EAST HAMILTON, TN — April 24, 2026 — As communities across the country celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 19–25, Morning Pointe of East Hamilton Assisted Living is proud to recognize a very special family whose presence has become part of the heart of the community.
Kelly, Isaac, Joel, and Sophie Linville have been named Volunteers of the Year at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton Assisted Living, honoring three years of consistent service, compassion, and meaningful connection with residents.
Twice a week, the Linville family walks through the doors not as visitors, but as familiar faces residents look forward to seeing. Mondays bring laughter and energy during balloon volleyball, often followed by homemade desserts Kelly prepares and shares with residents. Fridays are filled with smiles during ice cream socials. Beyond their weekly visits, the family also supports monthly bingo store activities and family night celebrations, always finding ways to be present and engaged.
Their impact goes far beyond the activities themselves.
“They genuinely want to be here. They have huge hearts of kindness, the whole family,” said Chris Hammontree, Maintenance Director. “They are a blessing to the community as well as a family to the community. The kids have grown up among community members and have been great friends to the community.”
That sense of belonging is something the Linville family has helped cultivate naturally over time.
“We volunteer because it reminds us what truly matters — connection, kindness, and showing up for others,” said Kelly Linville.
Their dedication has not gone unnoticed by the team.
“Over the past several years, the Linvilles have exhibited a kind of care and excellence that is rare in the volunteer space,” said James Wilson-Patton, Business Office Director. “Every resident they interact with is met with genuine kindness, empathy, and compassion. Their efforts strengthen the spirit of volunteerism in our community and inspire everyone around them.”
For Life Enrichment Director Leigha Terning, their presence is personal.
“They show up consistently, and they love our residents well,” Terning said. “Kelly is also setting such a powerful example for her children about what it means to be part of a community. After three years, they truly feel like friends and family to us.”
Executive Director Ian Shives also noted the lasting impact the family is making beyond the present moment.
“That kind of connection across generations is something really special to see,” he said.
The Linville family has also walked alongside residents and associates through both joyful moments and difficult goodbyes, forming bonds that reflect the deeper meaning of service.
“They have been an amazing asset to our community,” said Krista Johnson, Activity Assistant. “They have shared in both the loss of residents they were close to and the many happy memories we’ve created together. Their hearts and the love they bring every time they visit mean so much to all of us.”
Morning Pointe of East Hamilton Assisted Living offers personalized care, dining, and life enrichment services designed to support seniors in a comfortable, engaging environment, with associates available to provide support and peace of mind for both residents and their families.
As Morning Pointe Senior Living celebrates National Volunteer Week, stories like the Linville family’s serve as a reminder that meaningful impact does not require grand gestures. Sometimes, it is simply about showing up, being present, and creating moments that matter.
For those interested in making a difference through volunteering, opportunities are available at Morning Pointe Senior Living communities. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/morningpointe-volunteer
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states, including AL, GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
