When you meet Joann, she will likely tell you to call her “JoJo.” As she explains, “My name is Joann. But since I became a grandma, I’ve always been known as JoJo.” The nickname fits her perfectly. It carries the same warmth she brings to every conversation and each new introduction. Her warm nature has made JoJo a cherished member of the community at Atria Chandler Villas in Chandler, AZ.
JoJo’s journey began in Olympia, Washington, and led her to Arizona nearly 69 years ago. She arrived as a newlywed and, over the years, built a full life with her husband. When he passed away, she faced a season of change. She lived alone for a while, then she tried living with family. Neither felt like a perfect fit.
Choosing a community that felt right
A visit to a friend at Atria Chandler Villas offered a new possibility. The welcoming nature of the community stayed with her. When it came time to make a change, she trusted that feeling. “Next month, I will have lived here three years,” she says with a smile.
These days, her life has a comfortable rhythm. She enjoys peaceful mornings in her apartment. By lunchtime, she is downstairs, sharing a meal and conversation with friends. Afternoons often include bingo, Wii bowling, or one of the many activities organized by the community team. What matters most to her is the steady sense of connection woven through each day. “I really, really enjoy it here with the social activities and the friendliness of the staff and the people,” she notes.
Even the structure of the community contributes to that feeling of connection. “We have views, the grounds are beautiful here and it just makes you feel that you’re not confined.” The layout feels open and welcoming, more like a neighborhood than an apartment building. For JoJo, that sense of space and ease helped turn a new residence into a true home
Welcoming new neighbors into a thriving community
When the opportunity arose to serve in the Resident Ambassador Program, she did not hesitate. Resident Ambassadors welcome new neighbors and help them feel comfortable as they settle in. “I felt that I wanted to know the new people that were coming to live here. I thought I could help them because I had lived here for a little while and I really like people,” JoJo explains.
She remembers how uncertain those early days can feel. “Especially if you come here alone, it can be a little overwhelming at the beginning. You might not know anybody.” That understanding guides the way she approaches each new resident. She introduces herself, explains how dining and transportation work, and shares the small details that make daily life smoother. She encourages newcomers to attend monthly meetings and learn how the community operates so they feel informed and included from the start.
A friendly face to start a new chapter
For JoJo, being a Resident Ambassador is about offering reassurance and creating connection. “I love being a Resident Ambassador because it also helps me find more people to talk with,” she says. Each new resident brings a new story and another thread into the fabric of the Atria community.
For those considering a move, JoJo’s presence is a promise that you will not walk in alone. For current residents, her example shows how meaningful connections can be. At Atria Chandler Villas, the welcome often begins with JoJo, ready to help others feel at home.