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Alaina Norman, executive director of Country Place Senior Living, has been named this week’s Greenville Advocate Hero of the Week for her unwavering dedication to the elderly and her contributions to the community.

“It’s not something I ever imagined doing, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Norman said. “I love this job. It’s where my heart is.”

A lifelong resident of Greenville and Georgiana, Norman’s journey toward serving others began in high school when she volunteered with Hornsby’s EMS and the Georgiana Nursing Home. She has since built a career advocating for the elderly, providing companionship and enriching their lives.

Norman has spent the past decade working at Country Place Senior Living, where she ensures residents receive more than just basic care. She emphasizes the importance of socialization and activities in keeping residents’ minds sharp and spirits high.

“Assisted living is great because some people might be capable of living on their own, but they don’t eat as much or do activities. They don’t get any socialization,” Norman said. “It really helps keep their minds sharp.”

Her dedication doesn’t stop at work. Norman volunteers for the Emergency Management Agency’s Local Emergency Management Planning Committee and serves at the Shepherd’s Table, a local organization providing meals to those in need. She previously volunteered with Joseph’s Ministry and First Methodist of Greenville, packaging meals for the community.

Norman’s passion for working with seniors stems from her own childhood. She recalls spending hours with her great-aunt Ruby, who had dementia, coloring and playing games to keep her company and alleviate her sadness.

Norman is deeply rooted in Greenville and committed to its growth and community spirit. Although offered a director’s position in Foley, she chose to stay in Greenville to raise her children and contribute to the town she loves.

“I love Greenville,” Norman said. “We have all these people that constantly try to build Greenville up. No matter how much we’ve grown, we haven’t lost that. We have a very unique community and I’m thankful my children got to grow up in it.”

Rebecca Butts, a former volunteer coordinator for Comfort Care Hospice, commended Norman’s dedication.

“She’s a very humble and giving person and she has a real heart for others,” Butts said. “Not just anyone can do what she does. She’s their caregiver and their friend 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Butts also highlighted Norman’s efforts to celebrate residents’ birthdays and organize engaging events to give them something to look forward to.

“She’s very selfless,” Butts said. “It’s evident in the way she gives her time to anyone that needs it.”

In addition to her professional and volunteer work, Norman is a member of Southside Baptist Church and enjoys spending time with her children in her free time.