It Takes a Villages II

So I was fortunate enough to get a quick follow up interview with one of the directors in the organization that we have gained access to. Thinking back it was quite interesting even where the interview took place. It has established a very open family oriented culture and was shown by having an open conversation out in the main area of the organization. There was no need to go into an office and be so formal. I was also greeted and sent off with a hug. If this is how the director is with someone they have had few interactions with I can only imagine and have witnessed what she is like with the people that she works with on a daily basis. I delved more into rituals and common practices that are carried out and help create an environment that was outlined in the organization's mission.

The mission of our organization is:
Providing an enriched retirement living experience by honoring personal growth, excellence and mutual respect. Our services will always be delivered with compassion, integrity and great joy. Our core effort is to support a long, healthy and socially engaged life. Laughter is a healing touchpoint in all that we do. Operational programs are flexible to accommodate the unique backgrounds, interests and emerging needs of our residents. The integrity of the human spirit is to be protected above all.


It was great to take these statements that were included in the mission statement and use it as our guide to assist in our interviews and asking questions. There is a great emphasis on living life and social interaction. During the interview this was stressed as very important as the social aspect helps directly with the lives and health of the people they serve. Looking at artifact such as the calendar one can immediately tell there are so many things to do which in turn implies that there is a lot of responsibility for the director. The director works with 2 other people all in the same office so that there is constant communication in planning. She also mentioned that there were many phone calls that are taken a day and she prides herself on responding to people as quickly as possible. This was validated by how well she has communicated with us in setting up visits and accommodating us. There was an emphasis on the job not just being a job but really getting involved with the people that they serve and with other staff.


One of pieces of information that I remember and took note of was that the director had her own individual motto that matches up with the mission of the organization. Her motto is: Make someone happy today. This is what is also her signature on her email as well. She said that if she made someone laugh then she has done her job. Laughter is a unique point of emphasis in the mission statement and creates an environment that many people would love to be a part of.