REALiving, your EAP provider, reports that FOUR Aurora employees received nominations for their Be Your BEST Award over the last few months. Each of the following people will receive a certificate recognizing their BEST efforts.

• Joan Parsons was nominated by Katie Bourgard, who had this to say: Joan is the registered nurse at the Phillips location. She is the glue that keeps the office together. From getting all of our participants their pills and educating them on why they take them, not packing for them but making sure they come in and know how to pack them, to covering for case managers when they are sick, making visits, and ensuring all clients are taken care of, Joan is ALWAYS there to help. Joan has all the qualities that an employer would be lucky to have in their staff: amazing written and oral communication, ethical boundaries, strong work ethic, and is never afraid to try something new. Joan recently took on extra work to help the company; she now has to make the hour's drive to Medford, WI to see six members and ensure that they get their pills, and is now an on-call nurse for the company. Joan is TRULY appreciated!

• Jesseca Erb was nominated by Ann Stevens, who wrote this: Jesseca is an HR Director. This is a difficult position to hold on the BEST of days. I have observed Jesseca deliver very difficult messages to employees with a voice that is clear, calm, and empathetic. I've observed her having excellent eye contact with the employee and asked follow-up questions so the employee can feel they are heard. I've been with her during the worse moment of terminating an employee. She has a way of explaining things to the employee so they can leave the room with feedback they can take to their next employment encounter. What I admire the most is her consistency in approaching situations. She follows policy as written and uses her resources to gather factual information. She is also one of the leaders of our new Owners Team. She's been with Aurora about 7 years, which is a short time in our management team. I enjoy her fresh outlook on situations.

• Orlando Simon was nominated by Katie Bourgard, who shared this: Orlando deserves this award because he NEVER complains about what we have for him to do, or the fact that he has to drive hours to get to the Phillips office to help us. He is always in a bright and chipper mood and is always easy to talk to. Whenever I have to put in a maintenance ticket, I try to get as many things on a list as possible before submitting it to make sure it is worth the drive. Last week our office had a little bit of a toilet emergency, as the seal was leaking slightly; it is now Monday, and Orlando is already here. For everything that he does, Orlando certainly deserves this recognition.

• Nichole Hartung was nominated by Terri Bollinger, who had this to say: Nichole provides all our quality assurance for notes to assure they meet standards set by the state for both vocational and counseling services. She has improved the quality of our notes and streamlined systems to excellence. Her job requires her to be super detailed and patient. Her dedication, independent motivation and efficiencies are amazing.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicide and save lives.

Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others. You can obtain support for yourself or others in your family through your EAP provider, REALiving. Call 877.256.9302.

By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services. You call OR text the national crisis number — 988.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of:

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

Suicide impacts ALL of us. Let’s stop stigmatizing mental health and start supporting one another.

Bring Your Manners to Work Day is celebrated on the first Friday in September. However, it's a good idea to be aware good and bad manners so that you can help maintain a healthy and conducive atmosphere.

Chances are, you spend more time with your work family than you do your real family! And just like at home, good manners need to be followed in the workplace. This includes keeping your desk or workstation tidy, conversing politely, and not using your cellphone when you're in the company of others. When you email a coworker needing their help with something, be respectful. Remember to say "please," "thank you," or "you're welcome" as called for.

Bad manners to avoid at the workplace:

• Speaking loudly. We tend to speak three times louder on calls than in person. Keep your volume down.
• Being late. Always be punctual for meetings, conference calls, and everything else. Respect other people's time.
• Don't leave a mess. Clean up any messes you make (bathroom, break room, etc.). Don't expect other staff to take care of it for you.
• Airplane mode. You might have to keep your work phone with you and check it. That's just the nature of the business we're in. However, if you're in a meeting or conversation with someone, pay attention to them and your surroundings.
• Don't "borrow." Do not assume it is okay to borrow something from other people's desks without permission.

Good manners lead to better understanding between employees, better coordination, and just an overall better office environment. All this is beneficial for business and the company image.

Our BEST Employees for the month of August, and winning $150, are ... Kayla Benisch from direct support and Nancy Campbell-Kelz from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!

Nominees for the month of AUGUST and a couple missed in the Loop for July were:

Shawna Feist

Amanda Lunde

Emily Mujwid

Mike Neary

Ciera Owens

Crystal Simonis

Brian Wojtalewicz

Kayla Benisch

Kim Jensen

Melissa Koncel

Denise Marsh

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.

My obese parrot died today. Sad news, but it's a huge weight off my shoulders.

If you'd like to enter a contest to win a gas card, reply to this email and tell me your favorite animal!

Winner's name drawn randomly and announced on Sept. 29.

At Aurora's summer advance last month, Aurora employees took part in a group art project. Each person got a blank cardstock square that they then decorated in whatever way they chose. Each piece represents the individual, but when we put them all together to represent Aurora, what a beautiful picture is created. Check out the finished product that is framed and waiting to put up at one of Aurora's day centers!

Congratulations to Shaina Gagas from 059 in Mosinee and Jessica Helland from 085 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.

Derek Bell

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Plover

Why I applied for the job: I moved to the area.

What I will bring to the job: Hard work, great team member!

My background: Caregiving, behavioral health.

Family: Girlfriend, 1 daughter, 4 stepkids, getting a puppy.

Hobbies/interests: Hanging out with the kids, playing sports, watching movies, going for walks, playing video games.

Jamie Stickney

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Wisconsin Rapids

Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with individuals that need that extra help to enrich their lives to the best of my ability.

What I will bring to the job: Compassion, hard work, promptness, kindness, and fun.

My background: I worked in a home as a lead for 4 years.

Family: Son.

Hobbies/interests: I love animals, volunteering at shelters, being with my family.

MaryJo Wolfgram

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Wausau

Why I applied for the job: To have the opportunity to help people improve their lives.

What I will bring to the job: Empathy, kindness, quality caregiving.

My background: 10+ years caring for people with behaviors and developmental disabilities.

Family: 2 sons and 1 daughter. 1 grandson due in September.

Hobbies/interests: My puppy Jackson.

Nyisha Griffen

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Weston

Why I applied for the job: So I can have more time with my children.

What I will bring to the job: Great attitude, new ideas, years of experience, open mind.

My background: CNA for 6 years, hospitals, assisted living, behavioral homes, CTC, travel CNA, CBRF.

Family: 2 boys (5, 10), 4 sisters, 2 brothers, parents (passed away), 2 dogs, elder and disabled cousin I care for in Milwaukee.

Hobbies/interests: Photos, event planning, hair, DIY, brand ambassador for a hair company podcast.

Peyton Williams

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Altoona

Why I applied for the job: To get experience and get a feel for health care, which I am going to school for.

What I will bring to the job: Motivation, smiles, someone to count on and trust!

My background: I worked in customer service for a while. I like making new friends.

Family: Mom, dad, brother, and sister.

Hobbies/interests: Music, art, hiking, baking, friends.

Kayla Vance

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: To gain more experience in my field of study.

What I will bring to the job: Flexibility, reliability, team-oriented attitude, leadership.

My background: Food, back-of-house positions, management.

Family: Two younger brothers, mom and dad, small family.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, cooking, hanging out with friends/boyfriend.

Willow Geiser

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I love helping and taking care of others, and it's a field I enjoy doing.

What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude and a helping hand.

My background: I worked at an assisted living for two years, then did homecare for another six while living in La Crosse.

Family: Mom (Wendy) and Dad (Nick), younger brother (Gaden), dog (Benny), cat (Copper).

Hobbies/interests: Going to the gym, hanging out with my friends and cat!

Hannah Goss

Aurora Community Services

Employee Development Coordinator, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I love to learn and teach others. I also enjoy creating training/education information.

What I will bring to the job: I am a very organized person. I'm a bubbly person. I'm reliable and easy going.

My background: I'm a COTA with primarily hospital and school-based experience. My most recent position was with the New Richmond School District working with elementary/middle school students.

Family: I've been married for 2 years, and we have an almost 11-month-old son. My family and I are from the Eau Claire area.

Hobbies/interests: I love turtles and collect turtle figurines. I love to create things, whether it's crafting or cooking/baking.

Alana Piller

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I have previous caregiving experience that I really enjoyed and want to continue doing.

What I will bring to the job: Helping provide a positive attitude and a great work ethic.

My background: I am going into my junior year at UW-Stout for food science and technology. I also worked at Ripple Behavior Solutions in Marshfield, WI for 1.5 years.

Family: I have 2 siblings, one of which being my twin.

Hobbies/interests: Baking, embroidering, and camping.

Lynsey Streeter

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others.

What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude/mindset.

My background: I've had experience in this field for 2 years.

Family: I have 4 siblings and 2 dogs.

Hobbies/interests: Volleyball, soccer, baking, traveling, hiking.

Maria Schield

Aurora Vocational Services

Employee Specialist, Menomonie

Why I applied for the job: I enjoy supporting others in expanding their strengths and interests as well as seeing their life skills grow.

What I will bring to the job: Positivity, encouragement, and accountability.

My background: I have worked in my hometown's special education department as a para volunteer since my junior year of high school. I am also a PCA for my sister.

Family: Mom, dad, sister, little dog.

Hobbies/interests: Biking, baking, seeing friends, plants/gardening, reading.

Reginald Rodgers

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I have a passion to help others, care and concern for all human beings.

What I will bring to the job: Motivation, dedication, passion.

My background: To serve people and be of service to people who can't do it for themselves.

Family: I feel family is my most important asset.

Hobbies/interests: Outdoors, fishing.

Tyler Curtain

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, La Crosse

Why I applied for the job: I worked here previously. I loved the relationships between workers and consumers. I learned a lot of useful skills to use in life.

What I will bring to the job: A positive, can-do spirit. Always willing to stop in and help wherever I can.

Family: Mother and father, 5 brothers, 6 sisters.

Hobbies/interests: Painting, hiking, cooking, singing, acting, water sports, winter sports, poetry.

Amanda Quintana

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Plover

Why I applied for the job: I like to help people and learn new ways.

What I will bring to the job: Perspective.

My background: Working with people, learning.

Family: I have four children—two girls and two boys. We recently added a bunny to our family.

Hobbies/interests: Random obnoxious adventures with my kids.

Lindsey Gregory

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Program Manager, Weston

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because being a leader and working with individuals with special needs has always been my passion. Being able to make someone smile or know I'm helping them in ways they can't gives me a reason to smile.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring dedication, hard work, brightness, knowledge of care for others, leadership.

My background: I have been in a management position for a health care company for the last 3 years. I dealt with doctors appointments, scheduling, hiring, firing, I took part in all client meetings, living conditions, filling their hours, and I also took part in their daily living skills.

Family: I have 4 amazing children and an amazing loving boyfriend. I was raised by a single dad.

Hobbies/interests: Football, movies, swimming, shopping.

Maria Mafurutu

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, Plover

Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I want to work with people and also help people.

What I will bring to the job: Honest, reliable, with healing smiling face.

My background: I worked at DVA for 5 years and had a certificate of good service, Veteran Home King Waupaca.

Family: A mother of two girls, Courage and Definite, and a grandson.

Hobbies/interests: Listening to gospel, going to church, reading books.

William Montgomery

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: To help humans.

What I will bring to the job: My life experience with chemical dependent and mental health humans.

My background: 5 years chemical dependent tech.

Family: Sister, brother, children.

Hobbies/interests: Shooting pool and helping humans.

Brooklyn Mortimer

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Community Living Assistant, River Falls

Why I applied for the job: I have a friend who works here, and she recommended I apply since I was on a job search. I also love working with people of all ages!

What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude with a fun atmosphere! As well as a desire to learn.

My background: I've been anything from an educator to a manager of my school's student union to a bartender!

Family: I'm the youngest of 4, and I just adopted a cat. Her name is Cucumber!

Hobbies/interests: I love to read, cook, and hammock!

Noah Stephenson

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Float Staff

My background: I have my bachelor's in social work and will be returning to school to obtain my master's in social work this coming May. I have worked in a few different CBRFs and have always loved it.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, painting, swimming, biking.

Gao Zoo Vang

Aurora Community Counseling

Counseling Intern, Chippewa Falls

Why I applied for the job: I am a graduate student from Concordia University Wisconsin. I applied for this position with the anticipation of learning different skills and techniques of how to be an effective and empathetic counselor.

What I will bring to the job: I will bring the knowledge that I have learned through the past 2 years of my counseling program and apply it to my clients, helping them find a positive way of life.

My background: This is my first experience in the mental health field, and I am thrilled to see what I can learn from it. My previous employment has been mostly in retail, so the difference is exciting.

Family: I have 2 children: a 5-year-old boy, Ethan, and a 3-month-old daughter, Julia. My partner, Alex, and I als have a black lab, Tank.

Hobbies/interests: My hobbies and interests are reading, needlework, nail art, and enjoying the outdoors.

Rachel Ricchio

Aurora Residential Alternatives

Vocational Coordinator, Eau Claire

Why I applied for the job: I am interested in helping people and wanted a career that fulfills that goal.

My background: I am also a yoga teacher at Latitude 44 Yoga Studio.

Family: I come from a big family with lots of dogs.

Hobbies/interests: I love being outside, working out, being with friends, and yoga.

We Have the BEST Staff

During the month of SEPTEMBER, we are celebrating these anniversaries!

Aurora Management

Ted East (5 years), Kristen Shaw (20 years), Anne Lupo-Gondwe (1 year), Susan Buckley (13 years), Richard Jaramillo (2 years), Margaret Czaikowski (2 years), Jennifer Scherff (5 years), Anthony Nayes (2 years), Nichole Hartung (2 years), Ian McAlister (2 years), and Ian Rajek (12 years).

Aurora Direct Care Staff

Sarah Sheb (3 years), Katelyn Lenk (2 years), Deanna Jeffers (14 years), Brian St. Arnauld (6 years), Becky Zelenka (10 years), Paul Okoroji (22 years), Oppong Kyeremeh (9 years), Laura Holstein (5 years), Ryan Overhouse (1 year), Melinda Ziesman (3 years), Jennica Guy (6 years), and Ali Fenton (4 years).

When we combine all of these years of service,

we get 151 YEARS of experience at Aurora!

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!