One of my residents about a month ago told me he didn't want to be alive anymore.

One of my residents about a month ago told me he didn't want to be alive anymore. He said it right in the center of the lobby with others listening so I knew he meant it. He's a retired gentleman. Covid took alot out of him. He's still trying to recover physically in some ways. I told him not to give up. Every time I see him I make it a point to encourage him. I suggested getting out of the house more and spending more time in our clubroom area so he's not at home alone with his thoughts. (Been there.)

He's been coming in 3 times a week now for coffee. When he does, he tells he's been exercising. He looks 10 times stronger. He smiles more, he talks more and he's been walking more. He stops by for coffee, to watch Netflix in the Media Room more often as well.

Today he stopped by to tell me he was going to our salon next door to get his hair cut and his beard shaved. Said he hasn't done so in quite some time. I did a happy dance inside bc I can see his mind is changing about this whole Life thing.

Debt collections, enforcing community policies...noise complaints... it all takes a toll on me sometimes. But the opportunity to help someone see past their dark days is truly the best part about my day.

#feelinghopeful #mentalhealthawareness #encourageothers #bekind

That is awesone.. it's always someone that needs a good person to talk to.. I love this so much

BEST part of the job is helping others

My favorite property was a senior 55+ community. I know you feel like a professional juggler sometimes but I think you really make a difference.

Absolutely could not love this post more! It made my eyes water

That’s awesome! Hearing this reminds us how important even we can be in our residents lives. We never know what people are really going through. You should be very proud of yourself.

Thank you for being kind to him. We all feel alone at times and I'm glad someone was listening to his cry for help. You both will be in my prayers .

Thank you for sharing this story. At least one person is going to see this and be inspired to do the same. With the reach of this platform, it will likely be a whole lot more than that

Thank you for showing him kindness! I love this!

It seems like every day I’m seeing more people talk about how they or someone they know has been going through mental health struggles lately, including myself. I believe we are seeing an after effect of the pandemic.
Now more than ever is important to be kind.

I struggle with them myself as well. Its hard to find a balance at times when the world is in disarray. Not to mention so many things that are out of our control. We're all fighting through something. Sometimes we just need a reminder to be considerate of each other.

It's a great feeling! I reach out and go over and above a normal property manager's responsibilities all the time. I take care of cats, move vehicles, and close windows. I have a responsibility to my company, but also to my residents .

Thank you for being kind and making a difference! Sometimes a small gesture means a whole lot to someone. He needed your encouragement and I’m happy to hear that he’s doing better. I’ve lost 2 family members to suicide and wish they had someone to offer them kindness when they needed it.

Wow thank you for sharing! I had a similar incident today and it feels so good to encourage our residents and to be able to see the difference in which your encouragement took place!!! I give all the Glory to God!!!!

I see you. So many people are struggling. We are more that property or site management. We are community leaders. Great job!!!!

You’re amazing! Keep it up! We need more people like this! So inspirational

This is fantastic, great job. If we can make a positive impact and help 1 person, the other part of our job is worth it. Thank you for caring and taking the time out of your crazy busy day to show love and encouragement.

What a sweet story! Keep up the good work. You will never know the impact to others of encouraging words, a smile, a positive life. Sometimes life is rough in property management which makes it even more important to be intentional about being positive and remembering moments such as what you shared . May your kindness come back to you a thousand fold!!

How wonderful of you to encourage him and give him hope that better days lie ahead! We never know what
others are going through. Thank you for sharing.

Kinda made me cry honestly. Thank you for being compassionate. There’s so many sides to property management. It’s tough on the tenants but also on us.

Great job in this. He probably is lonely

You are truly one in a million! It's no mistake that you were supposed to hear that and be a difference in his life! I can't wait to see the picture of his new look! So proud to I get to work with you!

And this is why we do what we do! I just started working in a blended extreme low income/tax credit/section 8 monstrosity of 11 diff properties... it’s hard to help some of these folks who need more than I can do. But even something like this could change someone’s world. We need to keep trying to be the change!

That’s why I do this! We do more than rent apartments..

That’s amazing . High five for a Job well done. Our Job is so much more than what it seems. Mental health is as much important as physical health. Blessings

Brittany, bless you for your empathetic spirit. You have added value to this individual—the most important value. He now sees value in living. You just changed his world. Take a deep breath and truly take that in.
Thank you!

I could not love this post more! THIS is what makes it all worth while and important to have a human connection - a chat bot or “do-it-yourself” world cannot touch this. love your kind heart!

I love this story!

Love this story!!! I don't think people realize that we can be a light to others even at work. This is the best example of how to do so. Kudos for being a good human being!

I think that it is important to remember what an impact we can have on each other. I am sure that it only took you a few minutes to be encouraging to him, but look what a difference your kind words made. Thank you for sharing!

This is so beautiful. This world needs more people like you. That resident might have needed just one person that showed they cared and that was you! Over the years working with resident collections I have had the opportunity to talk from the heart to a few people and I think help them. These are the times that make it all worth it and makes my heart happy!