Providing Guidance, Making Connections

The Sage is a community volunteer who has demonstrated wisdom from life experience. This role is generally filled by an older person with experience in leadership, counseling, human services, organizational development, or other fields that have yielded knowledge, skill, and insight in working with groups.

The Sage serves an individual Green House home and acts as a mentor, advisor, facilitator, counselor, coach, and role model to the Shahbazim. By creating a valued relationship with the Shahbazim, the Sage becomes a trusted person from whom the Shahbazim seek counsel and assistance with problem solving.

The Sage may also act as a liaison among Shahbazim, elders, and the organization’s administrative team including the Guide, DON, and the CEO as needed. The Sage visits the Green House home on a regular basis, forming relationships with staff, elders, and family members. The Sage also participates in house and team meetings at the request of the self-managed work team. All Green House communities are encouraged to utilize the Sage role in their Green House homes.

The Sage Connection Group gives Sages an extended network of peers working hard to develop and actualize the role of the Sage more fully. The network provides a safe venue to help find your voice as a Sage with people who have similar experiences and challenges. It’s also a great place to celebrate successes and triumphs, providing others with hints and tips on impacting the lives of the elders we serve.

To learn more or to be added to the Sage mailing list, please contact inquiries@thegreenhouseproject.org.

Join the Conversation

When?

Bi-monthly on the third Tuesday of the month, at 12 noon ET.

2022 dates: January 18, March 15, May 17, July 19, September 20, November 15

Where?

Join us on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81422919566?pwd=VTBEYlBsekNWbjVFdENVYmhValowdz09

Meeting ID: 814 2291 9566

Passcode: 212697

Dial by your location

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Sages Twylah Haun, John Dalsimer, and Diane Dalsimer
Woodlands at John Knox Village

Additional Resources

Sage Handbook

Created by a sub-committee of Sages, the Handbook is intended to be a resource for new Sages as they become familiar with their role. This document also helps enlighten Green House leaders on the role of the sage, with the goal of expanding the number of Green House homes that incorporate Sages into their operations.

Please note, this handbook is meant to supplement the material in the Core Team Education Program Learner Guide and Coaching for Partnership Learner Guide.

Download the Handbook

Video Clips

Supporting the Shahbazim

Why Did I Become a Sage?

How Can Leadership Support My Success as a Sage?

Green House model delivers outstanding quality of care and quality of life for those who live and work in them.