Moving into a new place can feel like stepping into a whole new world – new surroundings, new neighbors, new routines. It’s a little bit like arriving at the start of an unfamiliar path with a backpack full of questions and a map you’re still trying to unfold.
Enter the Atria Resident Ambassadors: part friendly tour guide, part social sherpa, and 100% committed to helping newcomers feel at home from day one.
“These first days matter,” says Shannon Wilson, National Engage Life Director. “This program is about one thing: friendship. Everything else follows from that.”
With that simple truth as her North Star, Wilson recently gave the Resident Ambassador program a vibrant refresh – reimagining it as Adventures in Friendship, a spirited initiative inspired by national parks and the joy of forging new paths together.
Partners in Belonging
The refreshed program sets out with a clear goal: help new residents feel like they belong from the moment they step foot in the community. But instead of task lists and job titles, it leans into the art of organic connection.
In the past, Resident Ambassadors were split into niche roles like fitness ambassador, music ambassador and spirituality ambassador, but that system felt a bit too much like work and not enough like friendship.
“We needed to change this approach,” Wilson explains. “So, we simplified it to just ‘Resident Ambassadors,’ reflecting that residents are wonderfully multi-dimensional people with varied interests and talents.”
This shift embraces what we all know deep down: real relationships don’t come from titles, but from shared laughter, kind gestures and the magic of simply being there for someone.
Genuine Connections
Loneliness is more than just a feeling – it can be as dangerous to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The antidote? Connection. Camaraderie. Community.
Resident Ambassadors help new neighbors navigate the landscape of daily life – sharing a supper table, introducing them to different classes or just offering a sunny smile on a cloudy morning.
Wilson says, “New residents often wonder if they will fit in here. That’s where Resident Ambassadors make all the difference.”
Helping Resident Thrive
Friendships here don’t just form – they flourish. Take Mavis, who discovered that helping others feel welcome brings unexpected joy to her life. Or Connie and Ronnie, whose connection was so strong that after ambassador Ronnie welcomed Connie to the community, Connie soon signed up to become an ambassador herself. And the kindness keeps going – welcoming one friend often inspires another to do the same.
Connections with Purpose
With a refreshed look and feel, the Resident Ambassador Program now features a cozy, outdoor-inspired Adventures in Friendship theme that captures the spirit of exploration and connection.
The national park motif includes compass-themed logos and warm woodsy materials, creating an atmosphere of shared discovery – all designed to make new residents feel like they’re not just moving in; they’re setting out on an exciting new journey.
Residents who want to become ambassadors join “Rush Week,” with friendly challenges like high-fiving neighbors and attending events with newcomers. After completing the adventure, they’re honored in a special ceremony that celebrates their welcoming spirit and marks the start of their role as trusted community guides.
And they look the part, too – ambassadors sport custom gear like cheerful pins and vests, and they have door signs that say, “Just knock, neighbor. I’m happy to help!” These aren’t just accessories; they’re badges of pride.
A Culture You Can Feel
For families considering senior living, there’s comfort in knowing that someone will be there to say, “You belong here.”
“Potential residents and their families can learn from our staff how great the communities are,” Wilson adds, “but hearing from a resident who lives there can be especially reassuring.”
These early connections help new residents find their footing faster, get involved more quickly and build a sense of belonging that lasts.
Be Part of Something Bigger
The program is thriving, but Wilson’s vision doesn’t stop at the edge of the community.
“My long-term dream is to expand this program beyond our walls – into schools, local senior centers and neighborhood events,” she says. “Our wonderful residents would be excellent ambassadors in their greater communities, too.”
For now, every handshake, every shared story and every high-five is a step forward on this adventure in friendship – reminding us all that no matter our age, the best paths in life are the ones we walk together.
Want to Work Where Friendship Comes First?
Thinking about senior living as a place to grow your career?
Visit Atria Careers or your nearest Atria community to see how a warm welcome – and a little adventure – can make all the difference.