Late February brought record snowfall to Barrington, Rhode Island. More than two feet in just two days, surpassing even the legendary blizzard of ’78 still remembered by locals.
For most, it was reason enough to hunker down. For Hakan, driver and Engage Life team member at Atria Bay Spring Village, it was reason to venture out.
“I kept thinking about our residents,” he said. “Many of them depend on us for safety, routine and comfort.” Knowing the community would be open but treacherous conditions could make it difficult for coworkers to get in, Hakan chose to do what he could to support his team. Instead of calling off, he bundled up and walked the half-mile to work through the storm.
It’s a story that captures something essential about Hakan, not just a single extraordinary act, but the way he approaches every day. “All my life, in every job I’ve had, I’ve tried to ask myself one simple question: if this were my family, how would I want them to be treated?”
Before joining Atria, Hakan spent years in the medical field caring for others in his home country of Turkey. Today, that same sense of responsibility shapes how he shows up for residents each day.
When he first applied to be the community driver, he didn’t expect it to become long-term. “I thought it would be part-time, just two or three days a week since it was very close to my home,” he said.
But soon, something shifted. He built close relationships with residents and colleagues and began to see his role as a continuation of his lifelong commitment to care.
“I didn’t know then that this work would give my life real meaning,” he said.
Today, Hakan serves as both a driver and a member of the Engage Life team, helping residents get where they need to go and stay active and engaged. Whether he’s behind the wheel or spending time in the community, his approach is steady, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine connection.
Melissa Woods, Engage Life Director, sees that consistency every day. “Hakan’s one of those people you can count on no matter what,” she said. “He doesn’t look for recognition. He just does what needs to be done.”
That commitment was never clearer than during the snowstorm. When Hakan arrived, he didn’t dwell on the journey or the conditions – he focused on the people around him. He joined activities, spent time with residents, and kept spirits high throughout the day.
“The storm stayed outside,” he said. “We spent the day together. Safe, warm, and even having some fun.”
For Hakan, this is what uncommon hospitality looks like: choosing responsibility over comfort, putting residents first even when no one is watching. There’s no need for recognition, only a commitment to be there, to care, and to treat every resident like family.
“You can count on me to show up,” he said. “Even in the storm.”