Generations of Independence

Jackie Mason and her sister embarked on a journey to find the perfect community for their beloved mother, Eileen York. They sought a place where she could not only receive the care she needed but also thrive in an environment filled with activity and companionship. Through recommendations from friends at church, they discovered New Pond Village.

Transitioning to New Pond Village was a breath of fresh air for Eileen. “My mother was so relieved to have the burden of running a house lifted,” said Jackie. The decision to move to New Pond Village was met with unanimous support from all of Eileen’s children, reflecting the positive impact it had on her life.

Inspired by her mother’s experience, Jackie chose to follow in her footsteps after going through her own life changes. She discovered the benefits of Independent Living at New Pond Village for herself.

From Nurse to New Beginning

Jackie met her husband while working as a nurse at Boston Medical Center. After raising their children in Westwood, the couple downsized to a home in Norwood. Even that felt too large after Jackie lost her husband, which led her back to New Pond Village—this time for herself. At first, it was a homecoming of sorts as Jackie fondly looked back on her mother’s close-knit circle of friends and the strong sense of community.

Community Life

Six years later, Jackie has her own circle of friends and still feels that sense of community. She appreciates the transportation program, which allows her to visit the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as diverse offerings in the community like music performances and educational lectures.

Encouraging Connections

Jackie encourages prospective residents to visit New Pond Village and, if possible, stay overnight to truly grasp the essence of the community.

She acknowledges, for some, “it can be difficult because a lot of people are shy and terrified by the idea of going to the dining room and eating by themselves.” But, she says, everyone in the community is welcoming and there are new chances every day to connect with fellow residents. “When I first moved in I went to dinner every night and asked the hostess to seat me with three other people. It was a great opportunity to get to know other people.”