THE BRIDGE BEGINS AT JOURNEY HOUSE

Village members and friends stepped up to provide a bountiful dinner for the young people and their families at Journey House. Approximately 75 dinners were enjoyed on Wednesday, November 27, at two seatings.

While no one lives at Journey House anymore, it still feels like a family home for young people who have aged out of foster care and are working their way through college or trade schools. Journey House provides them with counseling, mentoring, financial help and many other forms of support. With no families to support them, these young people rely on the staff and volunteers at Journey House.

Villager Debbie Baird commented, “Journey House has such a wonderful homey atmosphere. The children have their own room upstairs stocked with toys to enjoy.  And, if a child wants to keep a toy they can take it home with them. It was a joyful experience to be a part of this Journey House Thanksgiving celebration.”

Those of us who cooked and attended this lovely Thanksgiving gathering felt the love and the warmth that exists in this lovely historic home in Pasadena. We saw young people who found their way, many without transportation of their own, to be with the ones who love and support them. Some came with partners and/or children. It was beautiful to be a part of this. As Bridget Brewster shared, “I went expecting to simply be of help, I didn't imagine the gratitude, not just for the food, but actually being present with the Journeyers. I walked away on cloud nine!”

Fortunately, the weather was beautiful, allowing the children to play in the garden and run around on the big lawn in front. It was your typical family Thanksgiving dinner gathering.

This was the inaugural event in developing inter-generational programming for both Pasadena Village and Journey House. Executive Directors Jesse Aguiar and Katie Brandon, are working jointly to create more opportunities in the new year that will enrich and benefit both organizations. 

Quite a few of the Village members have been involved with Journey House for many years, Toni Cavanagh, Wayne April, Jeff Gutstadt, Bridget Brewster, Tom and Liz Polenzani and me.  We have participated and supported this organization in many ways. We can all attest to the dedication and success of their mission to help former foster youth continue their education.

One of the greatest aspects of Journey House is that no one ever “ages out.” They are truly like a family. They have been in existence for over 41 years doing this great work. Some of the original young men who benefited from the vision of the founder, Father Tim Mayworm, still come back “home” to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and the annual Christmas party. 

Katy Townsend said, “My daughter passed away a few months prior to this Thanksgiving Dinner and I felt good being around a lot of positive and wonderful people.”  This statement underscores how much we have to give to each other.