Open Doors

Meet Robin Bivins

Ana Carolina González-Peña • February 28, 2024

I’m Robin Bivins, a Princeton local and the sixth generation from the heart of New Jersey. Right now, I call Reading Circle home, and I’ve got to tell you, the Center for Modern Aging Princeton has become a special part of my life.

I joined in on the Christmas dinner festivities for the first time, and let me tell you, it was something else. The warmth, the laughter, and the sense of community—it just clicked. I’m definitely coming back for more, ready to dive into other programs they’ve got going on.

Why do I love it here? Well, it’s simple. The Center has been a real blessing for me. It’s not just about the activities; it’s about the people and the connections we make. There’s a certain joy in being part of something that feels like family.

Now, beyond the center, I wear another hat—I’m an evangelist at the Mount Pisgah AME Church right here in Princeton, a church with a whopping 198 years of history. I have a soft spot for spending time with older adults and making sure our seniors are well taken care of. I’ve been in the caregiving game for a long time, taking care of my mom and my husband through his battle with Alzheimer’s. It’s made me a bit of an expert on the topic, and it’s something close to my heart.

So, what’s my secret to staying active and healthy, you ask? Well, it’s not a secret, really. I’m all about social work and helping where I can.

  • Open Doors

    Meet Intern Chris

    Christopher Stanley – A Journey from Ministry to Social Work At CMAP, we are fortunate to have had Chris as an intern, bringing not only...

    Ana Carolina González-Peña • Apr 29, 2025

    READ MORE
  • Open Doors

    Meet Intern Sarah

    Sarah Christensen, A Heart Full of Empathy and Service Q: Sarah, tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to pursue a...

    Ana Carolina González-Peña • Apr 21, 2025

    READ MORE
  • GrandPals

    GrandPal Lois Gerstein

    Meet Lois Gerstein, A former medical social worker with an MSW from NYU, she also ran a children’s bookstore, combining her passion for books and...

    Ella Leving • Apr 08, 2025

    READ MORE
  • GrandPals

    GrandPal Caroline Purnell

    Caroline Purnell has been a GrandPal for the past two years. She is retired from teaching French, Spanish, and ESL for adults, and embodies a...

    Ella Leving • Apr 03, 2025

    READ MORE
  • GrandPals

    GrandPal Dave Olson

    Meet Dave Olson, a recently retired Special Education teacher with a passion for supporting students of all abilities. Originally from the Philadelphia area, he began...

    Ella Leving • Apr 01, 2025

    READ MORE
  • GrandPals

    GrandPal Deb Pillow

    Deb Pillow, originally from Michigan and with a background in teaching and storytelling, found her perfect fit in GrandPals after moving to Princeton from Arizona...

    Ella Leving • Mar 27, 2025

    READ MORE
  • GrandPals

    GrandPal Bob Swierczek

    Bob Swierczek, a United States Navy veteran, resides in Princeton, where he selflessly dedicates his time to various volunteer roles. He serves as a crossing...

    Ella Leving • Mar 25, 2025

    READ MORE
  • GrandPals

    GrandPal Christine Piatek

    Christine Piatek was a GrandPal at Littlebrook School before the pandemic and eagerly rejoined when the program returned in full swing. Before retiring, she worked...

    Ella Leving • Mar 20, 2025

    READ MORE
  • Open Doors

    Frances

    Frances: A heart full of dance and joy in Princeton We’ve had the pleasure of seeing Frances at the Suzanne Patterson Building’s Nutrition Program, and...

    Ana Carolina González-Peña • Mar 18, 2025

    READ MORE

BE THE FUEL

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

Your generosity is truly the fuel that empowers CMAP to change lives and to help older adults discover their “why!”

We invite you to donate to the 2023–2024 Annual Giving Campaign by June 30 to help us reach our goal.