With increasing numbers of careers requiring advanced education, several residents at senior living facilities are now paying it forward, whether through financial contributions or support for the college-bound employees in their communities.
At Ingleside at King Farm, a group of residents known as the “Michigan Mafia,” joined forces to help advocate for an employee to get accepted into her dream nursing program.
Fatou Faye, a high school student and Ingleside at King Farm employee who worked in the senior living community’s bistro and later picked up shifts working in the coffee shop, received early acceptance into the University of Michigan School of Nursing.
“Once I finish university, I plan to someday become a pediatric nurse and then continue my education to become either a nurse anesthetist or get a doctorate in nursing,” the employee said.
After the resident group—all alumni and former professors at the University of Michigan – learned of Fatou’s career plans and efforts of applying to their alma mater, they came together at a potluck and all signed a letter to help make the college-bound student’s dream come true.
“We wrote a letter to the Dean of Nursing, letting him know that Fatou did not request the letter, but we wanted to help and knew it would at least get her application in front of the right decision makers,” said Ginny Cover, a U of M alum and Ingleside resident who wrote the letter alongside her husband Albert. “Putting our thumb ‘on the scale’ to get Fatou noticed was our way of expressing appreciation to one of our young employees.”
Albert Cover, a former Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan, spoke frequently with Fatou about her college plans during his daily visit to the coffee shop where she worked during the summer months. The former faculty member, who later shared word of Fatou’s plan with his wife, was particularly excited, especially because she had decided on the University of Michigan Nursing School as her first choice.
The married duo then brought the letter to a National Championship watch party and community potluck at the senior living facility where other Michigan Mafia residents attended and agreed to sign the letter. “I hadn’t realized Fatou had applied, but I thought she would be a great addition to any program she was interested in,” said Joan Rosenstein, a Michigan affiliated resident who signed Fatou’s letter. “I know her from Le Bistro & have always been impressed by her work ethic and her vivacious personality.”
From the unconditional support and wisdom-filled conversations from residents to the vibrant dreams of its younger staff members, the heart of Ingleside’s thriving senior community lies in the harmony of its people.
“The recommendation letter truly helped me with the application process. Once everyone signed, they printed me my own personal copy and they sent off the original to the university,” said Fatou. “Without me needing to ask, the residents signed and wrote this recommendation to help me get into my dream school. It really showcases how amazing they are. It is truly a dream come true.”
Cultivating a Community of Cross-Generational Relationships
Residents often find a renewed sense of purpose through the support and encouragement of young staff members at Ingleside. By continuing to foster a community where such cross-generational exchanges transpire between residents and employees, Ingleside further helps to pave the way forward in creating a community where ageless wisdom aligns with young, ambitious talent.
Through the Westminster Ingleside Foundation, residents can give back to the community and lend their support in the form of donations towards scholarships for employees to continue their education or receive citizenship. Creating an environment where such relationships between employees and staff can exist ensures that not only residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs are met, but also nurtures a culture where employees too feel supported.
For more information about Ingleside at King Farm community, visit https://inglesideonline.org/ingleside-king-farm/ or call (240) 391-3380.