The holiday season is a time for joy, marked by gatherings with cherished family and friends. While many of the individuals we support have loved ones who they share time with during the holidays, others find joy in the moments spent with their roommates and the dedicated staff who brighten their days.
In our residential homes at HCO, we strive to create a special and inclusive holiday experience for all. Fostering a sense of unity among housemates, we embrace traditions that contribute to the festive atmosphere. Our staff forms bonds with the individuals they support. They go above and beyond, preparing special meals and incorporating family recipes that evoke cherished memories of times gone by. From festive decorations and baking sessions to the harmonious notes of music, heartfelt gift exchanges, and engaging concerts and events—each element plays a role in crafting memorable and uplifting holiday traditions for those in our care.
The children and young adults in our Support Services program share time together working on arts and crafts, listening to Christmas music, looking at Christmas lights, and enjoying delicious hot cocoa. They look forward to baking cookies, watching Christmas movies, having a candy cane hunt, visiting the rotary lights, and sledding once the snow arrives!
Residents of our Iverson Court Apartments enjoy an annual Christmas party featuring a catered meal, dessert social, and homemade baked goods, Christmas bingo, a photo booth, a door decorating contest, and even a visit from Santa! Residents have made a tradition of placing an ornament on the community room Christmas tree in memory of loved ones who have passed away. A tenant and staff member also get together each year to bake cut-out cookies together.
This year, our Healthy Lifestyles group hosted a delightful Canvas and Cocoa event which provided a unique blend of creative expression and social interaction, allowing individuals to paint holiday wreaths while relishing the company of friends. Meanwhile, across various programs, the festive atmosphere was further enriched with the harmonious tunes of carolers from a local church group.
As we cherish these shared moments, it becomes clear that the #HCOfamily is more than a mere hashtag or slogan—it is the heartbeat of our daily existence. Whether surrounded by a large extended family or navigating life with none at all, every individual we serve becomes a part of our HCO family. Our commitment extends beyond holiday celebrations; we aspire to make each day a special and meaningful experience for everyone we are blessed to have in our care.
