Miscellaneous | Cathedral Village | Community News
Presbyterian Senior Living proudly announces that Sarah West, a resident at Cathedral Village, has been awarded LeadingAge PA's 2024 Volunteer of the Year Distinguished Service Award (DSA). The prestigious award was presented on Wednesday, May 8, at the Association’s 2024 Annual Conference at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania.
The DSA program, established in 1973, recognizes individuals within LeadingAge PA's member communities who exhibit exceptional dedication, compassion, and leadership in serving seniors.
In addition to the 2024 LeadingAge award, Sarah received PSL’s 2023 Altruism Award. Sarah has an extensive volunteer history, at both Cathedral Village and in the greater community.
Sarah's Volunteerism
Sarah was a founding member and creator of PSL’s Thrive Wellness. She worked closely with the Resident Council to find common ground on the new initiative. She spent many hours reviewing resident feedback from focus groups and surveys that addressed their wellness needs and perceptions. Her work led to the ratification of the Thrive Wellness Community Charter and the formation of the Thrive Wellness culture at PSL.
As a faculty member of Village College, Sarah shares her teaching skills, often volunteering to teach courses on topics such as the Lenape civilization along the Delaware River, lesser-known heroines, and Wissahickon Rocks.
She is a trail ambassador for the Friends of Wissahickon and her knowledge of Wissahickon Valley Park is unmatched.
Sarah’s work led to various new committees and offerings for residents, including a Pub, the popular lobby Coffee Clutch, and new meeting spaces.
She is a member of numerous committees — too many to mention here — and never hesitates to jump in where needed. Cathedral Village would not be the same without her.
Accolades
Jacqueline Gifford, Executive Director at Cathedral Village, noted “Even in the short time I have been working the Independent Living residents here at Cathedral Village, Sarah’s energy for positive change has impacted me greatly. She leads in our community with her actions and encouraging words toward others.”
Kate Hershey, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at PSL, added, “What I can tell you about Sarah is she is angelic. She’s humble, genuinely committed to her community and someone who puts others’ needs continually before her own.
“When she won the LeadingAge PA award, as much as she wanted to go to the Poconos to accept the award, her commitment to her bell choir and ringing her bells came first. What a remarkable example of selflessness.”
For a complete list of this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients, please visit LeadingAgePA.org/Membership/DSA.
About LeadingAge PA
LeadingAge PA is a trade association representing 400+ high-quality senior housing, health care and community services across the commonwealth. These providers serve more than 75,000 older Pennsylvanians and employ over 50,000 dedicated caregivers on a daily basis. Services our members offer include Life Plan Communities/Continuing Care Retirement Communities, skilled nursing communities, assisted living residences, personal care homes, LIFE providers, home and community-based services and affordable senior housing. LeadingAge PA advocates on behalf of our members at the state and local levels to influence positive change and affect a healthy vision for the delivery of quality, affordable and ethical care for Pennsylvania’s seniors. For more information, visit www.LeadingAgePA.org.