When the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone into lockdown, senior citizens a population deemed among most the vulnerable were hit especially hard.
But at White Sands La Jolla, activities director and move-in coordinator Pat Guerrero made it her mission to make sure those in the senior living community didn’t feel alone and forgotten.
The La Jolla native came up with online-based activities and gatherings, dressed up for every holiday (even Bastille Day) to personally and safely deliver items to residents, and sought to bring joy to everyone she encountered.
Outside of work, she partners with a San Diego-based homelessness outreach group to donate food, clothing and other items throughout the year.