Explore Our Culture

Pilgrim Place residents seek to live simply and to respect the earth. Residents actively participate in the city recycling and use alternative resources for soft plastic, batteries and medications. Compost bins in both community gardens receive vegetable scraps. Garden plots are available to residents. More than 100 fruit trees are pruned by a resident group. Produce from fruit trees and individual gardens is sold weekly to residents at very modest prices. Water and electric usage is closely monitored in an effort to conserve.

​In 2023, residents began a Climate Resilience Initiative.

Many residents volunteer in local organizations such as tutoring children, teaching English as a second language to adults, distributing food at the Beta Hunger Program, supporting homeless programs, assisting in advocating for environmental organizations, participating in the League of Women Voters, and other civic activities.

Pilgrim Place residents participate in organizational decision-making through a Town Meeting form of governance. The Town Meeting Executive Committee (TMX) meets monthly to carry out initiatives and responsibilities. Twenty-two committees report to Town Meeting. Five residents serve on the Pilgrim Place Board of Directors as voting members and one additional resident serves as a non-voting member.

Festival is the practical and public expression of our community’s commitment to support one another. Residents participate fully in the preparation and enactment of Festival activities. Always held the second weekend of November, the annual Festival raises funds to support the Resident Health and Support Program (a program that assists residents who have modest resources). The wider community is invited to participate as volunteers and to share a day of family fun. 

Pilgrim Place offers several ways to "turn down the volume", slow the pace to rest and restore one’s energy. Contemplative practices include Mindfulness Meditation and Tai Chi. Residents may deepen their spiritual journey through spirituality study groups, or enjoying speakers and films on world spiritual and religious traditions. Worship may include an Evening Gathering, Eucharistic Circle or a Taizé worship. There are many more ways to “Honor the Spirit Within.”

To ensure that people have a chance to get to know everyone, randomized seating assignments are made daily. Introductions of guests, sharing and announcements are made daily.

Social and educational activities for Independent Living residents at Pilgrim Place are organized by residents. No Activities Director is needed. Activities include: musical groups (choral and instrumental); life experiences or philosophical/theological questions; guest speakers on current and world affairs; films of interest; book discussions and new book launches; informal small groups; Pilgrim Tours, etc. 

Pilgrim Place welcomes pets on campus. Residents’ pets are viewed as part of the family. The social and health-related benefits that pets provide add value to our community. Our pets foster and support residents at every level of care.

The Claremont Colleges provide a wealth of cultural, political and intellectual opportunities for the wider community. Pilgrim Place residents are welcome at concerts, lectures and theater productions. Some residents continue to teach courses and audit classes.