Young, vibrant and active. If those aren’t words you associate with a retirement community, you haven’t been to Copeland Oaks.
“A common misconception is that you have to be really old to move to a retirement community,” says Chelsea Venables. As marketing director for Copeland Oaks for eight years, Chelsea has seen so many misconceptions that she even did a marketing campaign on myths vs facts.
Chelsea says if you ask employees what they like best about working at Copeland Oaks, most will say “the residents.” And she agrees. But she also enjoys crafting marketing that captures the benefits of joining this friendly, lively community, situated on a beautiful 250-acre campus in Sebring, Ohio.
Helping her in that endeavor is Jessica Spinks, the Copeland Oaks marketing coordinator. Jessica has been employed at Copeland Oaks for a total of 15 years, working in various areas. Jessica says that through her time at Copeland Oaks, she sees how employees truly have a connection with everyone.
Find a Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name
When Chelsea first started her job at Copeland Oaks, she was amazed that her boss knew every resident’s name, which is no small feat given that more than 500 residents call Copeland Oaks home. She soon learned this is not uncommon!
“You are not just a number here,” says Jessica, who describes a community of friends and neighbors that support one another. She refers to the more than 65 resident-led groups that residents can join as an example of the full and active lifestyle available at Copeland Oaks.
Chelsea and Jessica work closely with the Copeland Oaks senior living consultant Allison Edie, and Director of Sales and Admissions, Kimberly Strabala.
“When we have a new resident move in, everyone is involved,” says Chelsea. “Residents moving into the independent homes, called The Villas, make selections on flooring and wallpaper and paint. We all work together to make sure everything is ready for move-in – from housekeeping to dietary and more, everyone works in collaboration to ensure a smooth move-in process.”
Allison echoes this sentiment.
“The sense of community and teamwork is incredible here. Everyone, from staff to residents, cares deeply about one another. It’s not just a workplace; it’s a place where people genuinely look out for each other.”
This caring and kind atmosphere is part of what helps residents when making the move to Copeland Oaks.
“Moving to a retirement community is a big transition, even if it’s something that you really want to do,” says Chelsea. “Seeing residents gain this sense of community, watching them thrive and enjoying their families visiting – it’s really cool.”
Take a Tour and See Firsthand
Allison has been a senior living consultant for Copeland Oaks for three years, but she has worked at the retirement community for eight years overall. She says it has been a wonderful experience getting to know both the residents and the team members, who truly feel like family.
For Allison, a typical day includes showing potential residents the beautiful campus, easing the minds of potential residents and their families by answering questions about the Copeland Oaks community, and making sure all upcoming admissions are as smooth as possible.
“No two days are exactly the same, which keeps things interesting and meaningful,” says Allison. “I love the personal connections I get to make every day. Whether it’s helping someone settle into their new home, planning an event that brings people together or simply sharing stories with residents, it’s rewarding to know my work has a direct, positive impact.”
Live Life To the Fullest in Your Retirement
A retirement community should not be a place to be bored or lonely; and at Copeland Oaks it’s a place to live! Residents enjoy the five-acre lake, the walking trails, the restaurants, the pool and joining in on-campus events and activities. Allison adds that Copeland Oak’s spiritual life programs and on-campus health services are also huge advantages.
“It’s a calm and peaceful community, which is not something you find just anywhere,” says Chelsea.
In addition to promoting a retirement where one can enjoy a well-earned, relaxing lifestyle, Copeland Oaks is a place where residents can become more active and even improve fitness and mobility! Chelsea says the wellness department is one of the bigger things that sets Copeland Oaks apart.