TULLAHOMA, TN — April 24, 2026 — During National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026), Morning Pointe of Tullahoma is celebrating the people who quietly make a lasting difference each day. Among them is Ellen Andrews-Eydt, a dedicated volunteer whose presence has become a cherished part of the community for nearly 15 years.
Known for her weekly “Happy Hour with Ellen,” Andrews-Eydt leads residents every Wednesday in a lively and engaging gathering filled with storytelling, word games, jokes, and thought-provoking conversations. What began as a simple way to give back has grown into a meaningful tradition that residents look forward to week after week.
“I’ve been volunteering in the neighborhood for 15 years at Morning Pointe,” said Andrews-Eydt. “When I moved to Manchester, I found an exercise group in Tullahoma, and it was across the street from Morning Pointe. I drifted over one day to offer to volunteer, and I was welcomed in. I realized I could finally enjoy leading a group instead of just planning and organizing as I did in my career.”
Before retiring, Andrews-Eydt spent 21 years as a Recreation Therapist in Miami, running activity programs for a 300-bed facility serving individuals across rehabilitation, assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Today, she brings that same passion and expertise into a more personal setting, creating moments of connection and joy for residents.
Her Happy Hour gatherings are designed to “stir up the gray matter,” encouraging residents to reflect, laugh, and share. From passing around a small pig figurine as a prompt to tell stories, to reminiscing about childhood memories or even surprising one another with tales of their natural hair color, the sessions are filled with warmth and discovery.
“I love having to prep for our group, and I love sharing memories and laughter,” she said. “They keep me on my toes.”
Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrews-Eydt stayed connected with residents by sending postcards, a small gesture that meant so much during a time of isolation.
Community leadership says her impact goes far beyond the weekly gatherings.
“Ellen is truly an extraordinary woman,” said Jenniffer Spears, Executive Director at Morning Pointe of Tullahoma. “She is always reliable, always in communication, and has made a lasting impact on so many residents over the years. She has walked alongside this community through seasons of change, celebrating lives and building meaningful relationships along the way.”
Andrews-Eydt says the feeling is mutual.
“I love the staff and other volunteers here. They are all kind and considerate people,” she said. “And I love the folks who live here. They are happy, smart, and so willing to participate. It’s a great bunch.”
As Morning Pointe of Tullahoma honors National Volunteer Week, stories like Ellen’s serve as a reminder that meaningful engagement, genuine connection, and a little creativity can make all the difference.
Interested in making a difference as a volunteer? Learn more about opportunities with Morning Pointe Senior Living here: 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.
