Our Story
I.R.E.N.E. was founded in 2015, by a small group of women who shared a common interest of making a difference in the lives of seniors residing in urban communities. These women often came together to organize and facilitate intergenerational activity groups and provide friendly visits to seniors residing in nursing homes. In addition to supporting families, caregivers are natural supporters who are involved in their elderly loved one’s care.
Our Core Values
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Provide premier and quality services that will help improve the quality of life for the geriatric community.​​
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Respect, value, uplift, and reward all organization staff/volunteers, and provide them with the resources and tools to serve successfully.
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Consistently assess and adjust program and service delivery to meet the needs of geriatric community.
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Serve with compassion, conviction, commitment, and confidence.
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Enhance volume and financial viability in order to promote the mission and existence of I.R.E.N.E., Inc.​​
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Commit to employing Person-Centered and Community Health Worker models as organizational practices.
Our Founder
LaTonya Hughes, M.S.W., M.P.A.
President & CEO
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself
in the service of others.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Known by many as, “A kind-hearted and giving individual,” the Founder of I.R.E.N.E., LaTonya Hughes, is a professional Social Worker who has invested over 15 years in diligently serving underprivileged urban communities. Ms. Hughes has spent the past 7 years assisting the elderly and their loved ones with navigating senior services, and supporting seniors in the process of aging with dignity and grace. Ms. Hughes's professional experience, personal experience, and knowledge work together to promote social awareness that reflects positive change in the geriatric community.
LaTonya is the holder of two graduate degrees, a Master's in Social Work and a Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. LaTonya has experience working on complex cases involving the geriatric and Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD) populations. LaTonya is also skilled in community outreach, counseling, program management, marketing, fundraising, and philanthropy. She is passionate about bridging the gap in services for the geriatric population and continuing to serve and work with vulnerable / underserved populations. Ms. Hughes has a wealth of professional and personal experience in Social Work. Through her experiences, she has promoted social awareness that has impacted the geriatric community.​