Category: News

The Epworth Experience

Staff Member Angela Shaw

The sense of community here at Epworth Villa isn’t limited just to our residents. Staff members across our campus are an important part of the Epworth experience. We sat down with Epworth Villa’s Certified Dietary Manager to talk about her day-to-day experiences at Epworth and why she sees this community as such a special place to work and live.

Tell us a little about what you do here at Epworth Villa.
For most people, food plays a huge role in our lives, both in those really memorable events like vacations and celebrations, and our day-to-day routines. My job here is to make sure that the food we offer at Epworth Villa nourishes our residents both physically and emotionally. Together with our chef, dining director and kitchen team, our goal is to design menus that help our residents eat smart and stay fit, but we also delight them with new dishes and creative flavors. And our residents are a big part of this—they even get to decide a “resident’s choice” menu for some of our events like picnics.

So how is the atmosphere here at Epworth different in your opinion?
I do a lot of tours here, so I hear from a lot of prospects that are visiting other places as well. People always comment on how beautiful and neighborhood-like our campus is. It’s comfortable here. And beyond the physical campus, the people here are like family—whether you live here, work here, or are a routine visitor. People here are friendly, they greet you by name. And our residents are remarkable people from all walks of life—they’ve traveled the world, taught generations, achieved amazing things at work and in life. These aren’t bored, tired people. And you can feel it in the halls and across the campus.

What’s it like to be part of the staff at Epworth Villa?
Oh I tell people all the time not to wait! People really have no idea how much fun they’ll have coming here, both because there’s so much to do and because you get to leave behind the typical responsibilities of maintaining a home. It’s great! Really the hardest part was downsizing from a larger The most fulfilling part of my job is working directly with our residents. I’ve been here five and a half years or so, and it’s so great to know that the work I do is actually improving people’s lives directly. I love just the little interactions with residents and family members in hallways, those day-to-day greetings that seem small but brighten an afternoon.

What would you say about Epworth Villa to someone considering living here?
I believe to really understand Epworth, you need to come here and see this place and meet these people in person. To be here is to understand why people love it here. You can live a great life here. With any current or future healthcare needs covered, you can focus on really enjoying life, meeting new people, having new experiences. The tight-knit community feeling really permeates every part of our campus. Our staff and residents really take care of each other, like family does. There’s a lot of love here, and I want people to come experience it for themselves.

Just one of many Epworth experiences.

Stay tuned for other stories of what life at Epworth Villa is all about or fill out the form below to have them delivered to your inbox. To learn more about what it’s really like to experience life at Epworth Villa, get in touch with us here. We look forward to chatting.

The Epworth Experience

Resident Elaine Transeau

While Elaine moved to Epworth in October 2020, her connection to our community goes back further, all the way to 2011. We talked to her about her life here at Epworth Villa.

What was your first impression of Epworth Villa?
In 2011, I began looking for senior living options in the region because two of my sons live close by. I came to check out Epworth Villa, and just fell in love with it. At the time, my husband and I lived in Arizona, and he wasn’t as eager to move so we decided to stay there at that point. But yes my impression of Epworth Villa was immediately very positive. There’s something about the people of Oklahoma. We’re welcoming and open, friendly and nurturing. I hardly ever see a stranger. I knew that was something I wanted.

So when you moved to Epworth years later, did it meet your expectations?
Oh absolutely. As I said, coming home to live closer to my boys was really important to me. And even though I moved in the middle of the COVID pandemic, people here were immediately so welcoming to me—I immediately felt like part of the community. Every day I feel like “boy did I come to the right place.” I’m truly home again, very much at ease, and I can be myself without any pretense.

From your perspective, what’s it like living here?
Oh I tell people all the time not to wait! People really have no idea how much fun they’ll have coming here, both because there’s so much to do and because you get to leave behind the typical responsibilities of maintaining a home. It’s great! Really the hardest part was downsizing from a larger home, but honestly it made me feel more at ease to have less stuff to worry about. I’m very comfortable here.

You talked about things to do. Tell us more about that.
I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, exactly how I want! How great is that? There is so much here to do—it’s not just bingo. This is a place filled with people just like me, with an incredible amount of life experience to share. The people here are active and intelligent and have explored (and are exploring) the world. We really have a lot of fun here in independent living. There’s a club or group or activity for just about anything you can think of. And if it’s not there, you can start it! This is really a great place to be and to live a full life. I’m so thankful I’m here and want to welcome as many new people as I can.

Just one of many Epworth experiences.

Stay tuned for other stories of what life at Epworth Villa is all about or fill out the form below to have them delivered to your inbox. To learn more about what it’s really like to experience life at Epworth Villa, get in touch with us here. We look forward to chatting.

Easter and Forgiveness – by Carolyn Taylor

This Easter season, with the theme of forgiveness, has been a contemplative one for me. I have struggled with forgiveness for the past 22+ years, ever since an individual violently took my husband of forty years away from me and our family. The Prayer of Forgiveness says “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” This individual gave no thought to the lives he was impacting in our family and also in his family; only his current sense of hurt and deprivation caused by his own actions.

As I listened to the stories of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis, and the parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 21, I again revisited my mixed emotions last year when the individual died of natural causes while still in prison. Was I glad to finally have this nightmare over, no more hearings even after all this time, or should I be sad at the loss of life, even one in his limited environment?

As the King said to the unforgiving servant as he put him in jail, “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” I choose now not to live in the jail of unforgiveness, but to commit my life to be free to be happy and commit my spirit to the Lord.

As it says in Psalm 31:
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge
Let me never be put to shame;
In your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me,
Rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
A strong fortress to save me!
PRAISE BE TO GOD.

The Epworth Experience

Family Member Chris Griffith

Chris Griffith is the adult son of Sandy Ross, one of Epworth Villa’s newer residents who is a key part of our community already. We spoke with Chris recently about Epworth Villa, his experience with our community, and much more. Here is a recap of that conversation.

How has your experience with Epworth Villa been so far?
Really great! Mom is always telling me how happy she is to be there, how happy she is that they made the decision to move. Her husband had a few more reservations but has really come around and is enjoying it as well. And for me and my family, it’s been a huge relief honestly. It’s so helpful to know mom’s happy, she has friends literally next door, and if she ever needs help there are great people around in an instant.

How was the move itself?
The people at Epworth were fantastic. They really just helped the entire process go smoothly. From Kevin Clark in sales, to the team that came and helped go over my mom’s things and plan out the apartment, really everyone involved was just great.

What do you feel has been the biggest benefit for your mom?
Like many of us she didn’t always admit when she needed some help, so this has made that process easier since she doesn’t have to deal with maintenance and things like that. With her failing eyesight and some other things, she really didn’t get out like she used to and she’s someone who needs social interaction.

So being at Epworth makes it so easy to see her friends and meet new friends. She can meet for coffee or lunch or just to chat without worrying about driving or anything like that. It’s changed her life for sure because it’s allowed her to be her usual, outgoing self and not be limited by her health.

Just one of many Epworth experiences.

Stay tuned for other stories of what life at Epworth Villa is all about or fill out the form below to have them delivered to your inbox. To learn more about what it’s really like to experience life at Epworth Villa, get in touch with us here. We look forward to chatting.

Spontaneous Prayer – by Jimette McLean

Thank you, Jesus! Lord, forgive me. Bless those in Ukraine. Help me, God. These four prayers are spontaneous utterances that I have spoken in the past week. They are examples of four types of prayers that I encouraged Confirmands to use in their prayer journals: thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and petition. The truth is, these short, spontaneous prayers are much more my style than the longer conversation or meditative style of prayer that some prefer.


“Thank you, Jesus” may come in response to something as simple as the elevator being on my floor when I’m in a hurry or when I get a phone call from a long-time friend. “Lord, forgive me” is appropriate more frequently than I actually pray it but comes when I have thought unkind thoughts about someone, for example.


Prayers of intercession come maybe while watching the news, or hearing about someone’s illness, or even when seeing a homeless person while driving. There are many opportunities to lift up a quick prayer for someone. Just saying a name is enough — God knows the needs more than I do!

And finally, petition: prayers for myself are much needed — particularly praying for patience. I recognize the value in the longer, more thoughtful conversations with God — I read the Upper Room every day as well as a Lenten devotional, and each evening I write five things for which I am thankful. But still, for me, the admonishment to “continue instant in prayer” is best acted out spontaneously. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.