Shirley’s Patient Presence Supports New Residents
Shirley snuggles with her puppy, Simba.
Shirley is the person you want by your side, whether to celebrate the latest hurrah or to grieve a loss. To meet Shirley is to feel at peace with yourself and the world. With her calm presence and deep compassion, she offers comfort in difficult times and amplifies joy in moments of happiness.
Shirley is the trusted big sister—no matter how many years pass, her siblings still turn to her for advice and a compassionate ear. Together, they share laughter, choosing humor as their way to navigate life’s challenges.
She’s also the teacher you remember fondly—the one who saw the best in every student. As a substitute, Shirley would begin each class with a “Cooperative Student List,” surprising students who expected only negative reports. She explained that she believed in their potential and wanted the principal and their regular teacher to know how great they were.
As a friend, Shirley is unwaveringly supportive and accepting. In her presence, you feel truly seen and understood, and she offers the space for you to better understand yourself.
Shirley is the person you call in a crisis. As the director of a crisis hotline, she developed a deep understanding of human behavior and the power of listening. “I believe everyone has within themselves an answer to their own problems. They just need a way to find the answers, and sometimes that’s just having someone sit and stay quiet and listen,” she says.
Throughout three careers (so far), Shirley has dedicated herself to making a positive difference. She meets people where they are, offering unconditional positive regard, calm patience, and a hopeful outlook.
Today, Shirley serves as the lead ambassador at Prairie City Landing, a senior living community in Folsom. Ambassadors help new residents transition to their new home by offering empathy, knowledge, and a welcoming presence. “The team of ambassadors are just lovely, beautiful people. They’re all helpers, the type who want to reach out and do good,” Shirley says.
She understands that every new resident is navigating their own journey through loss and transition. “When people come here, they’re in different stages of recovery from whatever loss they have experienced. Loss of your spouse, your home, your way of life. It’s a huge transition, and I want to be part of helping people get through it.”
Shirley welcomed Marti, a new resident and friend.
Shirley shares her wisdom with fellow volunteers, guiding them to be attentive listeners in the spirit of Carl Rogers. She reassures them that their efforts matter, even if the impact isn’t always immediately visible. “My role is to nurture the volunteers so they can nurture our new residents,” she explains.
She leads by example, recognizing the importance of belonging. The dining room, she notes, can be both the most rewarding and the most intimidating place. “If someone new walks in alone, I get up and invite them in. If there’s a place at my table, I’ll bring them over. If not, I find a place at another table and make introductions.” These simple acts of kindness, Shirley knows, are deeply meaningful. Like the song by Kitty Kallen, she believes it’s the little things that add up to create the welcoming atmosphere she cherishes and helps foster at Prairie City Landing.
Transitions are difficult, so our Counselors—and a team of Ambassadors—are here to support you.
