At Wesley Place on Honeysuckle, vibrant living isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. Our robust activity program offers more than just entertainment. It's a carefully designed approach to help residents feel connected, valued, and joyful—every single day.

When residents move into a retirement community, they may be transitioning from a long-held home, a familiar neighborhood, or even an independent lifestyle. We understand that such a change can be emotional and significant. That’s why our Life Enrichment program focuses not just on filling time, but on filling hearts.

Life Enrichment Director Autumn Dampier, brings a refreshing and holistic approach to retirement living. Since joining Wesley Place in June 2024, she has worked to ensure that every activity offered supports an important aspect of wellbeing.

“I try to focus on a few different areas: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing,” Autumn said. “I try to put all those things into thought when I’m building an activity calendar.”

For residents who may no longer be able to get out into the wider Dothan and Wiregrass community, Autumn makes sure to bring the best of the community in to them. Whether it’s local churches, music groups, performers, or children, residents are given opportunities to stay connected to the wider world around them.

“Many of our residents are no longer able to get out and about as they once did, so I try hard to bring the outside in for our residents. Churches, bands, gospel groups, performers, children. I ask myself, what will give the residents joy?”

One shining example of that philosophy in action was this year’s Easter Egg Hunt. Rather than plan a hunt for residents, Autumn invited the preschool classes from Calvary Baptist Church to come to Wesley Place—bringing their joyful energy with them. Residents lined the sidewalks and porches, smiling and laughing as children searched for colorful eggs, held up their treasures, and celebrated their discoveries. The laughter and warmth that filled the day was a powerful reminder of the life and energy that surrounds Wesley Place. Plans are already forming to hopefully expand the event next year, welcoming even more children from the area.

Beyond events and holidays, the daily activity calendar is thoughtfully shaped by residents' own preferences and life experiences. Autumn builds relationships with each resident, listening to what they enjoy—or even what they don’t—so she can tailor activities that hold real meaning.

“I think that one thing that we can do to ease the transition is to make sure that we are designing activities that give them a continued sense of purpose and meaning,” she said.

That personal connection often leads to transformative moments. Autumn recalls one resident who initially struggled to lift her arms. Through physical activities like noodle ball and horseshoes, the resident gradually regained her greater mobility in her arms. “It’s in the little things,” Autumn said. “You notice that you’ve made an impact on someone.”

Other activities tap into memory and storytelling, like the much-loved “Penny for Your Thoughts” game.

“One of the questions might be, ‘Take a penny if you have ever been out of the United States,’” Autumn said. “Our residents have been all over, and the conversations they remember, the food they experienced, not being able to have vehicles, and even apartment sizes in other countries—they just love to talk about it. I learn so much. They never cease to amaze me.”

And sometimes, it’s the simplest moments that mean the most—like celebrating a resident’s birthday.

“One resident, whose family is not local, told me at her recent birthday party, ‘I am so glad that I have Wesley Place as my family when my family cannot be here,’” Autumn said.

That sentiment echoes what so many families hope for when they consider a move to a senior living community: to know their loved one will not only be cared for but also cherished.

At Wesley Place on Honeysuckle, residents don’t just live—they thrive. Every thoughtful program and joyful gathering reflects our belief that meaningful engagement is essential at every stage of life.

As Autumn puts it: “Working on the calendar, all the planning, events, holidays—it is a lot of work. But the smiles that you get at the end of the day make you know that it is totally worth it.”