Culture of Joy: Wade

In this month’s Culture of Joy, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Wade whose tenacious spirit and heartwarming dedication have left a profound impact on the residents and team at The Waterford at Carpenter’s Creek.

Wade’s journey, marked by resilience and a passion for service, is an inspiring testament to his commitment to creating a joyful environment. Whether preparing meals with care, delivering them to residents’ rooms or writing uplifting messages in his community newsletter “Words with Wade,” he infuses every moment with kindness and joy.

As Nadia, Wellness Director, expressed, “It is so refreshing to see someone who truly enjoys coming to work. His positivity and enthusiasm trickles down throughout the residents, staff and community.”

His ability to connect with others coupled with his steadfast dedication makes him an irreplaceable member of the Sonida family. Thank you, Wade, for all you do to bring joy and positivity to those around you!

Q&A with Wade

Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at The Waterford at Carpenter’s Creek?

A: I found this job through a placement program called, “Global Connections to Employment,” which works for vocational rehabilitation. I’m on the autistic spectrum and have mild cerebral palsy. They helped find me a job in the Dining Services department. I’d like to at some point be more involved in the marketing and journalism aspects, but Dining Services is where I’m needed right now, so that’s good.

Q: Tell me more about the Dining Services department? How do you help, and which meals do you help with?

A: My shift begins at 3:30 and ends at 7:30pm, so I work during the dinner rush. We finish up prep for dinner, which involves making fruit bowls and salad bowls. If they’re not made up, and if the silverware needs to be set, I help with that as well.

Q: Sounds like there’s a lot of prep!

A: Yes! I also gather the menus so the chef can see to-go orders while my co-workers prepare the drinks. Once we’re done, service begins at 4pm. That’s when I’ll wheel a cart out with the fruit bowls and salad bowls.

Q: Wow, it’s all about timing.

A: That’s right. And while residents eat dinner in the dining room, I deliver meals up to people’s rooms. That’s usually about five to 10 meals, sometimes more. While I’m doing that and the residents are finished with their meals and going back to their rooms, I’ll see my team bussing tables. I help out with whatever’s needed, and I prep for the following day. The last thing I do for the day is roll silverware and set all the tables.

Q: It sounds like there are a lot of moving parts. Can you tell me what you enjoy most about working with the dining team?

A: Our cook, John, is really cool. He has a dry sense of humor. He’s a really good guy to work with. He’s been here for 30 years, so he’s seen a lot of things.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with the Carpenter’s Creek residents?

A: They’re really good people too. I do my best by living and serving, and they often tell me how much they appreciate me and how much of a blessing I am.

Q: Can you share a favorite on-the-job memory?

A: A resident told me I was way too smart to be serving residents. It really is good to be bonding with the residents. The job can be challenging at times due to my cerebral palsy and autism, but it’s very emotionally fulfilling.

Q: I heard you write a community newsletter! What inspired “Words with Wade?”

A: When our Executive Director, Andrea, transferred to our community, I just wanted to tell her a little something about myself. I mentioned that I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of West Florida. Andrea suggested to Shelly, our Sales Director, that they might enjoy having a newsletter written up. I started back in October and just published the January edition earlier this week.

Q: That’s great; I love a good newsletter. What type of content do you do? Are you focusing on community events, resident stories?

A: I mostly write inspirational and encouragement content. For November it was about animals that we might see on walks like turtles and squirrels. December was a rundown of some of my favorite Christmas specials and movies. This month, I chose to focus on keeping a positive attitude and not letting negative things get into your life so much.

Q: I bet there is no shortage of animals in Pensacola, Florida either!

A: Oh, yes. Lately I’ve seen a lot of armadillos!

Q: What do you think makes The Waterford at Carpenter’s Creek special?

A: Everyone is friendly here. I really like it here. I try to spread the kind of joy that I’d like to see.

Q: What are some of the favorite meals residents have loved?

A: Well, I do remember this one because it’s also one of my favorites: pizza. I believe they also loved their chili dogs the other day. Fish is also popular. John is a really great cook. The residents love what he cooks.

Q: Tell me about the desserts!

A: Banana pudding was last night. Sometimes cake or ice cream or sherbet.

Q: Tell me a bit about yourself? What’s life like for Wade?

A: When I’m not helping my family, I love playing video games and reading. These are some of my favorite things. You know, intellectual stuff.

Q: What’s your favorite reading genre?

A: Science fiction. Star Wars, Lord of the Rings. I also really like Stephen King.

Q: I’m a Star Wars nerd, too. But tell me about the video games. What system do you use?

A: I’m a PC gamer. Sometimes I do the Switch or Xbox. I sing on Rock Band sometimes. It’s fun.

Q: Definitely. It sounds like the community really cares about you.

A: It’s a really great place to work and get to know these people and get appreciated for what we do. It feels good to be able to help people.

Q: Keep up the newsletter and connecting with residents. Thank you for all that you do for The Waterford at Carpenter’s Creek community!

A: Thank you very much! Have a wonderful day, alright?

Happy senior friends having tea in cafe outside
Happy senior friends having tea in cafe outside

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