The Power of Purpose: Volunteering and Giving Back in Retirement Living
At Reata Glen, residents discover that retirement can be a time of growth, friendship, and purpose. Many find joy in giving back to others through volunteer work, an experience that deepens connection and strengthens the community. From lending a hand at social events to spending time with residents at The Orchards Health Center, adjacent to Reata Glen, volunteering provides countless opportunities to make a positive difference.
Finding Purpose Through Helping Others
Purpose can take many forms, a friendly conversation, a shared laugh or a simple act of kindness. At Reata Glen, residents find that volunteering helps them stay active and engaged while also enriching the lives of others. Whether organizing community activities or supporting programs at The Orchards Health Center, every volunteer contributes to an atmosphere of compassion and care.
Many residents say that helping others gives them a renewed sense of direction. It allows them to use their time and talents to create meaningful moments, reminding them that a life of purpose continues well into retirement. These efforts strengthen the bonds that make Reata Glen such a close and caring community.
Volunteering at The Orchards Health Center
One of the most fulfilling ways residents at Reata Glen give back is by volunteering at The Orchards Health Center, which provides assisted living, memory care, and long-term care in a skilled nursing setting. Volunteers help brighten days, support activity programs, and share genuine companionship with residents.
As one Reata Glen resident shared:
“Since retiring, I’ve tried a few different volunteer roles, but spending time at The Orchards is my favorite. Each week I look forward to catching up with the residents, sharing laughs, and helping them feel special. In Memory Care, I love hearing their stories — what games they played as kids, how their spouse proposed to them, how they earned their allowance, and what their first job was. The memories they share always make me smile. It’s amazing how a simple conversation can brighten someone’s day — including mine. I always leave The Orchards with a full heart and a big smile.”
Stories like this reflect how powerful a volunteer’s presence can be. Even small gestures like listening, chatting, or playing a game can make a lasting impact. Volunteers at The Orchards play a vital part in nurturing joy and connection, helping residents feel valued and supported.
Bria DiCenzo, Activities Coordinator at The Orchards Health Center, expressed her appreciation for these volunteers:
“Volunteers remain a very special and crucial role in the functioning of activity programs at The Orchards. Reata Glen volunteers assist with many things, such as providing one-on-one social visits, leading activities like Bingo, and accompanying residents on outings. We are very grateful for the kindness and service our amazing volunteers offer to our residents each day, it is truly invaluable.”

Purpose That Inspires Community
Volunteerism at Reata Glen extends beyond The Orchards Health Center. Residents often share their time and talents within the community by helping coordinate activities, supporting neighbors and creating moments that bring people together.
Another volunteer tradition that brings joy each year is the Camp Pendleton Holiday Party. This festive celebration delights children with handmade toys crafted by members of the community’s hobby shop and the cheerful antics of resident “elves.” Together, Reata Glen volunteers bring smiles and holiday magic to families stationed at Camp Pendleton, demonstrating how purpose and compassion reach far beyond the community itself.
Every volunteer effort, large or small, helps maintain a vibrant and welcoming environment. By giving their time, residents build deeper friendships, learn from one another and experience firsthand how purpose can bring people together.
Living with Purpose Every Day
For residents of Reata Glen, volunteering is more than an activity; it is a way of life. It adds meaning to each day and connects individuals through shared compassion. Whether someone enjoys engaging with others at The Orchards, leading a club or helping with community events, every contribution matters.
These moments of service highlight the spirit of Reata Glen, a community where purpose, care and friendship thrive together. Residents not only enjoy an active lifestyle but also find fulfillment in knowing their time and energy make a real difference.
Contact us today by clicking here to schedule a tour of Reata Glen and discover how you can find purpose through volunteer opportunities and meaningful connections.





































































