From Emergency Room to Community Bloom: Barbara’s Story

After 25 years as an emergency room nurse, Barbara was used to fast-paced 12-hour days, saving lives, and helping others. But when retirement came, she found herself adrift, searching for a new purpose and a place to call home. FSL became that anchor.

Barbara initially moved into FSL’s Village on Roeser in Phoenix, a vibrant community offering affordable senior housing. But as time passed, she realized she longed for a quieter lifestyle. With the help of her FSL property manager, Barbara transferred to The Marist in Tucson, an affordable senior housing community where rent averages just $602 a month. For Barbara, the move marked a fresh start.

“I only came with a suitcase,” Barbara shared. “I left everything behind. FSL gave me everything I needed.”

The Marist is made up of the renovated Marist College and new-build Marist High Rise.

Finding Purpose in Retirement

Adjusting to retirement wasn’t easy. Barbara struggled to fill her days and missed the sense of purpose her demanding career had provided. Desperate to stay busy, she turned to Rachel, The Marist’s property manager, asking to help with anything—even paperwork.

Rachel encouraged Barbara to channel her energy into community activities, starting with organizing the Thanksgiving feast. That experience was transformative.

“I wasn’t sure if there was anything else I’d want to do, but I found it here,” Barbara said.

From there, Barbara’s involvement blossomed. She began leading craft groups, where residents gather to create, connect, and share stories. She also helped revitalize The Marist’s community garden, which is now thriving under her care.

“It’s amazing to sit in or walk through with pride,” Barbara said of the garden. “It gives me a sense of well-being.”

“I wasn’t sure if there was anything else I’d want to do, but I found it here.”

Barbara
FSL Marist Resident

Making a Difference Every Day

For Barbara, giving back is a deeply spiritual act. “Every day I pray to the Lord for me to make a difference in someone’s life,” she said. And by all accounts, she has.

Barbara’s daughters have noticed the change in her, too. “My daughters are so proud of me and how far I’ve come. I’m a different person now,” she said.

A New Chapter of Joy and Fulfillment
Barbara’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of community. Through FSL, she found not just affordable housing but a supportive environment where she could thrive.

Her journey exemplifies how FSL’s properties like The Marist provide more than just a roof over residents’ heads—they create spaces where lives can flourish. Barbara’s transformation is a testament to what’s possible when people are given the support, community, and opportunities they need to thrive.

And, as Barbara has discovered, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down—it can be a time to bloom.

FSL HOUSING

About FSL