Freedom Village at Bradenton

To all who may read this note: During my August 2025 move from Sarasota, FL to Freedom Village of Bradenton, FL, Valerie Valade was the move-in coordinator for my move-in to a newly renovated sixth floor one bedroom apartment. Before, during and weeks after my move-in there were many questions, some unexpected coordination issues, sometimes she had to deal with complex logistics, and the many questions that I had such as “what about this” or “what if’s?”, even “when will that happen.” During that period of time Valerie consistently performed in an extraordinary manner: she offered innovative solutions to issues where others might brush off or ignore the issue, answered my questions almost always within one workday, or injected herself into what appeared to be a roadblock or showstopper, thus consistently keeping things moving forward for a smooth successful move-in. Unknown to me only a week or two before I was preparing for the move-in, she had been promoted to the position without any formal training or experience. Valerie adapted so quickly to the move-in coordinator position that I thought she had been in that position for some time! Her positive demeanor, her consistent friendly face, the soft, engaging friendly way she spoke, and her rock-solid stability are some of the rare attributes one treasures in a person who deals with the public. She frequently grasped the important parts of an issue and, during the dynamics and pressures of the situation, came up with workable solutions. Example: Recently, I met a couple at dinner. They had just moved into Freedom Village. The couple said the contractor-mover team had vigorously complained about a very expensive heavy couch not being movable to the fourth floor via the elevator. The couple would have to get rid of it! Her commanding uncompromising comment: the movers bid and contracted to move the furnishings of the new residents, then have the movers move the couch to their fourth-floor apartment via the stairs. The very expensive heavy coach arrived via the stair route without damage. It did not have to be sold as excess furnishing at pennies to the pound! As stated above, Valerie Valade has the rare attributes one values in a private business setting or at a corporate level position: she quickly adapts to a new position – even taking personal time to quickly learn about the subtle intricacies of the position. She has a unique winning personality and a rare inherent skill set for dealing with the public in a business setting or at the corporate level. Stanley P. Rodak Physicist/retired Freedom Village of Bradenton, FL

Ms. Valade did an A+ job in assisting us in our very recent move to Freedom Village. Moreover, she continues to be an excellent source of pertinent information which allows us to have a smooth transition from our home to Freedom Village. Ms. Valade- we really appreciate everything you have done for us. We sleep a lot better knowing you are here for us if we need further assistance.

We moved into Freedom Village Bradenton only 4 months ago. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the staff in all departments and the welcoming by so many of the residents. A colleague once advised us that when we decided to move into independent senior living that the quality of the food in the restaurant was of primary importance. We have been so pleased with the quality of the food and the many different selections in the dinner menu. We have also been thrilled with the food quality and service at breakfast. There may be better independent senior living facilities/CCRCs, but we sincerely doubt that.

My wife and I are Signiture Club members and are currently in the process of making arrangements to move into our apartment. We have had a wonderful experience with residency counselor Trish McIlwaine who is very caring and thoughtful of our needs. We look forward to moving in and making new relationships.