Pasadena Village and Journey House Launch ‘The Bridge’ Intergenerational Program

Pasadena Village and Journey House are partnering to create an intergenerational program called “The Bridge,” connecting former foster youth with elder mentors. The initiative, spearheaded by Karen Bagnard and announced in September, seeks to provide support and guidance to young adults who have aged out of the foster care system as they pursue higher education. 

“We all have much to offer. We all have much to learn,” said Bagnard, who is involved with both organizations. “This programming will provide an opportunity for us to learn about the unique challenges in this community of young people. We will also have an opportunity to share the wisdom of our seasoned lives.” 

The program is being developed by Katie Brandon of Pasadena Village and Jesse Aguiar, executive director of Journey House. It will focus on fostering meaningful connections between the two generations, with the inaugural event planned for the holiday season. 

The Bridge will begin with a Thanksgiving dinner held on the Wednesday before the holiday. Pasadena Village members will have the opportunity to volunteer by cooking, serving, and sharing the meal with Journey House youth and their families.

This event is particularly significant as many Journey House youth lack families to celebrate holidays with, and the organization serves as a “family home” for them. 

Journey House, founded in 1983 and located at 1232 N. Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena, provides support services to former foster and probation youth as they transition to independent adulthood. The organization offers assistance with housing, education, employment, and independent living skills. In 2024, Journey House celebrated its 40th anniversary, now serving over 450 individuals, with approximately 300 active program participants and an average of 50 new intakes annually. 

Statistics show that only about 4% of former foster youth graduate from college. Journey House aims to improve these outcomes by providing emotional support, guidance, and financial aid for higher education expenses. The organization also runs programs such as Beyond Foster Care (BFC), which has achieved significant policy changes, and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), supporting former foster youth in creative careers. 

The collaboration between Pasadena Village and Journey House builds on existing connections. Several Pasadena Village members are already involved with Journey House in various capacities, including Toni Cavanagh as a longtime supporter and Bagnard with the Journey House Sisterhood. Members have attended graduation dinners, contributed to events like the Sisterhood Tea Party, and participated in Journey House’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. 

This new intergenerational program represents an expansion of these efforts, aiming to create more structured opportunities for

mentorship and mutual learning between the two groups. It addresses the challenges faced by youth aging out of the foster care system at 18 (or up to 21), who are suddenly expected to provide for all their own needs. 

For more information about Journey House and its programs, interested individuals can visit www.journeyhouseyouth.org. 

Pasadena Village is online here.