Dedicated. Innovative. Mission-driven.

Every day, you’ll find volunteers interacting with 2Life residents in ways that bring joy—whether helping them with technology or leading them in song. Behind 2Life’s thriving volunteer program is Natalie Thoresen, a dynamic leader driven by a deep appreciation of the power of service to others. Since taking on the role of Volunteer Program Manager during the pandemic, Natalie has worked to create a tight community of engaged volunteers, while fostering a spirit of volunteerism across 2Life.

From the start, Natalie has taken an intentional approach to recruiting and supporting volunteers. She developed a robust onboarding program to effectively match volunteer skills, interests, and availability to residents’ needs. She works closely with all volunteers, providing the support, information, and consistent presence they need to feel truly connected to 2Life.

Strengthening a sense of community among the volunteers is essential for their engagement. Natalie’s Volunteer Appreciation events and online team-building events help volunteers get to know each other and share insights. Natalie was also instrumental in the development of a new Volunteer Portal that provides easy access to a wealth of resources.

Natalie also serves as a catalyst to engage both residents and staff in volunteering in some way, encouraging everyone to seek out opportunities to pitch in and support each other. She emphasizes the personal rewards, noting that volunteering is a great way to connect with others.

“I’ve been volunteering most of my life. It’s a way to step outside of yourself and be compassionate to others,” Natalie says. “I think it’s a universal thing to want a sense of purpose.”

2Life has been part of Viorika Zeqo’s life since childhood. When her family emigrated to the United States from Albania more than 20 years ago, Golda Meir House provided both employment for her parents and a place for the family to live for a number of years. Today, as Assistant Director at Shillman House, she cherishes those memories and does whatever she can to ensure her residents have the same joyful experience of living here as she did.

A key part of Viorika’s role is working with people applying to live at 2Life, helping them navigate the often complex maze of financial guidelines and determine eligibility. She does whatever it takes, often wading through piles of paperwork to ensure each applicant receives the subsidies for which they qualify. She is also a valuable resource for Albanian-speaking residents, translating important documents for them.

A gifted problem-solver who loves a challenge, Viorika is always looking for ways to do things more efficiently or effectively. When shopping for supplies, she’s a tenacious bargain hunter. When an extra pair of hands is needed, Viorika is always willing to pitch in. During a recent power outage due to a storm, she helped out in the kitchen and covered the front desk, reassuring residents and alleviating their concerns.

“I’ve spent my entire life with older adults. Growing up at Golda was like having 200 grandparents,” Viorika says. “I love working with 2Life residents. They say what they mean, which is very refreshing.”

For David Berde, the most important service of all is compassion. As Resident Services Coordinator at Golda Meir House, he ensures that residents feel heard, valued, cared for, and connected to the 2Life community.

David acts as a bridge to services that residents need — such as transportation to appointments, meal resources, communicating with health care teams, or homecare support. Beyond those core responsibilities, his positive attitude and empathy have made David a go-to person for residents seeking a sounding board. He also reaches out to new 2Life staff members and residents, welcoming them into our community.

With a social work and mental health background, David works hand-in-hand with an external service provider to serve chronically unhoused individuals, helping them integrate into the 2Life setting. He also represented 2Life at a Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) mental health initiative, bringing strategies back to 2Life staff to address this crucial issue.

David also brings his perspective and insights as a person of color to 2Life’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, helping us fulfill our commitment to DEI in every aspect of our operations.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this population and community. I’m proud to contribute to an environment where people feel safe, supported, and joyful during a very special chapter of their lives,” David says. “It’s truly a blessing working at 2Life.”