Aint No Mountain High Enough
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Dear MountainCare community,
The last few months have been tumultuous for us as an organization, as individuals, and as a country. Yet despite the challenges and uncertainties we have faced, our team has amazed me at every turn with their resiliency and unwavering dedication to serve others. Even with our doors temporarily closed, MountainCare never skipped a beat in working hard for our neighbors in need. We have challenged each other to find innovative and meaningful ways to connect with and care for our community, and we have succeeded.
This temporary time apart has served as an important reminder of the impact of our work. As we prepare for the phased reopening of our centers, we are equipped with a renewed sense of pride in what we do and feel deeply honored to move through life’s journey with you, even at the most difficult of times. Thank you for being at the center of something truly special.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth Williams
Executive Director of MountainCare
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Community Rejoices as MC Takes on Seating Clinic
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Adult Day Responds to COVID-19
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Our Adult Day team has been busy conducting wellness calls, delivering weekly meals to our veterans, and providing activities online, by mail, and through weekly “Drive-Through” activity pick-ups.
As we prepare to begin a phased reopening on July 1st, staff have
organized and cleaned every inch of our Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania centers, as well as the outdoor gardens. Each of us at ADS feels the same as Nurse Julie when she said, “I am trying to embrace just making people happy through small actions.” We’re all so honored to serve our wonderful community of participants and their caregivers and can't wait to see you soon.
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MC Hires New Director of Adult Day!
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With Amy Pike at the wheel, we know that our adult care services couldn’t be in more capable hands. After two years of managing our Buncombe center, Amy felt called to apply for the position of Director of Adult Day Services: “I’m drawn to the love and compassion that our team has for those we serve. There is a real dedication and commitment that you feel when you walk through the program and when you talk to our staff. This is more than just a job - we take pride in what we do!”
Amy transitioned into her new role just two weeks before the COVID-19 crisis forced MountainCare to close its Adult Day centers. W
hile navigating these uncharted waters, s
he’s grateful for continued guidance from Elizabeth Williams (Executive Director and former Director of ADS), as well as her perspective as a former Program Manager. “Under the pandemic, we have worked hard to keep all of our staff, participants, and caregivers healthy by ensuring each person’s needs are being met,” she explains. “I want everyone to know that they are not alone, we care very much about them, and one day we will be together again.”
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Amy was born and raised in Wisconsin before moving to North Carolina in high school. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Social Work degree. Her career began as an administrator of a public assistance and childcare subsidy program in Buncombe County. Amy spent 10 years with CarePartners Hospice before becoming the Program Manager of our Buncombe Adult Day Program in 2018. She lives in Asheville and loves to garden, read, spend time with her daughters, and enjoy the outdoors with her dog, Roxy.
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Bob Jackson Finds a New Home at Rathbun House
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Please join us in welcoming Bob Jackson as the new House Manager at Rathbun House! Bob joins the Rathbun team after working in MountainCare’s Adult Day Program for three years, most recently as the volunteer coordinator at our Buncombe center. He exemplifies our MountainCare mission of service to others by bringing more than 25 years of human services experience to his new role.
“I’m invested in the mission and history of Rathbun House and the impact it has on our guests and the community,” explains Bob. Inspired by Adelaide Key’s vision, mission, and commitment to serve others, he is honored to lead the hard-working, compassionate team of staff and volunteers.
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Bob is originally from Buffalo, NY, but fell in love with North Carolina when he moved here in 2002. He attended Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania and received a degree in Recreation with an emphasis in Camp Management. Bob spent 12 years working in residential camp administration. In particular, he was the Assistant Camp Director at a program for children with serious illnesses with a similar business model as the Rathbun House.
Outside of work, Bob is an avid runner and has completed 5 marathons and an Ironman Triathlon. He loves Russian literature, walking with his dog, Suki, and working in his zen garden with his wife.
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We Are Here to Help You Through Difficult Times
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Navigating grief AND Covid-19 has its complications. The traditions and rituals surrounding care for those with life-limiting illnesses and support for their loved ones in grief have changed. Family and friends can no longer support the griever in person, and the inability to participate in rituals and traditions following the death of a loved one has made for a grief process that feels more isolating and surreal.
What might help a griever cope in this uncertain time?
- Set realistic expectations. Grief is hard, and it’s a process. It takes longer than we want. Grievers often experience a deep fatigue, a lack of motivation, and the sense that their brain is unfocused and not functioning. Know that this temporary and set expectations for yourself that are realistic. You won’t be functioning at your former capacity. Be gentle, not judgmental with yourself and your abilities.
- Practice self-care and coping skills. Do something daily that involves using your body, your mind, and social connections. Make that thing easy, like a stroll, music, a phone call, or socially distant visit outside. If you’re anxious, there are skills like deep breathing, mediation, and other types of relaxation. Proper sleep and nutrition can help. Counseling can help, and sometimes, medication.
- Use resources. MountainCare Grief support is a resource to support you as you grieve the death of a person who has been important to you in your life. There are also resources on-line. We can help you connect to the resources you may need during this time.
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In this time of social distancing, our MountainCare Grief Support team continues to provide much needed services to youth and adults in who are grieving the death of someone. Now more than ever, grief can be complicated and difficult to navigate. We have found that with a computer (and a little technical support!), we’re able to continue the great “face to face” care we’ve always offered, but from our home to yours. We have met with new and established clients through our online teletherapy platform; our support groups continue to meet and expand, and our music therapist has started a supportive, virtual relaxation group!
To speak with a grief support counselor, please call (828) 280-2080, ext. 120.
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Learn more about our services:
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Your generosity can make a difference.
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MountainCare, Inc.
P.O. Box 5956
Asheville, NC, 28813
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