Sharon Mellinger, Life Enrichment Activities Assistant at Landis Homes, understands how social interaction is essential to holistic health.


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he frequently witnesses the incredible power that connections have on individuals and strives to provide opportunities for residents living in Personal Care to experience a sense of community.


One idea for regular “Socials” originated from an ice cream cart. Te cart would visit each resident’s room to provide a sweet treat, but one day the team decided to keep the cart stationary and have residents come to the cart for a Top-Your-Own-Sundae event! “Te connections were great,” Sharon said. “People were meeting each other or catching up all over the room.”


Enriching


Lives, Together


“The group is laughing and talking. The atmosphere is like a family reunion! It’s peaceful


chattering as we move from one chair to another.”


Resident Socials are now held twice a month. While each Social features a special treat – such as blueberry lemonade in the summer or Christmas cookies in December – Sharon said she realized early on that the food wasn’t really the main attraction. For the majority of attendees, the socialization aspect was the most important. “It’s a time with no agenda and no expectations,” Sharon explained. “We usually have great turnouts – between 40 and 55 people! It’s thrilling to see people making connections with each other.” Sharon shared that there is one group of ladies in particular who attend each Social and sit and talk together until the very last moment.


“Te group is laughing and talking. Te atmosphere is like a family reunion! It’s peaceful chattering as we move from one chair to another,” said one resident. Another added, “I enjoy the Socials because they give me the opportunity to get to know residents from other houses and they often bring back memories from my childhood.”


For Sharon, planning and executing social events is where her talents shine. “Tere’s nothing I love more than throwing a party,” she said. At Landis Homes, she gets to do what she loves. “A lot of my hobbies that aren’t really marketable in another work setting are so valued here,” she said. “It’s an amazing job.” She celebrated two years in the position in February.


Each day, Sharon gets to explore how to authentically encourage connections for residents. “Tese are creative, well-traveled, and well-rounded people who have so many interesting things to share,” she said. “One of my biggest goals is to plan activities that are engaging, fun, and intellectually stimulating.”


Sharon’s commitment to the connections of the residents has led her on a mission to spread joy. “Tis core value of Landis Homes resonates with me and the residents – there is so much joy in being together and having friends. One resident even goes around and invites people to the activities. Tat’s a big part of joy – inviting others to partake in it as well.”


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2025 • 9


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