One of the ways we create meaning and community is through a citizenship model, where everyone living at Bergen Gardens has the opportunity to discuss and debate how they want to live, both individually and collectively if they choose. On a weekly basis, a Mentor (Care Partner), meets with interested people to discuss topics such as meal planning for the week, and activities or fundraising projects they want to work on. The job of a Mentor is to support what the citizens would like to achieve as a community and eliminate any roadblocks that stand in the way of the community reaching their goals.

When the citizen group changes, their needs and dreams may also change. The Mentor will help guide those changes and facilitate discussions that build consensus and compromise, so the group can achieve their goals and no one is left behind.