Building Connection Through Community

Building a Welcoming Community

As Resident Services Director at University Senior Living, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong sense of community transforms senior living from a place to stay into a place to truly thrive. Building connections among residents, team members, and even the surrounding neighborhood isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential for fostering well-being, joy, and purpose.

Creating community begins with understanding what makes each resident feel valued and included. It means designing experiences that spark conversation, laughter, and shared memories. Whether it’s a small group event, holiday celebration, Act of Service, or themed gathering, these moments strengthen relationships and help residents feel like they truly belong.

From my perspective, every interaction is a chance to weave the fabric of community. When residents feel connected, they enjoy their days more fully and experience the emotional and social benefits of genuine human connection.

Encouraging Friendship and Shared Experiences

To me, community in a senior living setting means fostering connection and belonging among residents, staff, and families. It’s about sharing experiences, offering support, and inspiring one another to join meaningful events that bring everyone closer together.

Building strong relationships creates purpose, joy, and a deep sense of belonging. Friendships keep residents engaged and emotionally fulfilled as they share their lives with one another.

I enjoy identifying residents with common interests and finding ways to bring them together. Recently, we’ve focused on connecting those who enjoy playing cards — with some residents even teaching others how to play Euchre. We’ll soon host a “Cocktails and Cards” event to strengthen these connections through shared interests.

Strengthening Community Inside and Outside Our Walls

To build relationships beyond our walls, we organize weekly outings and collaborate with local senior centers for activities such as balloon volleyball. Our Arrow traditions also foster connection — for example, during Spina Bifida Awareness Month, we partnered with a local NICU. We also value our partnership with Rudolf Steiner School, where residents visit students, and students visit University Living, creating a meaningful intergenerational bond.

One of my favorite ways to bring people together is through family events. We recently hosted a casino night, offering residents and families a fun evening of games and live music performed by a local orchestra. Residents loved mingling with both family members and musicians.

Welcoming new residents is also a priority. I personally invite them to events, check in often, and help them settle in. Our resident ambassadors play a vital role by greeting new residents warmly and sharing a meal to help them feel included.

At the heart of our community, connections are everything. Every conversation, shared laugh, and meaningful moment enriches the lives of our residents. As Resident Services Director at University Senior Living, I’ve seen how intentional efforts to foster these relationships can transform daily life — turning our building into a true home and creating moments that residents and their families will treasure.

By prioritizing relationships, engagement, and a sense of belonging, we’re not just planning events — we’re building a vibrant, supportive community where everyone can thrive. Ultimately, it’s the connections we nurture that make all the difference.