,” she says. “I love the sharing of cultures, people living happily together without any complaints. For me, it’s like magic.”
Summer 2024
Ron Yan | Part advocate, part confidant, all heart
Ron Yan moved into his office on 2Life’s Brighton Campus two years ago. He approaches his Resident Services Coordinator role as part advocate, part “therapist,” working with more than 100 residents.
“It feels good when I can relieve a burden for them,” Ron says. “I share their happiness because we solved an issue together. And when you’re doing something rewarding, the time just goes by faster.”
Most of the residents he supports speak his native Mandarin. He helps with everything from working their TV remote to waiting on hold for sometimes hours and then translating complex information to ensure their healthcare or housing benefits remain in place.
“I want them to feel heard. Sometimes that’s by collaborating with other departments to give them the best experience possible because 2Life has so many wonderful programs and opportunities,” Ron says. “And I always want my office to be a safe place for them, where they trust that they can share whatever they want.”
Residents adore Ron for his gentle nature, genuine interest, and can-do attitude. Some even show their gratitude by cooking for him, providing him every once in a while with delicious hand-made dumplings that remind him of where he is from in China.
“They treat me like family. It means a lot to me,” he says. “They make me feel like we value each other — it’s not just one way.”
“It feels good when I can relieve a burden for them,” Ron says. “I share their happiness because we solved an issue together. And when you’re doing something rewarding, the time just goes by faster.”
Most of the residents he supports speak his native Mandarin. He helps with everything from working their TV remote to waiting on hold for sometimes hours and then translating complex information to ensure their healthcare or housing benefits remain in place.
“I want them to feel heard. Sometimes that’s by collaborating with other departments to give them the best experience possible because 2Life has so many wonderful programs and opportunities,” Ron says. “And I always want my office to be a safe place for them, where they trust that they can share whatever they want.”
Residents adore Ron for his gentle nature, genuine interest, and can-do attitude. Some even show their gratitude by cooking for him, providing him every once in a while with delicious hand-made dumplings that remind him of where he is from in China.
“They treat me like family. It means a lot to me,” he says. “They make me feel like we value each other — it’s not just one way.”
Jackie Fortier | Compassion and appreciation for colleagues
For more than a decade, Jackie Fortier has been the first person 2Life employees go to when they have celebratory milestones or difficult life events.
“I love getting to share in the excitement when staff are getting married or having babies,” says the People Operations Manager. “And I’m also glad I can help put their minds at ease when something not so great happens, to tell them not to worry and that we’ll take care of things.”
Jackie has earned the trust of her colleagues by having an open door policy, being a compassionate listener, and never rushing conversations.
“I might block a certain amount of time for a meeting, but I let the conversation tell us how long we need to meet,” she says.
Staff often share stories beyond the original purpose of the meeting, and Jackie enjoys getting to know and supporting the 2Life team as well as greeting residents in the halls.
“It’s nice to see the impact of our work,” she says. “What we’re working for is right here — not a way off thing.”
Although she loves her HR role at 2Life and working for a cause she believes in, Jackie’s favorite title is number-one auntie. She bought her first house a mile down the road from her sister and credits 2Life’s commitment to work-life balance for having the time to be an integral part of her nieces’ and nephew’s lives.
“I love getting to share in the excitement when staff are getting married or having babies,” says the People Operations Manager. “And I’m also glad I can help put their minds at ease when something not so great happens, to tell them not to worry and that we’ll take care of things.”
Jackie has earned the trust of her colleagues by having an open door policy, being a compassionate listener, and never rushing conversations.
“I might block a certain amount of time for a meeting, but I let the conversation tell us how long we need to meet,” she says.
Staff often share stories beyond the original purpose of the meeting, and Jackie enjoys getting to know and supporting the 2Life team as well as greeting residents in the halls.
“It’s nice to see the impact of our work,” she says. “What we’re working for is right here — not a way off thing.”
Although she loves her HR role at 2Life and working for a cause she believes in, Jackie’s favorite title is number-one auntie. She bought her first house a mile down the road from her sister and credits 2Life’s commitment to work-life balance for having the time to be an integral part of her nieces’ and nephew’s lives.
Anna Verbuk | Confidence and connection through technology
When Anna Verbuk earned a Ph.D. in Linguistics, she never imagined her career path would include teaching seniors how to use technology. However, her love of technology, languages, learning, and helping others led Anna to 2Life.
“More than 50% of our residents are not native English speakers,” she says. “So it is extremely important for them to be able to use technology to communicate, to feel empowered, and to combat loneliness.”
When Anna joined 2Life as a technology instructor eight years ago, the program was limited to how to use the desktop workstations and printers within the computer centers.
Today, she and the Resident Technology Support Program team teach more than 25 different classes, including a new series on artificial intelligence (AI) tools, in three languages across 2Life’s campuses. Anna herself teaches in both English and Russian.
Partnering with the IT team, Anna leads the programming aspect of 2Life’s device lending library, giving residents access to Chromebooks and sound amplifiers and the training to use them. Her team also offers residents one-on-one assistance with their personal devices.
Anna is always testing tools, adding classes, and adapting curricula based on changing technologies and feedback from residents and staff. As she has expanded the program’s offerings, more and more seniors — about 900 or half of 2Life residents — have taken part.
“I’m proud of that, but the opportunities to interact with seniors are the most rewarding,” she says. “Residents have a sense of satisfaction when they learn a new skill and are often emotional realizing how it can improve their life.”
“More than 50% of our residents are not native English speakers,” she says. “So it is extremely important for them to be able to use technology to communicate, to feel empowered, and to combat loneliness.”
When Anna joined 2Life as a technology instructor eight years ago, the program was limited to how to use the desktop workstations and printers within the computer centers.
Today, she and the Resident Technology Support Program team teach more than 25 different classes, including a new series on artificial intelligence (AI) tools, in three languages across 2Life’s campuses. Anna herself teaches in both English and Russian.
Partnering with the IT team, Anna leads the programming aspect of 2Life’s device lending library, giving residents access to Chromebooks and sound amplifiers and the training to use them. Her team also offers residents one-on-one assistance with their personal devices.
Anna is always testing tools, adding classes, and adapting curricula based on changing technologies and feedback from residents and staff. As she has expanded the program’s offerings, more and more seniors — about 900 or half of 2Life residents — have taken part.
“I’m proud of that, but the opportunities to interact with seniors are the most rewarding,” she says. “Residents have a sense of satisfaction when they learn a new skill and are often emotional realizing how it can improve their life.”
Spring 2024
Abdel Ait Chaib & Ghizlane Bellacen | A tradition of helping others
For Abdel Ait Chaib and Ghizlane Bellacen, assisting older adults isn’t just their job — it’s their culture. In their native Morocco, living in multigenerational families is the norm. That has proven to be the ideal background for their roles at Shillman House in Framingham.
Abdel serves as a maintenance mechanic and Ghizlane as a site representative, providing on-site assistance to residents in the evenings and overnight. But that doesn’t begin to describe how they view their roles. “The residents here are like our own grandparents. It’s a great pleasure to talk with them and help with whatever they need,” says Ghizlane.
That sense of family extends to their two young children, who enjoy living at Shillman House. “They love visiting the people here,” Ghizlane notes, sharing that the children often deliver packages to residents, who look forward to these youthful visits.
In addition to his day job doing maintenance, Abdel also pitches in as a site representative in the evenings. In fact, they both routinely assist with tasks that are not part of their job descriptions. You can often find one or both of them helping to set up for an event, for example. “We never say no,” Ghizlane says.
It’s all about people supporting each other, they say. “Where we grew up, if your neighbor needs help, you help them,” Abdel explains. “If you can help someone, just do it.”
Abdel serves as a maintenance mechanic and Ghizlane as a site representative, providing on-site assistance to residents in the evenings and overnight. But that doesn’t begin to describe how they view their roles. “The residents here are like our own grandparents. It’s a great pleasure to talk with them and help with whatever they need,” says Ghizlane.
That sense of family extends to their two young children, who enjoy living at Shillman House. “They love visiting the people here,” Ghizlane notes, sharing that the children often deliver packages to residents, who look forward to these youthful visits.
In addition to his day job doing maintenance, Abdel also pitches in as a site representative in the evenings. In fact, they both routinely assist with tasks that are not part of their job descriptions. You can often find one or both of them helping to set up for an event, for example. “We never say no,” Ghizlane says.
It’s all about people supporting each other, they say. “Where we grew up, if your neighbor needs help, you help them,” Abdel explains. “If you can help someone, just do it.”
Keith Kennedy | Maintaining rewarding relationships
Keith Kennedy is a maintenance mechanic at our Shirley Meadows campus, a job he sees as maintaining close relationships with the residents who rely on him as much as making sure that everything functions as it should.
Keith makes himself available through an open door policy. “I want people to know that they have someone they can turn to whenever they have an issue,” he says. “No matter how minor it is, I want to know. Taking care of little problems helps avoid bigger problems.”
Keith is always willing to go out of his way to help, whether it’s hanging a picture on a wall or just lending an ear. This approach has made him a favorite with residents: “That builds trust, which is very important. After all, I’m coming into their home.” In return, he reaps benefits from these relationships. “Residents have a lot of good advice and great stories. Spending time with them is really a treat,” he says.
Over the years, Keith has worked in a variety of settings, from college dormitories to market-rate rentals. But at 2Life, he’s found the ideal environment. “Everyone at 2Life supports the mission of living in community,” he asserts. “It matches my own vision for how residents should be treated.”
Keith makes himself available through an open door policy. “I want people to know that they have someone they can turn to whenever they have an issue,” he says. “No matter how minor it is, I want to know. Taking care of little problems helps avoid bigger problems.”
Keith is always willing to go out of his way to help, whether it’s hanging a picture on a wall or just lending an ear. This approach has made him a favorite with residents: “That builds trust, which is very important. After all, I’m coming into their home.” In return, he reaps benefits from these relationships. “Residents have a lot of good advice and great stories. Spending time with them is really a treat,” he says.
Over the years, Keith has worked in a variety of settings, from college dormitories to market-rate rentals. But at 2Life, he’s found the ideal environment. “Everyone at 2Life supports the mission of living in community,” he asserts. “It matches my own vision for how residents should be treated.”
Rosie Schiavone | Embracing new ways to help
Rosie Schiavone loves a challenge. She continually takes on new tasks that expand her knowledge — and her impact on 2Life Communities.
As facilities administrator, Rosie is responsible for managing all the contracts, invoices, insurance paperwork, and other details that keep our facilities team on track. She’s always willing to take on something new, such as implementing a new online training platform for our maintenance mechanics.
“Even if it’s something I’ve never done, I want to do it,” she says. “For me, it’s important to step up and help when needed.”
Rosie’s talent and excitement for learning new things is matched by her enjoyment of other people. You will often find her helping out at 2Life events or visiting with residents. “I always take time to ask about their day or compliment them. I think kindness is contagious,” she explains.
A music lover since childhood, Rosie also enjoys playing the piano in the Brighton lobby. “If there are residents nearby, I think it gives them a little joy. I see the smiles on their faces. And it’s a way to communicate across language barriers,” she explains.
Although Rosie has worked at 2Life for just a year and a half, she feels fortunate to contribute to our mission of helping older adults live full lives in community. “Honoring our elders is very important to me,” Rosie says. “When I see what 2Life has done for so many older adults, and being part of something so grand, it makes me very proud.”
As facilities administrator, Rosie is responsible for managing all the contracts, invoices, insurance paperwork, and other details that keep our facilities team on track. She’s always willing to take on something new, such as implementing a new online training platform for our maintenance mechanics.
“Even if it’s something I’ve never done, I want to do it,” she says. “For me, it’s important to step up and help when needed.”
Rosie’s talent and excitement for learning new things is matched by her enjoyment of other people. You will often find her helping out at 2Life events or visiting with residents. “I always take time to ask about their day or compliment them. I think kindness is contagious,” she explains.
A music lover since childhood, Rosie also enjoys playing the piano in the Brighton lobby. “If there are residents nearby, I think it gives them a little joy. I see the smiles on their faces. And it’s a way to communicate across language barriers,” she explains.
Although Rosie has worked at 2Life for just a year and a half, she feels fortunate to contribute to our mission of helping older adults live full lives in community. “Honoring our elders is very important to me,” Rosie says. “When I see what 2Life has done for so many older adults, and being part of something so grand, it makes me very proud.”
Winter 2024
Natalie Thoresen | Cultivating a flourishing volunteer community
Every day, you’ll find volunteers interacting with 2Life residents in ways that bring joy—whether helping them with technology or leading them in song. Behind 2Life’s thriving volunteer program is Natalie Thoresen, a dynamic leader driven by a deep appreciation of the power of service to others. Since taking on the role of Volunteer Program Manager during the pandemic, Natalie has worked to create a tight community of engaged volunteers, while fostering a spirit of volunteerism across 2Life.
From the start, Natalie has taken an intentional approach to recruiting and supporting volunteers. She developed a robust onboarding program to effectively match volunteer skills, interests, and availability to residents’ needs. She works closely with all volunteers, providing the support, information, and consistent presence they need to feel truly connected to 2Life.
Strengthening a sense of community among the volunteers is essential for their engagement. Natalie’s Volunteer Appreciation events and online team-building events help volunteers get to know each other and share insights. Natalie was also instrumental in the development of a new Volunteer Portal that provides easy access to a wealth of resources.
Natalie also serves as a catalyst to engage both residents and staff in volunteering in some way, encouraging everyone to seek out opportunities to pitch in and support each other. She emphasizes the personal rewards, noting that volunteering is a great way to connect with others.
“I’ve been volunteering most of my life. It’s a way to step outside of yourself and be compassionate to others,” Natalie says. “I think it’s a universal thing to want a sense of purpose.”
From the start, Natalie has taken an intentional approach to recruiting and supporting volunteers. She developed a robust onboarding program to effectively match volunteer skills, interests, and availability to residents’ needs. She works closely with all volunteers, providing the support, information, and consistent presence they need to feel truly connected to 2Life.
Strengthening a sense of community among the volunteers is essential for their engagement. Natalie’s Volunteer Appreciation events and online team-building events help volunteers get to know each other and share insights. Natalie was also instrumental in the development of a new Volunteer Portal that provides easy access to a wealth of resources.
Natalie also serves as a catalyst to engage both residents and staff in volunteering in some way, encouraging everyone to seek out opportunities to pitch in and support each other. She emphasizes the personal rewards, noting that volunteering is a great way to connect with others.
“I’ve been volunteering most of my life. It’s a way to step outside of yourself and be compassionate to others,” Natalie says. “I think it’s a universal thing to want a sense of purpose.”
Viorika Zeqo | A lifetime of service working with older adults
2Life has been part of Viorika Zeqo’s life since childhood. When her family emigrated to the United States from Albania more than 20 years ago, Golda Meir House provided both employment for her parents and a place for the family to live for a number of years. Today, as Assistant Director at Shillman House, she cherishes those memories and does whatever she can to ensure her residents have the same joyful experience of living here as she did.
A key part of Viorika’s role is working with people applying to live at 2Life, helping them navigate the often complex maze of financial guidelines and determine eligibility. She does whatever it takes, often wading through piles of paperwork to ensure each applicant receives the subsidies for which they qualify. She is also a valuable resource for Albanian-speaking residents, translating important documents for them.
A gifted problem-solver who loves a challenge, Viorika is always looking for ways to do things more efficiently or effectively. When shopping for supplies, she’s a tenacious bargain hunter. When an extra pair of hands is needed, Viorika is always willing to pitch in. During a recent power outage due to a storm, she helped out in the kitchen and covered the front desk, reassuring residents and alleviating their concerns.
“I’ve spent my entire life with older adults. Growing up at Golda was like having 200 grandparents,” Viorika says. “I love working with 2Life residents. They say what they mean, which is very refreshing.”
A key part of Viorika’s role is working with people applying to live at 2Life, helping them navigate the often complex maze of financial guidelines and determine eligibility. She does whatever it takes, often wading through piles of paperwork to ensure each applicant receives the subsidies for which they qualify. She is also a valuable resource for Albanian-speaking residents, translating important documents for them.
A gifted problem-solver who loves a challenge, Viorika is always looking for ways to do things more efficiently or effectively. When shopping for supplies, she’s a tenacious bargain hunter. When an extra pair of hands is needed, Viorika is always willing to pitch in. During a recent power outage due to a storm, she helped out in the kitchen and covered the front desk, reassuring residents and alleviating their concerns.
“I’ve spent my entire life with older adults. Growing up at Golda was like having 200 grandparents,” Viorika says. “I love working with 2Life residents. They say what they mean, which is very refreshing.”
David Berde | Demonstrating the power of compassion
For David Berde, the most important service of all is compassion. As Resident Services Coordinator at Golda Meir House, he ensures that residents feel heard, valued, cared for, and connected to the 2Life community.
David acts as a bridge to services that residents need — such as transportation to appointments, meal resources, communicating with health care teams, or homecare support. Beyond those core responsibilities, his positive attitude and empathy have made David a go-to person for residents seeking a sounding board. He also reaches out to new 2Life staff members and residents, welcoming them into our community.
With a social work and mental health background, David works hand-in-hand with an external service provider to serve chronically unhoused individuals, helping them integrate into the 2Life setting. He also represented 2Life at a Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) mental health initiative, bringing strategies back to 2Life staff to address this crucial issue.
David also brings his perspective and insights as a person of color to 2Life’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, helping us fulfill our commitment to DEI in every aspect of our operations.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this population and community. I’m proud to contribute to an environment where people feel safe, supported, and joyful during a very special chapter of their lives,” David says. “It’s truly a blessing working at 2Life.”
David acts as a bridge to services that residents need — such as transportation to appointments, meal resources, communicating with health care teams, or homecare support. Beyond those core responsibilities, his positive attitude and empathy have made David a go-to person for residents seeking a sounding board. He also reaches out to new 2Life staff members and residents, welcoming them into our community.
With a social work and mental health background, David works hand-in-hand with an external service provider to serve chronically unhoused individuals, helping them integrate into the 2Life setting. He also represented 2Life at a Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) mental health initiative, bringing strategies back to 2Life staff to address this crucial issue.
David also brings his perspective and insights as a person of color to 2Life’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, helping us fulfill our commitment to DEI in every aspect of our operations.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this population and community. I’m proud to contribute to an environment where people feel safe, supported, and joyful during a very special chapter of their lives,” David says. “It’s truly a blessing working at 2Life.”