When an unexpected flooding event impacted portions of Oak Hammock’s campus following severe rainfall in late May, team members across every department demonstrated what it truly means to be “One Oak Hammock.”
A dining team member noticed the water coming into the building as he was leaving work at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, and he quickly notified his supervisor, who notified the rest of the leadership team. By 10 p.m., VP of Plant Operations and Facilities Management Bill Griffin was on site with a restoration team and various contractors.
Immediately, Oak Hammock’s emergency incident command team was activated. Throughout the night and in the days that followed, careful collaboration of team members from plant operations, dining services, housekeeping, fitness, administration, security and outside contractors worked side-by-side to protect residents, restore operations and return the community to normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.
Regarding the experience, Chief Operating Officer Sonja Donlin said, “The flood response demonstrated exceptional teamwork, shared responsibility, communication and urgency; turning a potentially overwhelming situation into a coordinated and effective recovery effort.”
More than 20,000 square feet of common areas were affected by floodwater. What could have been a prolonged disruption instead became a powerful example of unity, teamwork, dedication and service in action.
As remediation efforts began, team members adapted quickly. Dining services transformed operations almost overnight, providing takeout options and complimentary meal delivery to residents. Housekeeping and maintenance teams shifted priorities to support cleanup and restoration efforts. Security personnel helped manage safety concerns and communication needs, while leaders from every department worked together to coordinate resources and support residents.
Throughout the recovery process, the focus remained unwavering: protecting residents, maintaining services and restoring the campus safely.
The response extended well beyond immediate cleanup efforts. Teams coordinated daily inspections, monitored drying progress, distributed frequent communication updates, adjusted schedules, relocated activities and partnered closely with restoration experts to ensure every affected area received the attention it required. Their collective efforts and perseverance allowed key amenities and services to reopen in a thoughtful and efficient manner while minimizing disruption to residents.
Perhaps most remarkable was the spirit with which the work was accomplished. Residents, team members, community partners and vendors came together with patience, flexibility and a shared commitment to overcoming the challenges. The flood tested systems and processes, but it also highlighted the strength of the Oak Hammock community and the extraordinary people who serve it every day.
As President and CEO Kevin Ahmadi recently shared with the community, “The many expressions of gratitude received following the event are a reflection of the dedication, compassion and commitment demonstrated by Oak Hammock team members,” Ahmadi said. “Any accolades given truly belong to all those individuals who played an important role in the recovery effort.”
The floodwater has long since receded, repairs have been completed and additional safeguards have been implemented to prevent future occurrences. Yet the lasting story is not about the water itself. It is about the successful team of people who responded and the community of residents who rallied around them in support.
From overnight emergency response to the final stages of restoration, Oak Hammock team members demonstrated professionalism, resilience, shared purpose and an unwavering commitment to those they serve. Their efforts ensured that residents remained supported, informed and cared for every step of the way.
Moments like these remind us that Oak Hammock is more than a community; it is a team. And when challenges arise, that team comes together to accomplish remarkable things.