The Journey to Heirloom

Hi, my name is Sidnee Peck and I’ve been passionate about human connection my entire life. I’m a builder and in all avenues of my life I find joy in building connection and community while doing meaningful things. You can learn about my professional work building early-stage companies and products that improve peoples’ lives here.

When I was 27, I learned that my father (in his 50s) had signs of young-onset dementia, a disease that would later demand more care, patience, and strength from my mom, brother and me than I ever knew we had; it would eventually take his life. We had a small group of people who were constantly there for us, and we had each other.
 

Living this over a decade launched me into the “AgeTech” space, exploring solutions and improvements for us all to live the very best final third of our lives, learning how important social connection is to the aging process.
 

Years later, in my late 30s I became a licensed foster parent in the State of Arizona and had the absolute pleasure and life-changing opportunity to care for a young girl who was not able to live with her family. My friends who had kids were my lifeline and my local foster parent community was invaluable. It was lonely, but thanks to my community, I was not alone. This experience brought the same curiosity as before - this time for the foster care system and ways we might invest more in prevention and family support.

In both of these vital chapters of my life, I was hungry for models where communities were doing it well. Supporting their aging populations with dignity and kindness, and supporting young people and families facing difficult challenges like poverty and addiction.
 

What did I see working?

Community.

Human connection.

Intergenerational gathering and living.

Dignity - not "othering"
 

I reflected on my own experience and recognized the same - it was the intergenerational support that got me through.

Data supports intergenerational living, as well as the exponential impact of prevention. Give safety, agency and social support where there was none before, and watch someone thrive mentally, socially and physically. The impacts are a waterfall from there.

There are proof points in countries all around the world, and proof points right here in Massachusetts and Oregon.
 

From this inspiration, in early 2023 I sat down with the affordable housing pioneer in Arizona, Steve Capobres, and I shared my vision. He challenged me - hard. And then he said - I’ve got the perfect place. Let’s do it.

This journey has been one supportive person after another saying the same, Let’s do it.

So here we go. I’m so glad you’re here.