TRU TEAM NEWS: February 16, 2024

TRU Community Care's bimonthly staff and volunteer e-newsletter

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Mission Moment

I Cannot Say Enough about the Helpful Support I Was Provided


The following came in a letter along with a gift to TRU. It's a wonderful testament to the work TRU does every day. Please continue to share your mission moments via an email to markflanagan@trucare.org.


We are truly grateful for all you have done for my father, his wife, and me. They were residents of Boulder for over 50 years. 


(My father's wife) was a dedicated professional in many ways. She had a successful career in clinical psychology and in later years dedicated her life to service with the Boulder Humane Society. She passed suddenly at the end of 2022. It was a shock to my father and our family that such an unexpected tragic disease could take someone from us so quickly – within 3 weeks of diagnosis. 


For the last three days of her life, she was at home with the help of TRU Hospice. Subsequently, I connected with TRU Grief Services to get into several grief groups and individual counseling. My TRU counselor helped me through the first 2 months after Rita passed. Unbelievably, my father chose the MAID process and passed in March 2023 at the age of 90. My TRU counselor was by my side with counseling through the entire process. I cannot say enough about the helpful support I was provided. 


My father lived a full and productive life as a psychology professor. In later life he kept active reading, watching sports, and listening to jazz. He supported many charities in his and his wife's names. My husband and I are donating these funds to help others as you have done for us. Thank you so much for all that you do.



TRU Updates

In celebrating Black History Month, let's take a moment to reflect upon the contributions made by Black medical professionals who have shaped the landscape of healthcare and improved countless lives. Here are just a few of those whose pioneering work paved the way for advancements in medicine and healthcare equality:


Dr. Charles Drew: A trailblazing surgeon and medical researcher, Dr. Drew revolutionized the field of blood transfusion. His discoveries and techniques in blood storage and transfusion during World War II saved countless lives and laid the foundation for modern blood banks.


Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler: As the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, Dr. Crumpler's achievements are truly inspiring. Despite facing immense challenges and discrimination, she dedicated her life to providing medical care to underserved communities, particularly women and children.


Dr. Patricia Bath: A pioneering ophthalmologist and inventor, Dr. Bath broke barriers as the first African American female physician to complete a residency in ophthalmology. Her groundbreaking research in treating cataracts led to the development of a revolutionary medical device, the Laserphaco Probe, which has restored sight to millions worldwide.


Dr. James McCune Smith: A prominent physician, abolitionist, and advocate for social justice, Dr. McCune Smith was the first African American to earn a medical degree. Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities, he tirelessly fought for the rights and dignity of African Americans, using his medical expertise to challenge racial stereotypes and improve healthcare access for all.


These are just a few examples of the many Black medical professionals whose enduring legacy inspires us. Let's not lose sight of the fact that Black history is American history, an integral part of the unfurling tapestry that we are all helping to weave today. Thank you for your dedication and contributions to TRU as we continue to celebrate diversity and excellence in healthcare, not just during Black History Month, but every day.

What: TRU PACE Caregiver Support Group.

When: February 20th from 9-10 am and twice each month thereafter.



Please call (303) 926-4769 for more information.




Please Help TRU Find Badly Needed Volunteers in Your Area


TRU has been expanding service to the southern areas, including suburbs surrounding and south of Denver. 


Volunteer Services needs an entire base of volunteers to serve this area. Our best efforts are from you - either talking with friends, neighbors, and relatives or posting on your Nextdoor or other social media for caring individuals age 18 and older. 


If you live anywhere outside of Boulder County - particularly in these cities to the south, please email Volunteer Coordinator Liane Shaffer at lianeshaffer@trucare.org. This will help us learn how to reach more communities like:

  • Denver
  • Parker
  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Littleton
  • Aurora
  • Highland Ranch
  • Golden
  • Wheatridge


While these volunteer roles are often "companionship,” to visit patients where they live;

there are also needs for others such as:


  • Veteran Companionship
  • Massage Therapy, Reiki, or Comfort Touch
  • Errands or Organizational help
  • Pet Therapy, Aromatherapy
  • Notary volunteers


Our expansion also includes regions surrounding Boulder County such as

Broomfield, Brighton, Thornton, Westminster, Northglenn, Commerce City, Federal Heights, Arvada, Superior, Berthoud, and Firestone/Fredrick Dacono areas


More wonderful caring people like you can be hard to find; let's share the goodness of TRU!


Please email volunteer@trucare.org for more information




Lights of Life Remembrance Service


TRU Community Care invites you to attend our Lights of Life Remembrance Service to honor and remember a loved one you have lost. This event features a reading of names, the lighting of candles, and special music.


Light refreshments will be provided, and you will have a chance to connect with others and feel supported in these dark winter months. 


Guests are invited to bring a photo or memento of their loved one to place on our memory table. You may also bring a story, poem, or reading to share during a designated time in the service or just come and sit quietly.


February 29, 2024, 6-7 pm

Unity Columbine Spiritual Center

8900 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303


Please RSVP at trucare.org/lightsoflife.


For additional event information, call TRU Grief Services at 303-604-5300.



TRU Thrift Shop February Sales Calendar

Current Job Openings

TRU Staff: Earn Money for Employee Referrals!


Current Job Openings at TRU


We know that good people, like you, know good people.

Let us reward you! More information here.


Be sure to submit your referral bonus request form prior to your referral's scheduled interview and ensure they write your name when completing their employment application.



Current employees can apply by emailing HR@trucare.org.

Do not apply through Indeed, as it is for external applicants only.



Save the Date

The Last Ecstatic Days Film Showing with Q & A

Friday, February 23rd, 6-8 pm


Join us for an online showing of the film The Last Ecstatic Days. Don’t miss the live Q and A immediately following the film with Best Life Best Death educator, Diane Hullet, and Dr Aditi Sethi.

 

Please use the link below to register.


Register here: https://bestlifebestdeath.com/other-offerings/

Lights of Life Remembrance Service Thursday, February 29th, 6-7 pm


Please join us for a candlelit evening of remembrance as we honor those we have loved and lost. TRU Grief Services' Lights of Life event will be held February 29th, 6-7 pm @ Unity Columbine Spiritual Center, 8900 Arapahoe Road, Boulder. All are welcome.


For additional event information, call TRU Grief Services at 303-604-5300.


When: February 29th, 6-7 pm

Where: Unity Columbine Spiritual Center, 8900 Arapahoe Road, Boulder

RSVP: Please RSVP at trucare.org/lightsoflife.

TRU Thrift Staff and Volunteer Appreciation After-Hours 50% Off Sale and Party

Wednesday, March 13th, 6-7 pm.


Join fellow TRU staff and volunteers at an exclusive after-hours party at TRU Thrift! Receive 50% off anything in the store and enjoy live music from TRU Thrift volunteer Alexi Molden and his band, the Midnight Hour. As usual, we will provide food and beverages and will announce the treasure hunt item the day before the event.


TRU Thrift Shop

5565 Arapahoe Ave.

Boulder, CO 80303


Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Event

Friday, March 29, 2024, 8 am - 2 pm

Ceremony and reception at 1 pm


March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day and the day before Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day is observed in Colorado. TRU Community Care and the Carbon Valley Community Center would like to honor all Veterans on this day, especially Vietnam Veterans. RSVP information will be shared in the next edition of TRU Team News. The day will include donuts and coffee at 8 am. Healing Warriors pop-up from 9 am. – 12:30 pm. Veteran to Veteran Café from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, and a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans commemoration and dessert reception from 1 – 2:30 pm.


Carbon Valley Community Center

151 Grant Street

Firestone, CO 80520

Welcomes and Congratulations

We're excited to welcome the following employees and travelers to our TRU family:



  • Darla Becerra – PACE Clinic RN Case Manager 
  • Chloe Brown – Hospice Clinical Educator
  • Brenda Diaz – Hospice PRN CAN
  • Sherap Palmo – Landmark QMAP/Caregiver
  • La’Kesha Rouse – Landmark QMAP/Caregiver
  • Taryne Wolf – PACE Nurse Practitioner


And we'd like to celebrate the following employees for their recent promotions:


  • David Delaney, Senior Manager of Clinical Services
  • Rachel Stackhouse, Supervisor-Clinical Educator



* This reflects new staff members and travelers who started between this edition and the last edition of TRU Team News

Fond Farewell

Sending best wishes to the following people who recently left the organization:


  • Kelsey Bennecke, Thrift Shop Intern 
Birthdays and Anniversaries

TRU Community Care would like to wish the following staff members a Happy Birthday in February:


February 1 - Jessica O'Leary

February 2 - Deborah Benyik

February 2 - Elizabeth Estrada

February 2 - Amy Offerle

February 5 - Cecilia Benns

February 6 - Rebecca Cohen

February 6 - Veronica Mendez

February 8 - Anne Lucas

February 8 - Dallas Everitt

February 10 - Jennifer Davis

February 14 - Lisa Marie Hartman

February 17 - Amanda Pocalujka

February 18 - Ann Wakely

February 19 - Suzie Brundage

February 20 - Diana Vargas

February 20 - Sandy Ramsey

February 20 - Melanie Moore

February 20 - Larissa Gensolin

February 20 - Katherine Leslie

February 23 - Keleigh Kretsch

February 25 - Vanessa Owen

February 26 - Connie Lehman

February 27 - Kemry Glover

Congratulations to employees celebrating an anniversary with TRU in February. We appreciate all that you do for our organization!


15 Years - Cindy Alling

9 Years - Tarah Cassity

8 Years - Joanne Sisson

6 Years - Marie Lezama

5 Years - Larissa Gensolin

5 Years - Janie Blakely

5 Years - Cecilia Benns

4 Years - Mark Flanagan

4 Years - Suzanne Caverly

4 Years - Jessica O'Leary

3 Years - Valerie Volpe

3 Years - Elizabeth Speer

3 Years - Kimberly Shern

2 Years - Danielle Craig

2 Years - Chris Wilson

2 Years - Kent Stephens

2 Years - Dave Samson

2 Years - David French

2 Years - Sherri Millican

2 Years - Hector Morales

2 Years - Andrew Dewaele

2 Years - Lindsey Sides

2 Years - Crystal Fontanilla

1 Year - Naomi Miller

1 Year - Sherie Mellecker

1 Year - Jessi Hoffman

1 Year - Lew White

1 Year - Chenae Sidders

1 Year - Amanda Sanderson

1 Year - Marisol Marquez

1 Year - Lisa Dail

1 Year - Kim Mitcham

1 Year - Maria Limas

Congratulations to the following volunteers celebrating aniversaries with TRU in February. We appreciate all that you do for TRU!

14 Years - Chad Kohlmeyer

14 Years - Marcia Lattanzi Licht

14 Years - Claire Riley

14 Years - Porter Storey

14 Years - Bonnie Wilensky

9 Years - Al Canner

7 Years - Lottie Chorman

7 Years - Margie) Dickmann

7 Years - Heili Lehr

7 Years - Michael Solmos

6 Years - Jack Wiener

5 Years - Suzy Fox

5 Years - Catherine Schieve

4 Years - Megan Back

4 Years - Jane Loughlin

4 Years - Madeline Raetz

4 Years - Beau Rezendes*

4 Years - Elaine Schuman

3 Years - Jen Ryan

3 Years - Daniel Tate


1 Year - Lydia Bickell

1 Year - Carol Dyer

1 Year - Kristen Eisenman

1 Year - Timothy Prout

1 Year - Linda Scanlan

1 Year - Luca Wolf-Scala

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If you would like to share any ideas, events, shout-outs, or stories for future TRU TEAM NEWS editions, please email truteamnews@trucare.org.