Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging
May 16, 2026
By Catie Ramos, Team Member Engagement & Outreach Manager
Each May is Older Americans Month, a month dedicated to honoring older adults. This nationwide recognition was established in 1963, during a meeting with President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens. During that time, only 17 million older adults reached their 65th birthday, and one-third of older Americans lived in poverty with few programs to meet their needs.
Previously known as “Senior Citizens Month,” this designation was created to acknowledge the past and current contributions of older adults, including those who defended our country. Since the time of President Kennedy, a formal proclamation has been issued annually by every president asking that the nation pay tribute to older adults in their communities during the month of May.
At Goodwin Living, older adults make a meaningful impact on our community. One powerful example is the guidance they share as mentors to high school and college students through the Goodwin Living Internship Program.
In 2022, Goodwin Living created an award-winning internship program that offers non-clinical internships in Marketing and Communications, Human Resources, Brain Health and more. These internships, offered in seasonal cohorts throughout the year, are funded by the generosity of the donors to the Goodwin Living Foundation. They give students hands-on experience and support workforce needs in the senior living and healthcare industry. Interns attend professional development workshops during their tenure, and a unique component of the program is that each intern is paired with a resident mentor.
There is no exact science when pairing a resident and intern. Instead, the mentorship program is an opportunity for a young person to build a relationship with an older adult, which often leads to unexpected connections and mutual interests.
Insights from Goodwin Living Mentors
When resident mentors were asked to reflect on their experiences, there were several consistent themes throughout their responses:
- Mentorship is a two-way learning experience. Residents consistently shared that they learn just as much from interns as they teach them.
- Today’s students are driven and capable. Interns are seen as goal-oriented, eager to grow and committed to their futures.
- Mentors develop a deeper understanding of today’s generation through their interactions with interns, gaining insight into the complexities, challenges and opportunities young people face today.
- Intergenerational relationships matter. Building connection across generations creates mutual respect, learning and friendship.
- Mentorship is accessible and rewarding for everyone. Residents emphasized that no special expertise is required to be a mentor and any Goodwin Living resident can participate.
Mireya Ahl, a Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads resident, has served as a mentor for three Goodwin Living interns. “Mentoring is a very rewarding experience,” she shared. “We think that because of our age, we know so much about life. But the truth is, some of the interns have gone through so many difficult moments we could have never imagined. And we, as their mentors, can learn a lot from them. So, mentoring works both ways.”
Intern Insights
Since the program’s inception, interns consistently rate time with their resident mentors as one of the most meaningful aspects of the program. These positive responses to the mentor component of the internship program demonstrate the impact of building relationships with older adults.
“Getting to chat with my mentor after work was a wonderful experience,” shared former Goodwin Living Intern (and current Marketing and Communications Assistant) Caitlin Kelley. “The work we contribute as interns can directly impact residents, so getting insight into their day-to-day lives and sharing yours with them in turn can be a good way to bond. We had so many impactful conversations, and I received so much advice that will last a lifetime.”
The Power of Intergenerational Connection
Older Americans Month is a reminder that connection across generations is powerful. The resident mentorship program brings intergenerational connections to life by creating a safe space for shared wisdom, mutual learning and meaningful relationships that enrich the lives of interns and residents.
To see resident mentorship in action, watch this video of Goodwin House Alexandria resident mentor James Hoben sharing advice with his spring 2026 mentee Rudy Sanchez.
Mentorship opportunities are open to Goodwin Living residents, future Goodwin Living residents, and Goodwin Living At Home Members. Interested in becoming a mentor? Email StaffSupport@GoodwinLiving.org or call 571-429-2180 to connect with the Team Member Engagement and Outreach Manager.
To learn more about the Goodwin Living Internship Program, visit the Goodwin Living website.
Goodwin Living DEIB Committee: Statement of Purpose: Educate, Embrace and Empower team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living to support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
Goodwin Living DEIB Committee Desired Outcome: The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee (DEIB) will seek open and honest communication and collaboration that will inform and celebrate the age, culture, ethnicity and sexual orientation of team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living without bias.
*Members include Priority Club members and Goodwin Living At Home.
Questions or comments? Please contact us DEIB@GoodwinLiving.org
