Siena Lakes' Resident Volunteers Extend a Warm Welcome to Sales Center Visitors

When you arrive for a visit at the Sales Center for Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., the first happy faces you see may well be residents who volunteer their time.

"We love our volunteers!" says Sales Director Suzy McAllister. "They are the first point of contact when folks come in the door."

Personal touch

When prospective residents schedule a pressure-free visit at the Sales Center, they are often greeted by a resident volunteer before meeting with a member of the sales team. 

That personal touch makes a difference for many visitors, notes McAllister. 

"Our volunteers help create exceptional visits for our guests. In addition to warmly greeting them, they often share personal stories," she explains. "It's nice for someone who is interested in living at Siena Lakes to hear about the community from someone who actually lives on campus."

She adds, "Then, they come to see us, and we are able to explain--in more detail--how they could make Siena Lakes their home."

Giving back

Mary Ann Brown, who moved into a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath residence with a den at Siena Lakes three years ago, is one of ten resident volunteers. 

In addition to greeting visitors, Mary Ann and her fellow volunteers assemble informational packets and brochures, support sales team members, and occasionally offer directions.

A head for business

"I've always enjoyed business," she says. "[Volunteering] gives me a taste of the ‘business' world again and allows me to give back as well."

She continues, "Sometimes, they're looking for something on campus or a resident who already lives here. Other times, they come in and have questions and need to speak with someone, and I'm the first to chat with them."

Volunteering at the Sales Center fits right in with Mary Ann's active lifestyle. She also takes exercise classes in balance, stretch, and movement; attends talks given on campus through Florida Gulf Coast University; plays cards; goes for walks; and spends time with   friends.

"When I moved in here, I did not know a soul. Now, I know lots of people!" says Mary Ann. "I'll help those who need anything. I feel good about giving back and I really look forward to the time I volunteer."

Following footsteps

Resident Betsy Dyke, who also volunteers at the Sales Center, says her lifetime passion of dedicating time to others comes from her mother. 

"Volunteering is something I got from my mom, who volunteered doing everything. Back in the day, mothers used to volunteer to work in their children's school cafeterias during lunches or volunteer at church--things like that," says Betsy. 

After moving into a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence with a den with her husband Dave, Betsy was looking for a new volunteer opportunity--after giving time at their church's thrift shop for quite a  while.

"Now, this is my volunteer work," says Betsy, who enjoys putting together brochures, floor plans, maps, and other pieces of information for people interested in learning more about Siena Lakes. 

But what she loves most is talking with people. "When I was a little girl, we relocated often. I went to 13 different schools. I really enjoy meeting new people!" she says. 

It's ‘family here'

If you're interested in learning more about Siena Lakes' vibrant, worry-free lifestyle or touring the amenity-rich campus, McAllister recommends scheduling a pressure-free visit with a sales team member. 

"We want all prospective residents to explore everything that Siena Lakes has to offer and ensure it's the right community for them," McAllister explains. "We are here to help you do that, and so are our resident volunteers."

Betsy adds, "The sales staff is absolutely incredible. We all really care about each other. It feels like a family here. I love volunteering."

n addition to her time in the Sales Center, Betsy enjoys playing trivia, doing water aerobics, and playing cards. She especially enjoys the card game Hand and Foot. 

She and her husband have dinner with different people every night and also go walking with other residents, one who knows a lot about the birds and nature around campus. Betsy finds it easy to stay just as busy as she likes. 

"You can't be bored," she says. "There's always something to do."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Siena Lakes, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.