- News Archive
Holly Crawford has been familiar with the Still Hopes Retirement Home West Columbia SC campus since she was a teenager. That’s one of many reasons Stewart Rawson, Director of Sales and Marketing, knew she would be the perfect fit to help incoming residents get settled into the new HopeWell Independent Living apartment building, which has been called “WellPointe” during its construction phase.
“She was already incredibly well-liked within the community,” said Rawson.
Crawford just started in her new position less than two weeks ago, but her history at Still Hopes goes back to her teen years. Crawford grew up in Springdale and her earliest memory at Still Hopes was singing at Christmas for Still Hopes residents through her Airport High School chorale. Her choral director arranged the event through the Still Hopes activities department, which foreshadows the career path that Crawford would eventually follow.
Upon graduation, she enrolled at the University of South Carolina, earning a degree in Sports Entertainment Management. After gaining some experience through the Charleston County Parks and Recreation working in special events, Crawford had her first child, Liam. That’s when she and her husband, Clay, decided to move back to West Columbia to be closer to family.
Settling into their new home in Lexington, her life came full circle when she accepted a position in the Still Hopes Life Engagement Department. Crawford and her husband, a middle school English teacher, had another baby a couple of years later - this time, their daughter Collins - and that’s when she decided to stay at home.
As Crawford spent the next several years focusing on her family, Still Hopes continued to expand. Plans were underway for HopeWell, the newest community addition for independent living residents. With her children now aged five and three, It seemed like the perfect time for Crawford to come back to her second home, at Still Hopes, this time as the Move-In Specialist.
Crawford says this new role gives her a chance to really get to know the new residents and their needs.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to help them on this journey of being the founding residents of our new HopeWell apartment building,” she said.
Rawson already knew that Crawford had a “positive vibe and was able to relate to residents” based on her previous work with Still Hopes, but in the new role she has continued to shine, and exceed his expectations.
“She listens well and anticipates their needs. And we didn’t know this from before, but she has proven to be extremely well-organized with a lot of details and a lot of moving parts,” he added.
These are important skill sets for someone who is helping new residents move in every day. HopeWell is expected to be at full capacity in a matter of months, with 120 new residents.
“I am currently working on a move-in schedule and logistics, and shoring up any last-minute details or questions the new residents might have before their move. On move-in day, I will be the direct point of contact. I will be on-site to direct movers where they need to be and help the residents get settled into their new home. Beyond move-in day, I look forward to assisting the new residents to get acclimated to their new apartment building and campus and provide them with the resources they need to enjoy their new home and everything the Still Hopes retirement community has to offer.”
And Crawford gets to work in beautiful, unique spaces, something else she gets to look forward to every day as residents get settled into their new homes.
“It’s just beautiful. All the apartments have an open floor plan, featuring contemporary designs and details. The common areas are modern and spacious and the courtyard is my favorite and features several pergolas, lots of green space and a fire pit. They are going to love it.”
Take a virtual tour of a few of the new HopeWell independent living apartment floor plans here: https://www.stillhopes.org/expansion-apartments.