Mishawaka assisted living bring joy and laughter to residents on Christmas Day and Beyond

On Christmas day North Woods Village received a call from Lauren Becker a WSBT 22 news reporter. Ms. Lauren was interested in doing a segment on people working during Christmas day. For some, work doesn’t stop on the holidays. Employees from North Woods Assisted Living Facility had a full day of work.

Most of the employees we talked with say they skipped their own family Christmas celebrations to bring holiday cheer to the residents at North Woods. Many had a choice to work today, but almost everyone made the decision to be there.

Christmas is a day full of hugs and holiday cheer. While most spend their day with family and friends, others like Mary Richey spend their day on the job — which, for her, is helping others. “Of course we take care of the residents, we do activities, we try to make them feel as much like being at home as possible,” said Richey.

Richey missed her own family Christmas to be at North Woods, but she says seeing the smiles on resident’s faces are what makes her day worth it. “Not everybody has family to come visit all
the time so we have to be here for one another,” said Richey. While some residents don’t get to see their families, others do. Norma Jean Neff came to visit her husband of 53 years. “I am
making it through my first Christmas without him at home but I can always come and visit him here,” said Neff. Cindy Martz came to visit her 92-year-old mother, reliving her favorite Christmas memories. “My mother was the glue that held our family together,” said Martz. “I get to see her today and share some baking goods.”

Mary Richey says today is one of the most important days to be with residents and she’s forever thankful to be a part of it.