Residents and Staff Members Work Together at Fox Run

At Fox Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Novi, Mich., residents have a true say in what happens on campus, thanks to the efforts of the Resident Advisory Council (RAC).

The RAC works closely with community leaders to not only provide resident feedback but also collaborate on matters both large and small.

Whether it's compliments on great work completed by the General Services team or weighing in on a clubhouse renovation, this open communication ensures services and offerings reflect the needs of those who call Fox Run home.

Recently, the Tribune spoke with Gary Cummings, chair of the RAC, and Executive Director Ashley Martin to discuss how this collaboration strengthens the community and supports residents.

Tribune: Gary, how does the RAC help shape community life?

Gary: The RAC really listens to residents. We represent them, their desires, and their concerns by working with administration to improve everyone's quality of life.

Tribune: How often do the RAC and its committees meet to discuss residents' ideas?

Gary: The RAC meets twice a month, and we include Ashley and Associate Executive Director Angelo Nardoni. They bring administrative updates to discuss with us.

The RAC's eight committees, representing departments such as Dining Services, Resident Life, and General Services, meet monthly. There are also three special committees--New Resident Orientation, Community Collaboration, and Recycling. Each committee has a liaison who reports back to the council.

Residents are encouraged to share feedback or suggestions with the RAC. We then take these ideas up in the meeting with Ashley and Angelo.

Tribune: How would you describe the partnership between the RAC and community leadership?

Ashley: The RAC is critical to everything we do here at Fox Run. I've always made it clear to residents that their feedback is a gift. Their voices are welcomed and valued! If we have a major decision or goals we're working toward, we will often go to the RAC first and work in collaboration with them.

Tribune: Sounds like conversations with the RAC are very important, Ashley. What other ways does leadership solicit feedback from residents?

Ashley: In addition to speaking with the RAC, monthly Town Halls, and completing the annual resident survey, residents can express their opinions in a number of ways.

Dining Services holds monthly "Dialogue with Dining" sessions, where residents can share their experiences and give suggestions to the team. We're setting up similar forums for Resident Life and General Services.

During monthly "Coffee With Ashley" sessions, the administration and I give residents updates and then turn the mic over to them. It's an opportunity to have coffee together and talk about whatever is on residents' minds and hearts.

We're organizing even more opportunities to bring residents together, so we'll know what's going on in the community and find ways to improve.

Tribune: Can you share some positive changes that came directly from resident input?

Ashley: One example is the renovation of the Ascot Clubhouse, which begins this year. Since it's a big renovation, we took the concept drawings to the RAC as well as all of the RAC committees to get feedback. They played a vital role in the overall initial design.

The dining committee directly influenced the restaurants' layout and design changes, reinforcing that resident voices truly matter in campus planning and making decisions.

The dining committee also led discussions that led to a concept change for the Great Lakes Bistro. The venue went from serving tapas-style small plates to hearty Italian bistro dishes. It's been a real hit!

Tribune: What is the best part of working together?

Ashley: Our collaboration is crucial to the community's culture, as it shows residents we're committed to open communication and continuous improvement. Our RAC members are wonderful partners. They help us communicate why something is happening and the reasons behind it.

Gary: The RAC maintains a strong relationship with residents and the administration, which results in us all having a better quality of life. We show residents that they have a voice here!

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By Michele Wojciechowski