A Day in the Life of a Resident: The Time Put into Personal Wellness and Its Power

Stories from a Social Media Intern

When I arrive at Parents’ Foundation (PFTL) for the day, I’m immediately met with music playing in the living room and the comforting smell of meals being prepared in the kitchen. Residents begin their mornings with a stable and supportive start, choosing from a variety of breakfast options that meet their individual preferences and needs.

As I settle in, residents are laughing, spending time together, and stopping into the office for conversations that can range anywhere from sports to veterinary studies, television shows, or even running for Governor. Staff are also gathered throughout the morning, meeting as a team to go over the day and week ahead, sharing updates, coordinating care, and setting an intentional tone for the day that is both structured and hopeful.

While this is taking place, the day’s activities are already beginning. Residents head off in different directions, and I always look forward to seeing what they have planned. Some go shopping, some volunteer, others focus on schoolwork, and some take time to write poetry. Many participate in morning offerings like yoga, which I was lucky enough to join.

As I’ve spent more time here, I’ve started to notice the in-between moments the most. The small, meaningful pieces of the day: residents enjoying what they love, whether that’s quiet solo time or gathering in morning meetings over coffee. The room fills just as much with laughter as it does with friendly debates about the best records from the ’70s and ’80s.

That’s where the true beauty of this community shines.

PFTL is, above all else, a place that fosters passion, independence, and a love for life. It creates space for people to explore what brings them meaning in ways that are personal and unique to them. Through my time here, I’ve come to value each “flavor” of life more deeply. It’s become clear to me that healing is not linear, and it’s certainly not one-size-fits-all.

This work is important because it meets people exactly where they are, not where they are expected to be. Growth looks different for everyone and having a space that honors that difference can be life changing. Residents here are given the opportunity to discover what works for them, often through trial and error, with support always within reach. That process takes effort, patience, and courage, and it is something that deserves to be recognized and respected.

Whether it’s finding connection in the kitchen, working through challenges together, or simply showing up each day, the commitment to personal growth is constantly inspiring.

What stands out most to me is the willingness of residents to share their stories. That is not something to take lightly. Being trusted with those experiences has made my time here not only educational, but genuinely impactful.

Listening to these stories proves to me more and more why this work matters, not just for the residents, but for the staff who support them, and for the wider community that benefits when people are given this opportunity.