High School Senior Finds Her Calling at Heritage Pointe of Warren

Participating in a mentorship program at Heritage Pointe of Warren senior living community, Gracie Reeves has gained invaluable hands-on experience that has confirmed she is on the right path as she pursues a long-term goal of a career in caring for others.

A senior at Southern Wells High School, Reeves plans to study nursing after graduation. She began her work-based learning placement in July, working with Diane Johnson, an activity supervisor at the community that offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled care.

Heritage Pointe has long been recognized for its strong programs, services and amenities, as well as the exceptional lifestyle it provides for residents, making it an ideal environment for mentorship opportunities like this. Reeves has also benefited from working alongside Johnson, a highly respected and dedicated leader in the senior living industry whose compassion, professionalism and commitment to residents make her an outstanding role model for students entering the field.

The mentorship program pairs students with local employers in fields that match their interests, combining on-the-job experience with classroom learning.

“I’ve really just enjoyed caring for people and making their day better,” Reeves says about her experience. “If I can do that every day as a job, I would love that.”

In her daily role, Reeves greets residents each morning, escorts them to appointments and helps organize activities such as bingo, cornhole and crafts. The community focuses on engaging residents and giving them opportunities to stay active, learn and socialize. Studies show that such activities lead to better cognitive health, stronger emotional well-being, and increased physical activity, all of which benefit residents. Interacting with a young person, such as Reeves, also helps accomplish many of those same goals.

As Reeves has gotten to know residents, including those with dementia or physical limitations, she has developed the ability to help them stay engaged and connected. She has learned to recognize subtle cues, such as a bowed head or reluctance to leave a room and responds with empathy.

She recalls one resident who seemed withdrawn and uninterested.

“He was really quiet that day,” she says. “So I asked if he wanted to do a puzzle.”

That simple activity made a big difference. As they worked together, the resident began to smile and laugh.

“It made his day better,” Reeves says. “And it made my day better too.”

Johnson, who has mentored students in the program for seven years, says Reeves demonstrates qualities that can’t easily be taught.

“You can teach someone how to run an activity,” Johnson says. “But you can’t teach compassion or a true sense of caring. Gracie has that.”

She notes that Reeves’ ability to preserve residents’ dignity, whether assisting someone physically or adapting activities so everyone can participate, as one of her greatest strengths. Reeves also shows insights beyond her years, often anticipating residents’ needs without being asked.

“She’s very good at reading people,” Johnson says. “She can see when someone is struggling and steps in naturally. That’s something special.”

The mentorship program has also taught Reeves the importance of adaptability. Whether helping a resident mark a bingo card, providing larger print materials they can more easily read or shifting to quieter one-on-one activities, she has learned to meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally.

Some of her most meaningful moments, she says, come from simply listening.

“I love hearing about their lives. They’ve lived so much, and their stories are amazing.”

Her interest in senior living began when Reeves was a child and visited her great-grandparents at Heritage Pointe, playing games and interacting with them. Those early experiences helped shape her desire during her mentorship to ensure older adults feel valued and engaged.

“I just want to make sure they’re living their best life,” she says.

Reeves’ dedication has been recognized. She has been named Work-Based Learning Student of the Year and was honored at a luncheon on May 5. For Johnson, the award reflects not only strong performance but Reeves’ genuine commitment to others.

For Reeves, the relationships she has built with residents and the knowledge and perspectives she will carry into her future career as a nurse are even more meaningful than the award.

“I’ve learned so much from them,” she says. “They’re really amazing people.”