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Aurora Value Words
• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous
• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive
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"It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."
~ Queen Elizabeth III
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Owners Corner
— by Jenny Thomas —
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The featured owner of Aurora for this issue of The Loop is Jill Mattson! She is a Behavioral Health Coordinator for Aurora Residential Alternatives.
Jill has had a fascinating journey within the company. Starting as an intern while getting her Masters Degree, she spent several years at Aurora before exploring other opportunities with the county. However, she eventually found her way back to Aurora, realizing that its goals and mission resonated deeply with her own. Over the past 20 years, Jill has taken on various roles, including Program Director and now Behavioral Health Coordinator. She oversees mental health programs and played a pivotal role in establishing the Aurora Crisis House and Crisis Stabilization programs in Chippewa.
One of the aspects Jill enjoys most about working at Aurora is the dynamic nature of her job—each day presents new challenges and opportunities, keeping things engaging and fulfilling. Throughout her time at Aurora, Jill has been able to utilize and enhance a wide range of skills, including management, leadership, clinical, people, and communication skills. She has learned to embrace change and remain a perpetual student in the ever-evolving medical field.
For those interested in similar work, Jill emphasizes the importance of having the right motivations. She believes in helping others and finds immense satisfaction in assisting individuals in reaching their goals.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy work/life balance, Jill stresses the significance of taking time for oneself and engaging in activities that promote well-being. Outside of work, Jill enjoys spending time with her family and friends, participating in outdoor activities, and attending musical festivals with her husband. Their tradition of celebrating their anniversary at Rockfest reflects their shared value of experiences over material possessions, embodying her father's belief that hard work enables one to enjoy life to the fullest.
Thank you for all your contributions in making Aurora a great place to work, Jill!
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Over the course of the last 11 months, the founding members of the Owners Team have been committed to advancing Aurora towards its full potential. This group has diligently worked to create innovative solutions to strengthen our organizational culture and infrastructure, positively impacting Aurora for years to come. As a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, we would like to share the Owners Team’s accomplishments, thus far.
Through one of the team’s first initiatives, called “Operation Spruce Up,” numerous sites, day centers, and offices have been updated to repair and beautify both the interior and exterior of the structures. This includes kitchen renovations, newly installed flooring, landscaping improvements, and countless painting projects. Several locations have received new furniture, pictures, light fixtures, windows, and doors. New gutters have been installed, and fresh concrete has replaced broken sidewalks. In addition to these updates, an office space was constructed in the Corporate Office and a new waiting area was created in the Eau Claire Office. There have also been numerous upgrades to Aurora’s vehicle fleet.
The team has spent a great deal of time on improving culture, employee engagement/recognition/retention, streamlining the onboarding experience (companywide), and providing all employees opportunities for professional growth and development. As a means to connect each of these important components, the team has developed a mentorship program, which will be offered in the near future.
Last, but not least, the team met with representatives from branded apparel companies to help design and launch an online Aurora apparel store, which will be available to all Aurora employees soon!
The Owners Team has covered a lot of ground in its inaugural year, and we’re so excited to continue our efforts to make Aurora the BEST! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the one-year term members who are set to leave the team at the end of March. Your hard work, dedication, and positivity have helped to shape this team, and you all will be missed! With that being said, we are currently accepting applications for any employees interested in joining a two-year term on the team. If you’re interested in sharing your ideas, making positive change happen, and having fun, apply today!
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Apply to Owners Team
— by Megan Bauer, AODA Therapist —
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One of the unique benefits of working for Aurora is that we are all owners of this company. The Owners Team members are selected from among all of the Aurora companies and various geographical locations so the employees are well represented. This format provides an opportunity to bring together people from all areas of our organization and identify from their perspective opportunities for continuous improvement.
It is easy to forget just how large and diversified this company is because we are so widely dispersed. Having the opportunity to sit on the Owners Team has been such a unique experience. I’ve met so many wonderful people, learned so much about this organization, and most importantly seen what this company is capable of. When Senior Management decided to form the Owners Team, they vowed to support the ideas the team brought forward, and I’ve been nothing short of astonished by the support and follow-through they have provided.
My term on the team is coming to an end, but this experience has been very positive and rewarding. I would encourage everyone to apply and take your turn.
| | Applications are due to Jesseca Erb by Friday, April 5.
Email jerb@auroraservices.com. | | |
Send us your photos showing team collaboration!
We use social media for many reasons:
- To highlight our mission—supporting people in creating their "New Beginning"
- To demonstrate the worthwhile careers available at Aurora
- To cheer on hard-working staff in all areas of the company
- To assure guardians, loved ones, and even professional partners that we are passionate AND compassionate
- To let the public know that we LOVE what we do
For the next month, we would like to focus on the subject of personal development—Moments showing personal growth and development, promotions, learning new skills, participating in workshops... The goal is to highlight continuous progress and empowerment of all of Aurora's dedicated staff companywide!
Send us pics of personal or staff development. Email your pics to LifeofAurora@AuroraServices.com.
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Our BEST Employees for the month of March are Demetrius Banks from direct support and Matthew St. Ores from management!
Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees from Feb. 21 - March 20 were:
Brian Wojtalewicz
Royal Anderson
Sherry Hagen
Amber Jenson
Mike Neary
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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 Heather Chaney from 082 in Spooner and Joel Bosse from 083 in Eau Claire!
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.
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April Is Distracted Driving Month
Thousands have died in crashes involving cell phone use. Many distractions exist while driving, but cell phones are a top distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time each day. Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone, but when you are the one distracted, you often don’t realize that driver is you.
New technology in vehicles is causing us to become distracted behind the wheel more than ever before. Fifty-three percent of drivers believe if manufactures put “infotainment” dashboards and hands-free technology in vehicles, they must be safe. With some state laws focusing on handheld bans, many drivers honestly believe they are making the safe choice by using a hands-free device. But in fact, these technologies distract our brains—and continue to distract us long after we’ve used them.
Make no mistake: This multitasking technology is about convenience, not safety.
Nine people die every day on our roads in distraction-affected crashes with 276,000 injuries yearly. These accidents occur from a completely preventable cause.
Expectations of Aurora employees per policy 4.A.1 Use of Company Vehicles:
- Texting, emailing and web browsing is prohibited while driving any Aurora vehicle or while driving a personal vehicle for Aurora business. In the event an employee needs to read or send a text/email or use the internet, the employee must pull over to a safe place, secure the vehicle and then proceed using the device.
- Cell phone calls are not to be made while driving, and incoming calls should last no more than 30 seconds. Calls requiring more than 30 seconds are to be made while the vehicle is off a public road and stopped.
S.A.F.E. = Stop and Focus Entirely!
| | Sexual Assault Awareness Month | | |
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- Every 68 seconds another American is sexually assaulted.
- 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted).
- About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
- From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate that, 63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse.
- A majority of child victims are 12-17. Of victims under the age of 18: 34% of victims of sexual assault and rape are under age 12, and 66% of victims of sexual assault and rape are age 12-17.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit online.rainn.org to chat one-on-one with a trained RAINN support specialist, any time 24/7.
How can the Online Hotline help me?
Chat one-on-one with a RAINN support specialist to access a range of free services including:
- Confidential support from a trained support specialist
- Someone to help you talk through what happened
- Resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery
- Referrals for long term support in your area
- Information about the laws and resources in your community
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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April Howe
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I feel this will be a great opportunity.
What I will bring to the job: Upbeat and excited attitude.
My background: I have otherwise worked in the food industry. This will be a wonderful and much needed change of pace.
Family: I have a 30-year-old daughter, a 24-year-old son, and my grandsons are 7 and 5 years old.
Hobbies/interests: I LOVE to paint. It's my meditation!
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Makenna Paar
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this position because I'm looking for hands-on experience within the field of psychology/mental health care. I'm pursuing a career in clinical psychology, and this experience will be extremely beneficial.
My background: I have an extensive background in working in customer service. I have done/seen it all! I am looking forward to connecting with people on a deeper level, however.
Family: I come from Oconomowoc. My family lives there. I have two younger siblings—Mason, my brother, who is 18 and just committed to UW-Platteville for cyber security and track & field; and my sister, Meredith, who is 16 and plays varsity soccer. We also have a 4-year-old golden doodle, Finnley.
Hobbies/interests: I LOVE music. I play a bunch of instruments (clarinet/bass clarinet are my primary two), but I also write, embroider, read, and collect funky earrings and rocks/minerals in my spare time. I also snowboard when I have time. I'm a psychology major at UWEC, and the subject fascinates me.
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Sarah Jones
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I love being able to help people in a dignified way. It's important to me that people feel loved and cared for.
What I will bring to the job: I aim to always be empathetic and patient.
My background: I have many years of experience working with children and in child care. I'm currently a student at UWEC.
Family: My mom and little brother are large motivators in my life to be the best I can be.
Hobbies/interests: I love being outside and doing crafts. I also really enjoy music and thrifting.
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Leah Petersen
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: Always have had a strong interest in working with special needs/ brother has autism; to brighten up my weekends!
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude, positive energy, always willing to help out.
My background: Worked at Festival for 3 years as cashier/online shopper (first job). Worked at CCF Bank as a teller for 2 years. Currently full-time at Mayo Clinic (schedule for cardiology and wound care).
Family: Mom, dad, brother Brady.
Hobbies/interests: Going to the gym, hanging out with friends and family, shopping, sleeping, taking care of my grandma, mini roadtrips.
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Hannah Shue
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Altoona
Why I applied for the job: I am a public health major with a passion to help others.
What I will bring to the job: A smile.
My background: I worked as a youth advocate and caregiver and lifeguard over the summers.
Family: Twin sister, mother, father.
Hobbies/interests: Anything outdoors, arts and crafts.
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Kaitlin Goodwin
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Supportive Home Care, Black River Falls
My background: I've been doing this kind of work since I was 16 and love doing it.
Family: 2 kids.
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Jodie Schmitt-Bacon
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Weston
Why I applied for the job: To help others, like with community events and outings.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, caring, experience, and able to handle stressful times.
My background: Working with others to meet their goals and make their lives better.
Family: Husband, 2 daughters, one son (who graduated this year), granddaughter, and cat.
Hobbies/interests: Travel, driving, painting, and time with granddaughter.
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Andrea (Punky) Jones
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: Looking for a career to help people.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion and caring, a good, positive attitude.
My background: Menards D.C., Batman Bar, caring for my disabled father.
Family: 3 dogs—Opie, Tucker, Penelope.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, kayaking, anything outside, woodworking, dogs, coffee, humor.
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Amanda Seever
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this position because I enjoy helping people and making them smile.
What I will bring to the job: Kindness and positive alternatives to thrive and be the best you can be through anything in life.
My background (employment/interests): I have always worked in customer service. Helping people is what I do best.
Family: I have a daughter, Jackson, who is 19 years old; my husband, Andrew; our dog Moo Moo; and a fish named Ricky.
Hobbies/interests: I love to color, draw, shop, cook, watch horror movies, and travel.
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Serena Haack
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: A new experience.
What I will bring to the job: A comforting environment.
My background (employment/interests): I go to college here at UWL.
Family: I'm from Cross Plains and have two younger sisters.
Hobbies/interests: I like to go hiking, work out, and go boating in the summer.
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Cara Hagen
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Float Staff, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping people. I have been in this field for 9 years and absolutely love it.
My background: Assistant manager at a residential group home in Massachusetts for 7 years.
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Lisa Peterson
Aurora Community Counseling
Mental Health Therapist, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I was referred by another employee.
What I will bring to the job: I have a lot of experience working with diverse populations of people.
My background: I love working with people, and I love therapy.
Family: I am the parent of 3 adult children, 5 cats and 1 dog.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, knitting, walking, and puzzles.
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Liz Drews
Aurora Community Counseling
Mental Health Therapist, Siren/Spooner
Why I applied for the job: Aurora Community Services looked like an interesting organization!
What I will bring to the job: A variety of experience working in rural and urban communities.
My background: I completed my MSW program in 2017 at University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, then moved to eastern Montana. Most of my experience is with youth and families.
Family: I live with a German shorthair cross, Jax. My parents live in Appleton.
Hobbies/interests: Being outside and exploring public lands with my dog. Reading and expanding my knowledge around mental health.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of APRIL, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Dave Barnard (38 years), Pam Barnard (38 years),
Jim Neuman (38 years), Deb Neuman (38 years), Megan Bauer (3 years), Tom Cusey (2 years), Jesseca Erb (8 years), Steve Lauer (6 years), Jacob Tappe (2 years), Erica Mortensen (2 years), Narda Gordillo (2 years), and Maria Block (20 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Deborah Fisher (5 years), Luke Knudtson (1 year), Branda Kolve (1 year), Renae Greisen (6 years), Bobbi Schick (1 year), Ciara Owen (4 years), Joshua Jumbeck (2 years), Margaret Wojtalewicz (2 years), Jazmine Daniels (4 years), Jennifer Reese (5 years), Joyce Swenson
(6 years), Rhonda Bungartz (19 years), Gregory Davis (9 years), Anna Johnson (18 years), Caleb Fissette (1 year), Crystal Simonis (1 year), Amy Richards (1 year), Sherri Krueger (12 years), Gerald Whipps (1 year), Brandi Lott (1 year), Rita Jacob (1 year), YoonJung Hur (1 year), and Kelly Abbas (2 years).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 292 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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