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Moorestown Assisted Living Community Launches Ambassador Program to Support New Residents
Nancy Stoller
MOORESTOWN, N.J. (June 15, 2023) — Octogenarian Nancy Stoller has long been an advocate for people who are seeking acceptance in a world where they often feel excluded. The retired college professor and Moorestown resident has been championing for herself and others in the LGBTQ+ community since coming out over 40 years ago.
When Nancy moved to Cambridge Enhanced Senior Living last year, she struggled with feelings of isolation and the awareness that she was different from everyone else – despite being welcomed by staff and residents of the assisted living community. “I’m 81 and have lived most of my life as a lesbian, so I’m used to feeling like an outsider,” she said. “But once I understood that most everyone feels that way when they come here, I wanted to help make the transition easier for others.”
Having built her life on advocating for culture change and inclusion, Nancy was uniquely qualified to be part of Cambridge’s new Resident Ambassador program, which works to help new residents find their footing as part of the community. “At Cambridge Enhanced Senior Living, our team is wholly committed to ensuring that every new resident feels comfortable, safe and supported,” said Life Enrichment director Julia Jackson, who is spearheading the program. “Nancy has a deep understanding of the challenges of leaving familiar people, places and routines, and feeling accepted in a new community. She is passionate about helping those who may be having a difficult time.”
ADVOCATING FOR COURAGE
Nancy, who grew up in Virginia and went to graduate school outside of Boston, was active in the Civil Rights movement as a young woman. She got married while attending graduate school, but the marriage ended in divorce. “I became a feminist and my husband was unwilling to be an equal partner in parenting our daughter,” she said.
A teaching job at the University of California in Santa Cruz led her to the West Coast, and she came out as a lesbian. “I raised my daughter in a lesbian home and taught her to respect all kinds of people,” Nancy said. “As an adult, she has the same respect for herself, for me and for my friends.”
Nancy was equally dedicated to teaching her students to be activists in their own lives. “I learned about bravery and courage as a Civil Rights activist, and I wanted them to be brave, too,” she said. “Many things have changed over the years, but my advice to young people remains the same: the most important thing is to be true to yourself. And to be proud of who you are.”
Nancy retired from teaching in her sixties and suffered a stroke in her seventies. She relocated to Pennsylvania to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. When they bought a new home in New Jersey, she went with them – and decided it was time to find a place of her own.
“I considered different options, but selected Cambridge for a number of reasons,” she said. “It’s more urban. It’s close to my family, who I see most Sundays. And I like the attitude of the people here.” She has settled in and cultivated friendships, including one with a gay man who lives in a different part of the building. “We talk almost every day, and share similar concerns.”
A CONTINUING MISSION, A MESSAGE OF COMMUNITY
Nancy continues to look for opportunities to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ community. While there have been positive changes, she is concerned about the current counter movement – and the need to forge an intergenerational alliance to fight against it.
“Life was similar for us in the past, and younger people can learn from the experiences we are passing on,” she said. “Many of them only see our differences, but gradually they must realize that it’s the opposition to people fighting against us that’s important, not the differences that keep us apart. To be who we are, we need each other.”
To drive home her message, Nancy will be attending multiple Pride Month events with her daughter – wearing a shirt that says, “This is What an Older Lesbian Looks Like.”
Cambridge Enhanced Senior Living offers assisted living, memory care and respite care, as well as onsite skilled nursing at Cambridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. The community has a passionate staff of caregivers and health professionals who strive to inspire and guide residents to live life to its fullest potential in an active and welcoming environment. Experience this charming community by scheduling a visit and tour. Call (856) 238-5593 for more information.
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About Cambridge Enhanced Senior Living
255 East Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057
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Media Contact:
Sandy Crisafulli / David Wilderotter
Caryl Communications
201-796-7788
sandy@caryl.com / david@caryl.com