Covenant Village is excited to welcome Lauren Vanacore as Director of Resident Well-Being for Independent Living, beginning June 1. This new position is part of Covenant Village’s Well-BeingFirst initiative. As director, Lauren will coordinate the Independent Living areas of our Life Enrichment Teams, including Resident Care & Services, Activities, Chaplain Services & Spiritual Life, Founders Hall, Resident Care & Services Concierge, and ARISE Wellness.

“Moving to a Well-BeingFirst model reflects a fundamental shift in how Covenant Village defines exceptional living. It places the whole person—purpose, connection, health, and fulfillment—at the center of everything we do. Our investment in Well-BeingFirst demonstrates a clear priority: Helping our Residents live richer, more connected, and more purposeful lives. With a focused leader at the helm, we are building a culture where well-being is not merely an initiative—it is central to who we are,” said Dale Melton, CEO of Covenant Village.

“With Lauren’s leadership, we are elevating well-being from a program to a defining principle of our community,” added Melton.

In her new role, Lauren will also serve as the point person for the newly launched Lifelong Learning & Enrichment program, a collaborative effort of Covenant Village leadership, the resident Lifelong Learning Committee, and Windmark Consulting. The program connects residents with educational opportunities and experiences in conjunction with local colleges, museums, historians, artists, and educators.

Lauren said she is enthusiastic about overseeing the Lifelong Learning program, serving as a resource for new residents as they transition and settle into the community, and providing ongoing support and encouragement to independent residents as they live full and meaningful lives.

Lauren is a native North Carolinian but grew up in Altavista, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy from Greensboro College and a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and served two congregations as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), including First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia for eleven years before transitioning to the nonprofit sector to serve as Community Engagement Officer of Gaston Community Foundation for the last four years. Throughout her service to the Gastonia community, Lauren has also served on the boards of many non-profit organizations, including Covenant Village.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a member of the Covenant Village Board. Serving alongside others who care deeply about the residents, the staff, and the future of Covenant has been insightful and gratifying,” said Lauren. “While I would ordinarily feel a sense of sadness to rotate off the Board, I am energized by the opportunity to join the Covenant Village staff as Director of Resident Well-Being.”

As Director of Resident Well-Being, Lauren said she looks forward to reconnecting with old friends while building new relationships. She is eager to share stories with residents over coffee and to learn what they value most about being part of the Covenant family. “My four years on the Board strongly influenced my decision to take on this new role. I am excited about the privilege of welcoming, supporting, and learning alongside residents in independent living, and I look forward to contributing to the continued vitality of the Covenant Village community,” she added!

“Covenant Village’s transition to a Well-BeingFirst approach signals our commitment to helping every Resident thrive in mind, body, and spirit, and to creating an environment where well-being is intentionally designed into daily life. It ensures that every experience we offer can support purpose, vitality, and meaningful engagement for those we serve,” said Melton.

Lauren and her husband, Jeff, are the proud parents of two sons: Will, a rising junior at Elon University, and James, a rising junior at Highland School of Technology.