We recently had the chance to connect with Jennie Griggs, MA and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Jennie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I believe that we all have a purpose, and every experience, whether good or bad, throughout our lives, has the transformative power to be used for the betterment of humanity if we listen to our higher power, for it is He who has a plan. Without all of the life experiences and jobs that I have had, good or bad, I wouldn’t have had the courage to go out on a limb and present an inclusive vision of a mission field without a steeple supporting creative aging unconventionally.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jennie Griggs. I have been involved in various professional services with the aging population for over 25 years. Proudly, I am coming up on my 73rd birthday. Most importantly, I am a Christian, mother of two beautiful daughters, and grandmother to six. I taught my daughters to be independent and self-sufficient, like many of their peers, and now I face the consequences, as most members of our aging population do. What’s my purpose? Where is home? Will I continue to be self-sufficient in today’s economic world? How can I Age My Way and Engage with Age, rather than running from it? Recently, I was honored to serve for six years as Director of the Northern Wake Senior Center, Resources for Seniors, Inc., until the organization transitioned from Resources for Seniors, Inc. to the Town of Wake Forest. It was rumored that I was retiring, but I have not. Today, I am focusing on my brand, which is grounded in experience, to connect, advocate, educate, and inspire community, state, and national partners. The goal is to adopt innovative faith-based practices into community engagement, particularly for the aging population, through creative and intergenerational programs and services. These programs and services will creatively include all Domains of Wellness while addressing the Domains of Livability necessary to sustain the mission.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think that the most recent “aha” moment was about two years ago at Grace Heaven Church in Youngsville, NC. One of my best friends knew I was in search of simplification of life and “truth.” Every week, she selected different fellowships for us to attend together. She knew I wouldn’t research them, and I didn’t have the time to do so. So we visited a different fellowship together, seeking one that was all-inclusive, simplified religious practices, and focused on the basics, just as our creator did. We realized that not all are perfect, but we become one because we are “loved” and in step with nature. The name of the fellowship is Grace Haven. Grace Haven is more than a church; it is a fellowship where you are invited, accepted, and encouraged to use your God-given gifts and talents in service to Christ and our community. Their focus is to teach all together, place God first in their lives, serve others while carrying a simple message and love into the world. Grace Haven is nestled on 72 acres of natural beauty, featuring an outdoor worship pavilion that is both warm and inviting. It’s prepared to handle all kinds of weather, allowing you to observe nature and hear coins being collected in large tin cans by the children.
One Sunday, the sermon was about costumes, fitting for the Halloween season. The message was simple yet profound: ‘It’s not about the costume you wear, but your relationship with our heavenly father and loving others.’ This struck me like a lightning bolt. It’s not about your religion, denomination, or political party, but about finding your purpose in serving and loving others. It’s a beautifully simple truth that has the power to transform lives.
I immediately changed my party affiliation to Independent. (Please note that I had been a part of both) I was honored to be asked to serve as a non-biased delegate representing the Aging Population in the NC State Tarheel Legislature. I also realized that it didn’t matter if I was Catholic, Baptist, or Episcopal. Life was forever simple, and what I needed to do was simple. From that day forward, my life forever changed. The mission was solidified.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Wait until you know who you are to get married.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Before responding to that, the word trends needed to be added and placed between fads and foundational shifts. A fad is a short-lived solution driven by societal pressure and novelty. At the same time, a trend is at least able to endure changes reflecting the evolution of societal pressure and cultural shifts within existing frameworks. Relative to aging from a wellness perspective, a fad may be a new diet quick fix, such as the GLP shots or Botox, while an example of a trend is the use of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. Foundational shifts result when underlying structures and principles undergo a transformative path, creating new paradigms and redefining how things are done at a deeper level. The most incredible foundational shift to enhance aging would move beyond a reactive, disease-focused approach to a proactive, personalized, and holistic strategy that leverages scientific advancements, optimizes environmental and social determinants of health, and empowers individuals to participate in their healthy aging journey actively. This transformative approach is crucial for the sustainability of aging and housing.
Besides health and wellness, one of the areas I am most passionate about is housing. It must be both affordable and universal, with enough available to meet the needs of the aging tsunami, where 1 out of 5 people will be over the age of 65, and only 1 out of 14 Gen Zs will ever be able to purchase a home. A quick fix or fad is to address this crisis with micro apartments, 150 -300 sq. ft., and a trend is to build or three-story zero-lot-line and attached housing, not suitable for the aging population or children. Examples of Foundational changes include shifts towards community living and a multi-prolonged approach that focuses on increased supply reforming zoning and land use regulations, expanding rental assistance programs, and investing in community-led solutions. This involves transforming old malls into self-sufficient communities where old and young alike cohabitate and take care of one another. By far, the foundational shift is what is needed for our sustainable future. It’s essential to remember that community-led solutions are a key part of this shift, empowering individuals to be part of the solution.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when my life is in balance and knowing that I have done all that I can for others.
