In the intricate tapestry of Genesis Village, every thread—whether a resident or a team member—plays a crucial role in weaving the vibrant community we cherish today. As we walk the hallways, share stories, and create memories, we realize the depth and breadth of experiences that make our community truly unique.
With “Genesis Journeys: Meet the Village,” we embark on a monthly exploration, drawing back the curtain to spotlight those who breathe life into Genesis Village. Through intimate conversations, we aim to give our readers a glimpse into the hearts, dreams, and stories of the people who make our village feel like home.
And who better to inaugurate this series than someone who’s deeply entwined with the fabric of our community? Let’s begin our journey with a quiet, heartfelt conversation with our Executive Director, Julie St. John. She’s just one of the many dedicated team members at Genesis Village, but her insights and stories offer a gentle introduction to the myriad tales yet to be told. Step with us into the mosaic of “Genesis Journeys.”
Genesis Beginnings
Can you share with us the moment or experience that drew you to Genesis Village, and what made you decide to take on the role of Executive Director?
“Absolutely. My journey with Genesis Village started before it even opened in 2013. My parents, who co-founded this community, asked if I could help set up accounts, policies, and procedures since it was a new business. I then worked part-time as the assistant to the Business Manager for several years, learning the ins and outs of running a business while working toward my bachelor’s degree in Business. After a few years, I took on more of the accounting responsibilities, and in 2019, I was asked to be a part of the leadership team responsible for planning strategic initiatives. In 2020, I was asked to step into my current role as Executive Director and work with our leadership team. I was very comfortable with this decision because I was familiar with the inner workings of the community, and I felt I could be of help during the pandemic.“
Guiding Philosophy
In your role, what core values or beliefs guide your decision-making and leadership approach for the community?
“My core values and beliefs are the same in business as in my personal life. In 2020, our leadership team came together to shape Genesis Village into the kind of company we wanted to be. Our core values include compassion, teamwork, creativity, accountability, service, adaptability, communication, and continuous improvement. I believe being a team player is at the heart of Genesis Village. We all need to work together to make our community a better place for everyone.”
Behind the Scenes
While every day is unique, could you give us a glimpse into a typical day for you at Genesis Village?
“Genesis Village is such a unique experience, but some of my favorite things include when Bingo lets out, and you get to see the smiles on the faces of those who won, or when you go into the Dining Room and see so many residents enjoying time with one another. There are so many little moments that just make me proud to be a part of a community where people are living fulfilling lives and enjoying themselves.”
Cherished Moments
Over the years, there must have been countless memories. Could you share one that particularly warms your heart or has profoundly impacted you?
“Well, I have several good memories over the past ten years…most of them have been at our musical concerts and events, but one in particular does come to mind. Last year, we had this idea to have family and friends send Christmas-grams to residents, and our team dressed up and delivered over 50 of them. We also decided to sing Christmas songs as we delivered the holiday greetings, and that was a really fun experience to bring joy to so many of our residents and just be a blessing to them.“
“Well, I have several good memories over the past ten years…most of them have been at our musical concerts and events, but one in particular does come to mind. Last year, we had this idea to have family and friends send electronically send Christmas-grams to residents, and our team dressed up and delivered over 50 of them. That was a really fun experience to bring joy to so many of our residents.“
Community’s Essence
How would you describe the spirit of Genesis Village to someone who’s never visited? What makes it stand out for you?
“Genesis Village is vibrant! The residents, members, and employees are so welcoming and make it a wonderful place filled with life! Other communities just don’t compare to Genesis Village. I’ve grown up visiting senior communities all of my life, and most were not a place you would want to spend time at. Our mission at Genesis Village is to add life to your years, and I can say without a doubt that we meet that mission every day. “
Learning and Growth
What’s been one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your role, and how has it influenced how you lead and serve the community?
“I have learned not to fear change. Change is often hard, but so many good things can come from the willingness to adapt. I have also learned how important it is to have faith and a strong team that genuinely cares about our community. I have been very blessed to have such a wonderful group of people to serve with, and I am truly proud of what has been accomplished so far.“
Vision Forward
As we look to the future of Genesis Village, what are your hopes or aspirations for our community, and how do you envision bringing them to life?
“We have so many ideas for the future that I would say that only being able to pick a few each year is probably one of the hardest parts of the job. We are excited to continue improving our community with advancements in technology, training, and expanding our offerings. We have some really exciting programs that we will be launching over the coming year, and I think it will add to the many benefits of our community. We continue to ask ourselves how we can improve Genesis Village and what would help this community grow and thrive.”
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