Written by: Madison Filson
As a new year begins, Windy Hill’s Resident Services team remains deeply committed to fostering meaningful experiences that support personal growth, connection, and overall well-being. January served as a time of renewal and reflection, offering residents opportunities to set intentions, express creativity, and build community. Through thoughtfully designed programs and initiatives, Resident Services continued to meet residents where they are; encouraging engagement, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging as we move forward into 2026.
The month began with a 2026 Vision Board Workshop, welcoming adults ages 18 and older to explore the theme of a “new year, changed self.” This guided art workshop invited participants to reflect on their personal goals, values, and aspirations for the year ahead. Using images, words, and creative expression, residents crafted vision board collages that represented their identities and hopes for the future. With no prior art experience required and all materials provided, the workshop created an accessible and supportive environment where residents felt comfortable expressing themselves freely. The experience sparked meaningful conversation, creativity, and self-reflection, allowing participants to connect with one another while visually capturing their intentions for the year to come. Residents mapping out their intentions for the new year found it to be an enjoyable and meaningful experience, fostering creativity, community, and a sense of togetherness. One resident shared, “The new year is always a good time to reflect on the past and envision the future, but it can be difficult with all the rush and business of the holidays, so I was grateful for the opportunity to take that time to reflect. My vision board has many photos of beautiful places that I’d love to visit and explore. I love hiking, swimming, kayaking, and just being in the outdoors in general, and I wanted those photos to reflect the continuation of that in the new year and beyond.”
January also marked the launch of a new program initiative at Levis Hill House, designed to support elderly residents and young adults with disabilities through cognitive engagement and social connection. Understanding the importance of memory, meaningful interaction, and shared experiences, Resident Services introduced “Name That Tune,” a music-based activity centered on fun, familiarity, and friendly competition. Residents came together to recall well-known songs, share stories connected to music, and enjoy moments of laughter and connection. Beyond entertainment, the program promotes cognitive engagement related to memory and recall while strengthening social bonds and fostering a deeper sense of community among participants. A Levis Hill resident shared, “It was fun challenging ourselves mentally while also having fun together.” Staff also observed, “Seeing residents light up as they recognized familiar songs showed just how meaningful shared music and memories can be.”
In addition to program offerings, the Resident Services team also worked to jump-start a community-focused initiative after recognizing the increased need for support during and following the holiday season. A Gust of Goodness: Windy Hill Food Drive was created to address food insecurity at a time when hunger doesn’t take a holiday, and many families continue to feel the impact of rising food costs and reduced benefits. This ongoing initiative invites donations of non-perishable food items and grocery gift cards to help ensure Windy Hill residents and neighbors have access to nourishing meals. From shelf-stable proteins and pantry essentials to grains, canned goods, and boxed meals, every contribution plays a role in supporting our community. A resident who received support from this initiative shared, “Life has been really tough lately with being able to afford things, so I’m very grateful for this. I’m in tears because you guys have been absolutely amazing helping me, and it’s the little things in life, so I just can’t thank you enough for taking the time out of your day to do this.”
Together, these January efforts reflect Windy Hill’s continued dedication to creating inclusive, engaging programming and responsive initiatives that support residents’ emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. By beginning 2026 with intention, creativity, compassion, and connection, Resident Services is helping residents feel empowered, supported, and deeply connected as they move into the new year.
