Erickson Tribune

Greenspring

UPDATED: Friday, February 02, 2007

Greenspring’s Dream Maker

Posted on Thursday, February 01, 2007
 

Introducing Karla Hibbs, Greenspring’s newly appointed director of Resident Life

By Kelly Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

As Greenspring’s recently appointed Director of Resident Life, Karla Hibbs’ self-proclaimed mission is to provide the members of the community the resources they need to enjoy life to its fullest.

As one of Greenspring’s longest serving employees, Karla previously served as Greenspring’s community services manager responsible for the management of community resources and volunteer programs.

“Karla has established herself as a tremendous leader and resource with our residents and staff and we are pleased to have her in this new role,” said Will Nance, Executive Director of Greenspring. “Her knowledge and expertise will ensure that our residents will continue to receive the high quality of service that they come to expect from our Resident Life department.”

A few weeks after accepting her new position, Karla sat down and explained why Resident Life is so important to the Greenspring community and why it is the community that makes Greenspring such a great place to live and work.

Q: What does your new role as Director of Resident Life entail?

A: As a Resident Life Director I oversee the divisions within Resident Life including community TV, Resident Services (social work), Intermissions— adult day programming, Community Resources, Volunteer programs, Pastoral Ministries, Home Health, Home Support, Resident Life Administration, and Hospice.

At other Erickson communities, the director of Resident Life also oversees Wellness. However, at Greenspring, Wellness is supervised by Associate Executive Director Robin Gliboff, because the Wellness Manager, Brad Hibbs is my husband.

I also partner with the resident council to bring about improvements on campus.

Q: How important do you feel it is for residents to become involved in campus activities?


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A: The great thingabout living at Greenspring is that it gives you the opportunity to be as involved as you want to be. You can walk out your front door and get down to a book club, card game, or history group in five minutes. I believe that it is through involvement in the community that relationships and social support is built.

At the same time, people have the choice. Some people are more comfortable with going to dinner and not being as involved and that is ok too.

Q: If someone is interested in starting a new club or activity, what steps should they take?

A: The residents connect with our Community Resources staff. They connect them to the resources within the community available to help them with the logistics of starting a new group. We do have a resident driven program here at Greenspring. Residents are the driving force behind Greenspring’s 195 current groups and activities.

Q: What are the most popular activities sponsored by Resident Life?

A: Faith communities are very popular at Greenspring. We currently have 8 active faith communities. Also popular are the 11 support groups facilitated by our Resident Services staff. On average over 1,000 meetings are held each month with residents and families.

Wellness is also very important to the Greenspring community. In 2006, we had over 26,000 visits to our Fitness Center.

Our Community Resources staff also facilitates numerous continuing educational opportunities such as “Great Decisions” “Conversations in History” and classes from the Fairfax County Adult Education program which are offered here on campus.

Q: How engaged is the Greenspring community?

A: We have residents who tell me they did not need to use a calendar to track their activities until they moved in here. We have a very active resident council, which is comprised of residents elected by their peers to serve in an advisory capacity to the Greenspring Administration. We have 373 resident leaders who drive the community activities.

In 2006, Greenspring residents logged 15,000 volunteer hours here at Greenspring as well as out in the local community through tutoring programs, and volunteering/fundraising for WETA. We also coordinate the summer camp for kids program held at Greenspring each summer. In fact, Greenspring’s volunteer program was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Program of Fairfax County last year.

Q:What activities can the residents look forward to this month (February)?

A: This month we will hold our appreciation event for service groups here at Greenspring. It is a misconception that we in Resident Life “do activities.” It really is the residents who come up with the ideas and make things move here. This event celebrates their achievements and efforts.

The best way to learn more about life at Greenspring is to see this vibrant community in action. Call 703-913-1200 to schedule a personal, pressure-free appointment. Be sure to ask about your favorite club, activity, or hobby.

Q: What do you like best about working at Greenspring?

A: I love the community that we built here and that includes the staff as well as residents. Working here really is like having an extended family. Both the residents and staff genuinely care about each other and it shows when you walk through the hallways. Erickson also provides staff members with terrific opportunities for growth within the company such as tuition reimbursement.



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