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Barbara Reffkin

My mother was living at Waterview Villa for quite a few years, until she passed one week before her 100th birthday. The staff was very accommodating with my plans for a party. Through the years she was there, I found the staff to be helpful and caring. They kept in touch with me about her health, doctor referrals and concerns. I would like to especially mention Barbara Ellis Voltas. Barbara was always cheerful. She went out of her way to keep the residents busy and content. She always was receptive and continually worked to help my mom and other residents to be entertained and happy. My mother loved to sing, so she made sure that she attended every event that included music. If I had any questions or concerns, I knew I could contact Barbara to assist or refer me to the appropriate staff. Barbara is a very special person who truly cares about the residents life at Waterview

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Tuni Schartner

The MAE Organization for the Homeless is incredibly grateful for our ongoing partnership with Waterview Villa. Barbara and her team embody true community spirit — consistently showing up with compassion, generosity, and enthusiasm. We’ve had the joy of bringing meaningful activities to their residents, from assembling bagged lunches to spending time with our therapy dogs, and every visit is met with kindness, support, and open arms. Beyond that, Waterview Villa has been an extraordinary donor, providing clothing, pantry items, and other essentials that directly support our unhoused neighbors across Rhode Island. Their staff is warm, attentive, and deeply committed to creating a welcoming environment not only for their residents but for the community at large. We are honored to work alongside them and so appreciative of the impact we’re able to create together. Thank you, Barbara and the entire Waterview Villa team, for being such wonderful partners in service and for the love you pour into your work every day. 💜

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Isa Price

​I cannot speak highly enough of the care my mother received at Waterview. From the moment she arrived, my experience with the staff, particularly the nurses, CNAs, and activity coordinators was excellent. ​I especially want to give a heartfelt shout-out to Barbara and Susanna. They are truly exceptional and made a significant difference in my mom's stay. They have an infectious enthusiasm and an incredible dedication to the residents. Even when it wasn't directly their responsibility, they always made an effort to personally invite my mother to activities, especially for the rosary, ensuring she felt included and engaged. ​Furthermore, Barbara and Susanna did an amazing job partnering with the non-profit organization I ran at the time. Their willingness to collaborate demonstrated their commitment to enriching the lives of the residents through community connections. ​If you are looking for a facility where the staff goes above and beyond, and where the activities team are true champions for the residents' well-being, I highly recommend Waterview Villa.

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Vania Santos

My father lived at Waterview Villa for the last 2 years of his life before passing away in August of this year. Placing my father at this facility was the best decision that my family and I could have made because he was Portuguese speaking and loved to connect with people. In visiting my father there, I quickly came to realize that he was in great hands and it gave me such peace of mind. I would often see that he would be in the community room playing bingo or enjoying a snack/activity. I also met Susana who spoke Portuguese among staff. Susana engaged my father and I in conversation and she was such a pleasure to talk to. She would make jokes with my father and be playful and warm with him. Her demeanor I will never forget as it only made my heart feel fuller and my mind calm. I love that the facility gives visibility by consistently posting content on Facebook including all of their events and photos of the staff, including my father who was often seen smiling ear to ear. These efforts go a long way for families including some of our relatives who live in Portugal. It allowed my family from across the pond to see photos of him and I know it eased their minds as well. This past May, both his sister and niece came to visit for a week and when they did, my cousin who is a RN in Coimbra, Portugal decided to go inside with me to pick him up one time. She said she left there feeling tremendously grateful for the care he was receiving, as the facilities in Portugal just do not compare to the level of oversight that Waterview Villa provides. In seeing photos of my father and hearing it directly from him, I know he was happy and felt connected with some of the staff and residents there. I know he wasn't lonely as his dementia progressed and was cared for and loved. I also want to give a big shout out to Barbara who clearly loves her line of work. She and I connected recently to get the staff and residents some Portuguese goodies in thanks of everything after his passing and she has been the sweetest. Barbara and I cried on the phone together and it was healing to us both. Thank you, Waterview Villa most moreso, thank you to the dedicated staff for sharing joy and love with my father in his last years. It means more than you know.

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Martinha Javid

I cannot recommend Barbara Voltas highly enough. From her warm, welcoming smile to the countless costumes and events she organizes for the residents at Waterview, she is truly impressive. I’ve visited Waterview many times with Mae Organization to make sandwiches for the less fortunate, and Barbara always creates such a joyful atmosphere—even encouraging us to sing along while we work, which makes the experience uplifting for everyone. If I were to choose a place for a family member, I would feel confident selecting Waterview Villa—specifically because of exceptional employees like Barbara Voltas.