Moving somewhere new is never easy.
Even when you know you are making the right decision, it can still feel overwhelming to leave behind familiar routines, familiar places, and the people you are used to seeing every day. One of the hardest parts can simply be making new friends. Friendships often take years to build, and starting over in a new place can leave you wondering who you will talk to, sit with at dinner, or turn to when you need a familiar face.
We understand that feeling because we have both experienced it ourselves.
That is one of the reasons we were excited to become part of Knollwood’s Welcoming Committee.
Joni’s Story: Finding Purpose and Community
I have always considered myself a little shy. When I first arrived at Knollwood, I was not feeling very positive about the move. I felt alone, and it took some time for me to begin feeling comfortable in my new surroundings and start building new friendships.
Becoming part of the Welcoming Committee gave me a commitment and a sense of purpose. It made me feel important and reminded me that I still had something meaningful to contribute.
I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout my life, including spending time living in Thailand. I have met people from many different backgrounds, and I have always enjoyed hearing their stories and asking them to share their opinions.
Now, I get to use those experiences to help new residents feel more comfortable at Knollwood.
During our first welcoming visits, every resident we met greeted us with a big smile and genuine excitement. It was clear that having another resident take the time to visit, listen, and welcome them into the community meant something.
I hope our committee helps new residents feel less alone than I did when I first moved in. Making friends in a new community can be difficult, especially when everything around you already feels unfamiliar. Sometimes having just one person make the effort to introduce themselves can make that transition a little easier.
Over time, I have built a real community here. There are some things I may not be able to do on my own anymore, but I know there are people around me who are willing to help. Learning to accept that support and use the resources available to me has been an important part of becoming a member of the Knollwood team.
Dianne’s Story: Turning Neighbors into Friends
I already knew some of the residents we visited, but being part of the Welcoming Committee gave me an opportunity to learn more about them.
Sometimes we believe we know someone because we see them at meals, activities, or in the hallway. Once you sit down and have a real conversation, though, you begin discovering the experiences that have shaped their lives.
I especially enjoyed meeting people who have lived very different lifestyles. I was raised on Air Force bases in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Texas, and Japan. Growing up in different places taught me firsthand what it feels like to be somewhere new and have to meet new people and build new friendships.
That experience stays with you. It can be intimidating to walk into a new community where it seems like everyone else already knows one another. Making a new friend does not always happen overnight, which is why having someone reach out to you first can mean so much.
Being part of the committee has helped me build deeper friendships with new residents as well as the other committee members.
When you are new somewhere, having one person you recognize can make all the difference. It gives you someone to sit beside, someone to ask a question, or simply someone who will smile and say hello.
That is what we hope to provide.
More Than a Welcome
The Welcoming Committee is not only about introducing new residents to the building. It is about helping them understand that they are now part of a community.
A welcoming visit may seem like a small gesture, but it can be the beginning of a friendship. When making new friends feels difficult, that first conversation can be especially meaningful. It can help someone feel included, valued, and a little more at home.
We are grateful for everyone who helped make our first gathering special, including Katie and the Knollwood kitchen team. Their support helped create a warm environment where residents could relax, talk, and get to know one another.
We are also excited about finding more ways to bring everyone together in the future. Whether it is celebrating birthdays, bringing back raffle baskets, hosting family events, or simply spending time together, every activity is another opportunity to strengthen our community and create new friendships.
At Knollwood, we may all arrive with different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What matters is that once we are here, none of us has to face this new chapter alone.
Sometimes, all it takes is one friendly face to help a new place begin feeling like home.
— Joni and Dianne
Knollwood Retirement Community Welcoming Committee
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior supportive living in Granite City, IL, Collinsville, IL, or the surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755.
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
- A Friendly Face Can Make All the Difference - August 20, 2026
- Join Us Tonight for a FREE Belleville Community Band Concert at Knollwood - August 19, 2026
- The Power of Music: Connection, Memories & Meaningful Moments at Knollwood - August 14, 2026