For the seniors residing at The Meadows, an independent living community located in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, the New Year will bring a bittersweet leadership transition. Beloved Resident Services Coordinator for the Meadows, Millie Lukens, plans to retire January 31, while simultaneously paving the way for new Meadows Coordinator, Lucy Goulet.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to travel with my husband,” Millie shared while reflecting on her impending retirement. “I leave in early February for two weeks in Lisbon, Portugal. We will be doing a trial run, as my husband is considering job relocation there!”
“I also plan to continue the renovation of my home so that we can sell it and downsize,” Millie added while laughing. “There are 62 windows that need various kinds of repairs–we know the exact number because my son had to count them for a third-grade project years ago! I can listen to Audible and scrape and putty and paint away. I have art supplies and fabric to work with that have been collecting dust. My smaller grandchildren are in Vermont, so there will definitely be some travel north to enjoy the snow with them!”
Thanks to Millie’s innovative and progressive ingenuity, the Meadows navigated their way through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a host of other challenges. With a constant focus on her residents and promoting connection, her accomplishments encompassed everything from promoting digital inclusion amongst senior residents, to initiating weekly community based group events. Focusing on keeping her senior residents mentally healthy and socially connected, Millie’s prerogative for inclusion in the Resident Service Coordinator position has been unwavering and steadfast.
However, the greatest change for Meadows residents under Millie’s leadership came in the form of Alexa-enabled Amazon Fire Tablets in 2020. Distributed to all 88 residents in tandem with the training necessary to utilize the devices, NWBRV was able to help residents become socially connected beyond their apartments–an accomplishment that couldn’t have been achieved at a more ideal time.
“Only 11% of our population had an internet connection at the time we began thinking about acquiring devices for our residents,” Millie said. “We began brainstorming on how we could get our residents an internet connection, obtain devices for them to use, and provide the training necessary to constructively use them. Meadows residents began connecting using their tablets and have been able to do so for the past four years.”
Erin Pepin (Property Manager, FRM), Millie Lukens, Amber Drew (Regional Manager, FRM)
“The Meadows is a special place and we have been lucky to have had such wonderful Resident Service Coordinators throughout its history,” Deputy Director Christian Caldarone said. “In searching for Millie’s replacement, we’ve kept in mind that successful RSC’s do share a few common traits. First, a positive and warm personality is a necessity as our residents are extremely friendly and form relationships with staff. Second, a high degree of organization is required since the needs of each resident varies and coordinating multiple resources for 90+ is a great challenge. The ability to think creatively is also important because the challenges are never quite the same.”
With capital needs assessment of the property on the docket for 2024, NWBRV is aiming the Meadows in an environmentally sustainable direction, especially in regards to the HVAC system–investigating solar for the geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as the resident community room.
“Millie will help with transitioning the Resident Coordinator into the role as she departs on her new adventures! We’re hoping for a smooth hand off! We wish Millie all the best–she is a GEM and will be missed!” shares Roz Mitchell, Director of Resident Services.
With a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, we’re proud to announce Lucy Goulet as our new hire for the position. Having worked in resident services since 1999, Lucy is also a certified Grief Recovery Specialist with many years of volunteer and leadership experience under her belt. Starting January 16 and assuming the role independently beginning February 1. Lucy has worked in the RSC field for many years, facilitating numerous residential sites of various demographics.
“Millie was a great help in letting us know about the senior culture at the Meadows, said NWBRV’s Homeownership Center Manager Roz Mitchell. “In finding her replacement, we’ve looked for someone with similar traits as Millie. Someone very caring, compassionate, empathetic and knowledgeable about the senior population and services. We’re looking forward to watching Lucy in action-she checks all the boxes! The AmeriCorps Assessing Home Volunteers have had nothing but high praise of how Lucy has helped them in being better at this work. “
“I’m excited for the opportunity to have the position as the Resident Services Coordinator at the Meadows!” Lucy shared. “This is a job I love and can continue doing in my hometown. My main objective in starting my work here is to assist residents with successful tenancy. I want to assure all residents have all the resources necessary for stable housing.”
On behalf of the entire staff at NWBRV, we’d like to thank Millie for her dedication to NeighborWorks and the Meadows community, and wish her health, adventure and happiness in all her future endeavors! You’ll be greatly missed Millie!
For more information on this affordable development for individuals 62 and over, please contact property manager, First Realty, at 401-762-0600 to learn more, or pick up an application at the Meadows, 2 Village Way, North Smithfield, RI.
