The Carnegie At Washingtonian Center: Engaging With The Community Benefits Everyone

Recent studies published by the National Institutes of Health confirm that older adults gain physical and mental health benefits from giving back to their communities though participation in philanthropic initiatives. The act of volunteering is associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression, better overall health, fewer functional limitations and greater longevity. The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, an upcoming Kisco Signature senior living community being developed in the heart of Gaithersburg, has aligned its mission to create an elevated and vibrant lifestyle with philanthropic partnerships that offer opportunity to pursue passions and purpose to its future residents.

“It’s not just about giving back that makes the difference. The physical and emotional benefits from volunteering can improve brain and heart health,” explains Libbi Hash, national director of wellness programming for Kisco. “Oftentimes, we see residents get past their physical limitations and thrive in the feeling of doing something that makes a difference in someone else’s life. It gives them purpose, makes them smile and provides fulfillment.” For over 30 years, Kisco Senior Living has exemplified its outreach into the communities they serve with their mantra: Making a Difference Every Day®.

One example of the philanthropic initiatives featured at The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center is a partnership between Link Generations and The Gaithersburg Book Festival, two local organizations that seek to bridge the gap between youth and seniors while fostering interests in reading, writing and literary conversation. Together, they have created a unique reading experience: The Intergenerational Book Club. Hosted monthly at The Carnegie Discovery Center, located in the heart of Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg, seniors and youth from local schools will gain inspiration from each other as they share perspectives and ideas.

Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman, who spearheaded the start of the book festival in 2010, noted that this latest literary endeavor will be a highly positive and worthwhile experience for youth and seniors alike. “Books have a way of bridging gaps and bringing people together, so this latest literary partnership brought about with The Carnegie’s support is really special,” Ashman said. “There’s something magical that happens when you bring younger and older generations together like this, to talk about what they’ve learned and discuss how they were inspired by the written word. It’s likely each generation will be intrigued by what they hear and discover from one another,” he added.

Gene Smallwood, regional vice president of sales for Kisco, agrees. “As a Kisco signature community, life at The Carnegie is going to be centered around creating worthwhile experiences,” he says. “Having grown up in Montgomery County, I know firsthand how valuable this partnership will be for students in our community. We are creating a safe space for Gaithersburg’s seniors and local youth to learn from each other and appreciate both their differences and shared interests. This connection is the intent of our signature programming.”

In addition, The Carnegie supports other worthwhile community initiatives through its relationship with the Gaithersburg Parks, Art, and Recreation Corporation – a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of and secures resources to support new and mature parks, arts and culture programs, and recreational activities in Gaithersburg. Since becoming the first business member of the G-PARC (Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation) Arts & Culture Alliance, The Carnegie has created a unique curated rotating art gallery of local artists in the Discovery Center. “We’re so appreciative to be able to showcase our talented artists through another venue in our community,” said Denise Kayser, chair of the G-PARC Arts & Culture Alliance. “We’re proud to partner with organizations like The Carnegie that support and believe in the importance of the arts and seek to help us expand our outreach.”

For more information on how you can participate in the philanthropic programs at The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, call our team at 240-213-7383 or visit the community’s Discovery Center at 129 Ellington Blvd in Gaithersburg. Learn more at: lifeatthecarnegie.com