From her early years as member of a large migrant family—following the crops from town to town—to her work as a teacher, principal, and advocate, Dorothy Astorga has always understood the importance of community in fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Now, living at Fredericka Manor, she continues her life's mission of creating community through cultural connections with Fredericka Manor's Culture Club. In this heartfelt conversation, she reminds us that true community grows when we listen, share, and celebrate the many voices that make us who we are.

00:00–04:00 – Introduction: Purpose and belonging at Front Porch

04:00–08:00 – Dorothy's early life and migrant roots

08:00–12:00 – Finding her calling through education & joining the National Teacher Corps

12:00–16:00 – Moving to Fredericka Manor & starting the Culture Club

16:00–20:00 – The impact of inclusion and diversity on community

20:00–24:00 – Finding renewed purpose at Fredericka Manor

24:00–End – A life of service

• Belonging begins when we see and celebrate the uniqueness in each person.

• Cultural exchange strengthens communities and fosters empathy.

• Lifelong learning and service give meaning at every stage of life.

• Inclusion isn't just policy — it's a practice of compassion and curiosity.

• Community is built through shared stories, traditions, and joy.

• We all have something to give — and something to learn.

Dorothy Astorga is a lifelong educator, activist and community leader who grew up in a family of migrant farmworkers in California. The first in her family to graduate from college, she went on to serve as a teacher and principal, helping build multicultural and multilingual programs that celebrated diversity. Now a resident of Fredericka Manor, Dorothy leads the Culture Club and teaches Spanish, continuing her lifelong mission to build understanding and inclusion through culture and connection.

Host Bio

Anna Hall is a purpose-driven leader with over 25 years in senior living, spanning employee engagement, life enrichment, training, and innovation in age-tech and program design. A certified life coach and dynamic speaker, she helps people connect with meaning and motivation at every stage of life. She is the creator of The Purpose Equation®, an evidence-informed framework that empowers individuals to define and activate their unique purpose to enhance wellbeing, engagement, and collaboration. As Chief Culture & Community Officer at Front Porch Communities & Services, Anna leads initiatives that foster belonging, creativity, and human thriving—building communities where everyone feels valued and inspired to make a difference.

• Front Porch Communities and Services

• Fredericka Manor – a Front Porch community in Chula Vista, California

• Culture Club at Fredericka Manor – resident-led program celebrating diversity through events, learning, and storytelling

If Dorothy's story inspired you, share this episode with a friend, family member, or colleague. Subscribe to The Front Porch Podcast for more stories of purpose, belonging, and community — and discover how we can all contribute to a life of connection.

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered, legal, health, tax, or professional advice. Always consult a licensed professional for specific advice related to your situation.

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