Clara, born here in 1933, attended school at Sunset Elementary in Carmel, and her relatives served on the Carmel-by-the-Sea fire and police departments. 

As a young married woman, she actually lived on the site of Norton Court, one of our low-income senior apartments. 

Clara shares that, “If it was’t for the Foundation, I don’t know what I would do.  The Foundation has so much to offer and has helped me so much.”  Currently, Clara is a volunteer tea hostess for the Foundation’s Wednesday Program.

Joseph's Story – Born in Cajun country the 12th of 13 children, Joseph, 80, moved to Carmel in 1964.  He has been an ardent volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Carmel Bach Festival, and especially The Carmel Foundation. 

Joseph worked as a house painter and also in the local hospitality industry.  He was and still is excited to have the opportunity to move into Foundation housing after being displaced from a guest cottage he had rented for many years.

Judith's Story – An artist, Judith moved to Carmel in 1978 before it became an upscale community.  Now 80, she has macular degeneration and is now focusing on writing her personal story including stories of her ancestry in Australia. 

Judith says that experiencing diminishing vision as she ages is most frightening and appreciates the ability to continue to live in an area where she has lived and worked for many years.  

She is a vigorous walker and says she’s “addicted to nature.”  You can regularly see her walking around Carmel Point.

Because of our housing, Bunny, 101, is able to remain in the community where she has lived for 60 years.  She states, “I can live independently and take care of myself because of the Foundation.” 

Bunny is a regular member of the Foundation’s Needlecraft Group creating beautiful items for sale in our reception area. For Bunny, her family is the Foundation.

Barbara, 87, moved into Foundation housing about four years ago after the death of her brother and daughter. She studied voice in college and appeared in two musicals staged at The Carmel Foundation. 

She often says how the Foundation has remained a constant in her life.  “There are so many things we can do, and the Foundation gives us the opportunity.”