Fellow Team Members,

As we approach Independence Day—and begin to look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary—we are reminded that progress is never a solo act. It is built over generations, shaped by shared purpose, and strengthened by the communities we create together.

At Transforming Age, that is not an idea. It is our foundation.

Some of our affiliates trace their roots back more than a century. Mercy, for example, is our oldest affiliate and was founded in 1872 with a mission of service that continues to guide its work today. That legacy is not just history. It is a living reminder that the work we do matters across generations.

That same spirit continues to grow. We are proud to officially welcome Odd Fellows Home of California into the Transforming Age network and their two communities, The Meadows of Napa Valley and Saratoga Retirement Community. The organization is deeply rooted in a long-standing legacy of service. Together, we are excited to honor our shared history while expanding what is possible for the future.

Across our network, we are advancing that future in tangible ways. Through affiliates like SHAG and DASH, we are expanding access to affordable housing and responding to one of the most pressing needs of our time. The recent groundbreaking of Grandview in University Place is one example of that progress in action. Grandview offers an opportunity for older adults to live with stability, dignity, and connection, regardless of income.

This is what it means to operate as a nonprofit network. We fill gaps that public and private stakeholders cannot. We take a long-term view. And we align our resources across communities, affiliates, and geographies to create impact that is greater than any one organization could achieve alone.

That spirit of coordination and shared purpose is playing out on a global stage right now as well. As the world comes together around the World Cup, we are reminded how powerful it is to unite around something bigger than ourselves: different countries, different cultures, one shared experience.

In many ways, that same dynamic exists within our own network. We are a collection of distinct organizations, each with its own history, expertise, and community. But together, we are something more. We are an ecosystem built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to transforming the perception of age and helping older adults live with purpose, connection, and possibility.

That work is guided by our Culture of Excellence. We act with integrity, work together as one team, and show respect by honoring the value and diversity of every person. We bring a sense of fun and joy to our work, continue to innovate and improve, hold ourselves accountable to high standards, and lead with grace—showing kindness, empathy, and compassion in all that we do.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we also celebrate the independence we help make possible every day—supporting older adults to live safely, confidently, and with purpose.

And as we look ahead to America’s 250th year, we are reminded that the next chapter is ours to write.

Together.

Happy Summer!

Torsten