Venterra’s WOW & WOW-EE programs are a great example of our taking a people-first approach to business. By empowering our team members and Experience Leaders to create amazing, personalized moments for residents and staff, every Venterra employee is able to embrace and shape our company culture in a powerful and real way. And, in a year where everyone needed some extra love, our teams refused to let COVID get in the way of creating some truly amazing resident WOW stories. And, while we saw tons of heart-warming submissions come in from across the Venterra portfolio, there could be just one $2,000 Grand Prize-winning 2020 WOWMatters story!
During our week-long virtual 2021 Kickoff Party, it was announced that Terry Luckett, Assistant Maintenance Manager at Villas at Newnan Crossing, in Newnan, GA was our big winner!
After learning that a beloved resident had been diagnosed with a worsening condition, Terry searched for ways to create a WOW moment and comfort the military veteran during his time of need. With permission, Terry made regular trips to the VA hospital for bedside visits, delivering flowers, balloons, and a card to express the care and concern of the Villas team.
The true gift, though, was the “gift of time.” Throughout the hardship, Terry assisted with tasks including taking out the trash, picking up packages, helping with groceries, and pushing his wheelchair so the resident could enjoy some fresh air in the great outdoors.
With each trip to the hospital, the two formed a deeper friendship, and, during the last visit, the resident expressed how truly grateful he was for Terry and the Villas at Newnan Crossing staff. He was so appreciative that he requested Terry take a video so others could see how he felt about the team and how wonderful the Villas community had been to him. After filming, Terry held his hand while playing his favorite music, providing peace and comfort before his final days.
After his passing, Terry paid respects by attending the funeral and spent time visiting his gravesite. In the end, this was also a WOW story for Terry and the Villas at Newnan Crossing team, who gained memories with an endearing friend and gained the gift of gratitude.
See the surprise 2020 WOWMatters Grand Prize Winner reveal and hear the story in Terry’s own words below!
Know someone who should be creating WOW moments on a Venterra team? Be sure to check out our employee referral program and send them our way!