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Aurora Value Words
• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous
• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive
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"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
~ Marcel Proust
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April showers bring May flowers and the hope of a bright, fresh, new beginning. May is also important to another “New Beginning,” and that is that May is Employee Appreciation Month for all of Aurora’s employee/owners.
I wanted to personally send out this message of my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you for all the amazing things you do daily to help accomplish Aurora’s goal of providing a quality life for each individual we serve in their own community.
In the month of April, Aurora just celebrated its 38th anniversary. Quite an accomplishment – 38 years of service to those we serve. Imagine how many individuals have had an amazing life because of you and others like you, giving of your time and talents to help improve another person’s life.
As I reflected upon our past 38 years, I was curious just how many staff we have today that were not even born when Aurora began on April 18, 1986. Believe it or not, 40% of our current employees had not yet blessed this earth. I’m sure it would be a majority if I’d asked for employees who were in grade school at that time.
It really doesn’t matter the percentage of who’s young and who’s older or even who’s really old (my hand goes up on that one). What does matter is that you are here with Aurora today doing the amazing work you do.
I hope one day, 38 years from now, someone who is reading this right now will be able to write a note of appreciation to the employees of Aurora in May of 2062!
Happy Employee Appreciation Month! Watch for some fun things to come this May!
Again, thank you for all that you do!!!
With Deep Appreciation,
Dave
CEO
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The featured owner of Aurora for this issue of The Loop is Doug Sessions! He works with Eau Claire sites and is a transport driver.
Doug was no stranger to direct care support. He had assisted three family members with daily living skills when he saw an Aurora ad in July 1998. Helping others less fortunate in health? That sounded exactly like something he would like to do. And now this coming July it'll be 26 years with Aurora!
He started out working in a house with 4 guys in Eau Claire. "There, and like all consumers, they were all unique in their own way," Doug says. He adds that each consumer has their own unique personality and can teach you something new all the time.
As a transport driver, Doug says he tries to start each trip with humor, and it appears to keep everyone relaxed. It also makes for an enjoyable day. When working in the houses every other weekend, he takes away life lessons from each of the consumers. "They all can teach you different things of life. Each day brings different and new things to learn. You can watch the consumers and how they approach life, and most times with a smile on their face and excitement in their voice as they describe their day."
If you haven't yet tried working in direct support care, Doug suggests coming with an open mind and open heart. He also knows balancing his work life and personal life and important. He says, "I leave my home life at home and my job at work. I also keep a good sense of humor, either at work or at home. Communication is a big asset."
Doug is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He has been married for 45 years this October. He has one son, one daughter, one grandson, and his son has 3 foster kids who all call Dough "Papa." He has accepted them all as his grandchildren. "I will be 70 this summer and feel luck to have good health, a good company to work for, and a good family life."
Thank you for your service to your country as well as to Aurora's consumers, Doug! You make a difference every single day!
| | Employee Appreciation Month | | |
Aurora celebrates May as Employee Appreciation Month! This year we have a special treat. You've been asking for it, and we hear you! We would like to introduce our new Aurora Online Apparel Store!
Yes, it's finally here. Nearly 130 different articles of clothing or accessories are available for you to purchase at your leisure. Rock a beanie or polo, dress for the office or in the homes, grab summer gear and gear up for winter again. With brand names like Nike, Eddie Bauer, Carhartt and more, and sizes from S to 4XL, you're sure to find something you love!
As a special thank you for Employee Appreciation Month, Aurora is giving you FREE SHIPPING from May 1 to June 30! Click the button below to head to the Aurora Store! Your shipping will automatically change to free when you go to pay for your products.
You can also visit via this link: https://foxcitiesembroidery.chipply.com/auroracommunityservices/
| | SanMar
Carhartt Midweight Hooded Sweatshirt — $58 | | SanMar
Sport-Tek Ladies PosiCharge
Colorblock 1/4-Zip Pullover — $30 | | Growth & Renewal Conference | | |
Are you getting excited?
We hope so! The Growth and Renewal Conference for direct support in ARA, AVS, and ACH will take place on Wednesday, May 22, at 29 Pines in Eau Claire, WI.
When you registered, you chose whether to attend the morning or afternoon session, with everyone enjoying lunch from 12:15-1 p.m.
Special appearance will be made by Aurora's CEO, Dave Barnard!
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Send us your photos showing springtime fun!
For the next month, we would like to focus on the freshness of spring and getting outside or enjoying fresh spring produce! Take advantage of those photo ops of outings and explorations, like on trips to parks, zoos, favorite shops, movies, or community events among staff and consumers. Let's swap out all the wintery photos in our Vizi job postings!
Make sure to take both portrait style (vertical) and landscape style (horizontal) photos. Vizi prefers landscape oriented, so turn those cameras to the side before you tell everyone to say cheese!
Email us your pics at LifeofAurora@AuroraServices.com.
| | This is an example of a portrait or vertical photo. Here, Barb is donating books to a Little Free Library in Baldwin! | | This is an example of a landscape or horizontal photo. Here, Aurora staff from the Chippewa Herald office celebrated National Tie-Dye Day by rubber-banding their white clothing items and saturating them with colored dyes. They have to wait 24 hours before they can rinse out the goods and see how they did! | | |
Our BEST Employees for the month of April are Laura Alley from direct support and Jeanne Martens from management!
Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
New nominees were:
Luke Knudston
Maya Anderson
Noah Faught
Laura Alley
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Names were drawn from the pool of nominees who spoke with us about their employment experience at Aurora. Thanks to each of our nominees for the above and beyond work you do to support our consumers and clients! You are the BEST!
Remember to send your nominations to BESTEmployees@AuroraServices.com.
Once nominated, employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing throughout the year.
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Congratulations to Renea Andreski from the Wausau Day Center and Haley Wright from 303 in Colorado!
These team members have demonstrated their commitment to safety and have won a $100 bonus for having done so.
Keep working safely to be entered in next month's drawing.
| | Employee Services Success | | |
Nita started her job at Walmart in February and is doing a FANTASTIC job. With the support of her dedicated employment trainer and her hard work and focus, Nita has gone from having 3 hours of employment support to only 30 minutes! Nita takes such pride in her job and brings positivity and determination to work everyday. She works hard ensuring guests have access to carts and baskets and welcomes each guest with a smile.
Keep up the great work, Nita!
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From Mayo Health System:
It's easy to confuse the emotions of joy and happiness because they are often experienced simultaneously. Often, happiness is the emotional reaction to what is happening around you. On the other hand, joy is often driven by internal motivations and an enduring state of well-being. A sense of joy can exist even when what is happening around you does not make you happy.
Sometimes, we lose our connection to our innermost self and that joyful state of well-being. The pace of life, the state of the world and personal struggles reduce the joy we feel. Joy is a powerful emotion. Finding ways to bring joy back into your life can help relieve that feeling of burnout. Discovering joy often involves engaging in activities and relationships that fulfill you.
Joy is different for everyone and can be found in everyday situations. If you consciously bring a sense of gratitude, wonder and fun to your day, you'll likely feel happier and find joy at the smallest of things.
Tips to discover joy:
- Focus your time and attention on what you can control; your attitude is often a choice.
- Practice gratitude. Reflect on the positive aspects of your life to shift your focus toward the things that bring you joy.
- Keep things in perspective. Focus on situations and decisions that really matter and let go of minor annoyances.
- Make social connections and build healthy relationships. Meaningful connections with friends, family or community can contribute to a sense of belonging and happiness.
- Be mindful and present. These skills, which include meditation and prayer, can help you appreciate and find joy in the present.
- Help others. Complete acts of kindness and help others. Volunteer for an organization whose mission aligns with your passions.
- Try something new. Take a class, learn a new skill or rediscover activities that brought you joy when you were younger.
- Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people you enjoy being around and who share similar interests; it will excite and energize you.
- Prioritize self-care, including physical, mental and emotional well-being. Eat nourishing food, get sleep, hydrate and exercise.
When to seek help:
Talk to a health care professional if you:
- Find it difficult to function in your daily life.
- No longer participate in activities you once enjoyed.
- Find it difficult to get out of bed.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Tiffany Fesenmaier
Aurora Community Services
Administrative Specialist, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: I was looking for a "job" that I would be a part of a "team," could commit to for the next 5-10 years and enjoy.
What I will bring to the job: Commitment, responsible, good energy, compassion, welcoming smile and presence.
My background: Marketing & management with Texas Roadhouse, owner and operator of The Cabin Corner.
Family: Partner Linda of 20 years, 3 children (adults now), 2 grandchildren, 3 dogs, 2 cats.
Hobbies/interests: Live on a lake, swimming, having family up, 4-wheeling, boundary waters, music.
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Kenzy Spexet
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: Seemed like a great way to work directly in the community.
What I will bring to the job: Willingness to meet/work with the new people and help them be your best self.
My background: Bachelor's degree in social work, lots of residential experience.
Family: Boyfriend and 3 kids.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, photography, fishing.
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Amber Zwick
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Plover
Why I applied for the job: I took a job readiness class and during the course my worker and I figured out that caregiving/CNA, etc., would be a great fit for me.
What I will bring to the job: Care, patience, reliable, dependable, honest, loving, above and beyond care, easy going.
My background: I was a stay-at-home mom most of my life. I did work for DuraClean for 6 months and did enjoy the job.
Family: I have 5 children, only one in Wisconsin—my daughter Amilliah. She is almost 6. I have 3 other girls and 1 boy: Lily, Ava, Ella, and Noah. I have no family in Wisconsin. I am from Michigan.
Hobbies/interests: I like to write poetry. I like photography. I'm in love with music.
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Felipe Ramirez Jr.
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I applied to this job to get more experience in this field. I am going to college for nursing and want more experience.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring my experience from my past jobs.
My background: I worked at Crystal Fountains for about 2 years and at Stevens Point Health Services for about 1 year.
Family: I have 3 sisters; two are older than me and one younger.
Hobbies/interests: I like to play piano, draw, learn about the human body.
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Laura Kostecki
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Weston
Why I applied for the job: It was more pay and a reputable employer.
What I will bring to the job: Experience in adult family homes, a sense of humor, and compassion for the consumers.
My background: Worked for MRCS for 3+ years.
Family: 3 girls--twins, a son-in-law, and one grandson.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading, going to the movies, walks, playing cards, spending time with loved ones and my grandson.
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Sarah J. Giese
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I have done health care in the past and have always found it rewarding.
What I will bring to the job: A desire to assist others and work as a team player.
My background: I have had a variety of jobs throughout my life.
Family: I have 2 adult children.
Hobbies/interests: Puzzles, crochet, and gardening.
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Bridgette Renkas
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: Heard about this company from a friend.
What I will bring to the job: Kindness.
My background: Caregiver.
Family: 3 kids and a husband.
Hobbies/interests: Motorcycles.
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Donald M. Ford
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: I love to help others.
What I will bring to the job: Patience.
Family: I have a wife and a son.
Hobbies/interests: Walking and playing video games with my son.
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Denise Garrett
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Eau Claire Day Center
Why I applied for the job: I've missed all the clients and staff!
What I will bring to the job: Passion and dedication.
My background (employment/interests): I'm a weekend caregiver full-time at Stable Living; previous work at Aurora Day Center (Nov '23-Feb '24).
Family: Married with 2 grown boys.
Hobbies/interests: Camping, fishing, crafts.
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Joshua Vue
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: Aiming for physical therapist to work/help people.
What I will bring to the job: Positivity, high energy.
Hobbies/interests: Weightlifting.
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Matthew Dux
Aurora Community Counseling
Mental Health Therapist, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I had heard great things about Aurora and the services they provide from others in the field.
What I will bring to the job: Empathy and a calm, supportive approach.
My background: Experience in day treatment and outpatient treatment setting with all ages/populations.
Family: My wife and I live in Menomonie with our almost 7-month-old daughter.
Hobbies/interests: Going on walks, playing cornhole, fantasy football.
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Michelle Thomas
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Eau Claire Day Center
Why I applied for the job: I love helping people and I've worked in health care for the last 30 years.
What I will bring to the job: Experience, understanding.
My background: 30 years in health care.
Family: 2 sons.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking, driving.
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Danielle DaLuise
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I find caring for the needs of others to be rewarding and something I'd like to seek a long-lasting career in.
What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude with the ability to cultivate a teamwork environment. My mail goal is to treat all with respect and dignity.
My background: I was an assistant manager/server at a restaurant.
Family: I am the mother of 1 girl and 4 boys.
Hobbies/interests: Music, hiking, swimming.
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Kelsi Dellapenta
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: To try something new, and my referral Jenni suggested this position.
What I will bring to the job: A good attitude and creativity.
My background: Food service.
Family: Chris Bork, my fiance; Xavier Bork, my 4-year-old son; Leah, my mom; Hannah, my best friend; Phoenix, her son.
Hobbies/interests: I love hooping (hula), cooking, crafts, and taking care of my family.
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Dominique Panzino
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I love working with the elderly and it makes me feel great getting to make a difference in these guys' lives.
What I will bring to the job: I am very qualified, very fun and outgoing.
My background: 3 years of caregiving experience, 4 years as a chef.
Family: All my family is back home in Boston. 1 son and another on the way.
Hobbies/interests: Raves, hiking, swimming.
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Tiffany Williams
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I currently work in another assisted living facility and love everything about what I do, but there is no room to grow. I want to expand my knowledge in this field.
What I will bring to the job: I will always come to work with a positive attitude and passion for what I do. Open mind to learning and helping.
My background: Prior to my current job, I was waitressing. 2 years ago when I started doing caregiving, I knew this is route I want to go.
Family: I have 1 sister and 5 brothers. I have 3 daughters: Aiyana, Deaziree, Allienna.
Hobbies/interests: I love being outdoors walking, gardening, motorcycling.
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Emily Schafer
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I love helping people and seeing a smile on people's faces.
What I will bring to the job: Happiness.
My background: I worked at Olive Garden.
Family: I have 1 older sister and an amazing mom and dad.
Hobbies/interests: I love cooking and baking.
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Elizabeth Raggs
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy being able to help others.
What I will bring to the job: My past history of knowing how to perform the job duties.
My background: Helping others
Family: I have 7 kiddos: 4 boys and 3 girls.
Hobbies/interests: Anything with my kids.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of MAY, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Nancy Campbell-Kelz (5 years), Melody Jorgensen (5 years),
Joan Parsons (5 years), Terri Bollinger (26 years), John Reed (1 year), Deb Seibel (31 years), Sue Hertz (26 years), Dawn Mashak (22 years), and Tess McConville (3 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Sue Davidson (10 years), Rosezanna Pratt (6 years), Carrie Bultman (4 years), Erin VanDeWiele (1 year), Kathy Doering (26 years), Brian Wojtalewicz (3 years), Denise Marsh (1 year), Shaina Gagas (2 years), Logan Lutz (1 year), Dorothy Reed (27 years), Ronda Simons
(23 years), Jonathan Bosse (9 years), Pamela Knetsch (18 years), Haley Wright (1 year), Paige Tucker (1 year), Helen Carter (1 year), Mikki Freeman (15 years), Adam Little (14 years), and Riley Persike (2 years).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 289 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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