Like Mother, Like Daughter: Finding Purpose by Making Their Community Feel Like Home

Step through the doors at Holiday Thornton Place, and you'll notice something special in the air. Beyond the tempting aromas from the kitchen and the laughter of residents, there's a unique warmth – one that radiates from a mother and daughter who pour their hearts into making this community feel like home.

Finding their way

Ten years ago, Kimberly was a stay-at-home mom cleaning houses on the side when a client changed her life.

"She was moving to an independent retirement community," Kimberly recalled. "After about a year, she contacted me about a job opening. I had no idea places like this existed!"

"Walking into this building is like entering a place full of family," she said. "This job gives me purpose – it's what I was meant to do."

As Engage Life Coordinator, Kimberly designs monthly calendars of classes, workshops, events and outings that fill residents' days with joy and social opportunities.

Five years ago, her daughter Jessica followed her path.

"I saw how much Mom loved working with the residents," Jessica explained. "When a kitchen position opened, I jumped at the chance to do what I love while working close to her."

Now the community’s executive chef, Jessica creates more than meals.

"Making people happy through food is everything to me. It's creating edible art," she shared. "I experiment with flavors, but what do residents love most? Plain chicken wings! Sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest satisfaction."

Partnership in action

This mother-daughter duo transforms ordinary events into memorable experiences.

"The Veterans Day Breakfast was one of our best," Jessica said. "Mom sent invitations to all our veterans and decorated with red, white and blue centerpieces. I created an omelet bar with all the fixings, plus hashbrown casserole and fresh fruit. Twenty-two residents attended, and they haven't stopped talking about it since!"

Monthly birthday celebrations are always a hit.

"Mom and I serve cake and ice cream sundaes in the atrium after lunch," Jessica explained. "Residents look forward to this every month."

Recently, their collaboration turned the community's Afternoon Tea social series event into a standout success. Jessica prepared chicken salad croissants, cucumber sandwiches and scones with fresh fruit, while Kimberly decorated the dining room for spring, created a photo booth and brought in a harpist to play elegant music as residents sipped tea and enjoyed each other’s company.

A multi-generational commitment

"I get to see her almost every day," Kimberly said about working with her daughter. "Sometimes we have lunch together, and for special events, she's our go-to food magician."

"Mom and I have this deep trust and understanding," Jessica added. "We're such a good team that most days, we barely need words. She's not just my mom – she's my best friend."

The family's dedication extends beyond mother and daughter. Kimberly's parents volunteer weekly, with her father often helping on outings. "When I was a stay-at-home mom, I could visit their house anytime," Kimberly explained. "This gives us a new way to stay connected."

Jessica's eight-year-old daughter Taylyn sometimes helps with activities, creating a three-generation circle of care.

A mutual admiration society

"She's a single mom working incredibly hard," Kimberly shared about Jessica. "Somehow she keeps her daughter and our residents happy. I've watched her grow so much here."

Jessica's admiration runs equally deep.

"Mom has this way with people that's always inspired me. Her kind heart, her selflessness – she puts everyone's needs before her own and still stays strong."

"I'm proud that we share the same heart for people," Jessica said. "We show up. We listen. We make people feel seen. And her work ethic has definitely rubbed off on me. We don't stop until the job is done right."

Kimberly and Jessica, second and third from left, pose with staff during a luau-themed event.

The joys of senior living

While Kimberly nurtures residents' spirits through engaging activities, Jessica feeds their bodies with flavorful, wholesome creations.

"The residents keep me coming back every day," Jessica said. "It's rewarding because they let you know when you're doing a great job, and they're honest when something needs improvement."

"I love my residents," Kimberly echoed. "It's like having a building full of parents and grandparents. Seeing them smile makes everything worthwhile."

Kimberly credits her 18 years as a pastor's wife for developing the listening, caring and community-building skills essential to her current role.

"What surprised me most was how vibrant it is here!" Jessica added. "People assume retirement communities are sleepy and quiet, but they're actually full of laughter, conversation and joy."

Life lessons

Working with older adults has given both women valuable perspective.

"They all have stories if you just slow down to listen," Kimberly reflected. "They were young once too, raising families and figuring life out just like us."

Jessica's lessons have been equally meaningful. "I've learned how important food is beyond nutrition. And kindness, being present, communication – these things matter more than we realize when we're younger."

A Mother's Day reflection

As Mother's Day approaches, Kimberly and Jessica remind us that a mother-daughter bond can blossom in unexpected ways. Through their countless collaborations, they've created something beautiful not only for themselves but for the older adults who call Holiday home.

Spend Mother’s Day – and every day – in caring company. Find a Holiday community near you and schedule a tour.