During 2020, Morning Pointe of Chattanooga residents experienced several life-changing events, including an EF3 tornado that heavily damaged the assisted living building, relocation of residents, a global pandemic that ushered in challenging new infection control policies, and the complete rebuild of the campus at 7719 Shallowford Road.
When the newly renovated community reopened in November, there were both familiar faces and some new ones, too. Lead life enrichment director Holly Holcomb had a solution to bring everyone together: a campus yearbook.
“When I delivered the books to each apartment, a few of the residents teared up as they flipped through the pages,” said Ms. Holcomb. “When we moved back into the building following the Easter tornado, the names and faces were a blur to many of the residents. I thought it would be a great idea if they could have their own yearbook to be able to see everyone’s face and read their name.”
Ms. Holcomb named the yearbook the “Golden G.O.A.T.” because she says the residents are the ‘Greatest Of All Time.’ She says this book helps in two ways. First, to showcase activities and spotlight residents. Secondly, it helps everyone remember their neighbors down the hall. With the pandemic keeping folks at a distance and facemasks covering their faces, it can be tough for residents to recognize each other—not to mention all the new faces, too.
“I enjoy it simply because I can look in there and identify each person, even our new residents. It helps us connect with each other,” said resident Ruth Lowery.