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"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on and honor the dedication and sacrifices that you have made to provide for our consumers and team members. We are immensely thankful to you. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Value Word

Our featured Value Word of the month is: Compassionate—Compassion literally means "to suffer together." Doesn't that sound appealing? Maybe we should use that to snag some new employees! Among emotion researchers, it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another's suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. You are all compassionate. We are thankful you are so motivated to help so many others!

Owners Corner — by Katharine Barnard —

This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Lindsay Pittman. Lindsay started working with Aurora in April 2013 as a Call Center Specialist. In her current position as the Call Center Coordinator, Lindsay does training for new call center staff and processes new consumer referrals, working with case managers to figure out their needs and how we are best able to help them.   Being able to help people and keep them living independently with our services is what Lindsay loves most about her job with Aurora. She likes that the Call Center is available 24/7 to help people and connect them with services they need. Whether it’s through the helpline or the Pendant program, connecting with on-call nurses, guiding through first reports of injury, or authorizations with the EAP program, the Call Center is there for people. Lindsay also likes that her position allows her to work remotely. Outside of work, Lindsay likes to spend time with her family, and especially enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Thank you, Lindsay, for all that you do!

Featured Team — by Erik Olson —

This month, we feature CCS Services provided by Aurora through AVS, ACC, and ARA. CCS, or Comprehensive Community Services, is funded through Medicaid insurance, so anyone interested in these services must have Medicaid. Consumers must also have a mental health and/or substance use diagnosis. There are no age restrictions to this program, but the consumer must have insight into their diagnosis and be able to direct their own care. Consumers must meet functional eligibility, which is determined through a Functional Screen. There are 13 total services that can be provided in CCS, and between AVS, ACC, and ARA, Aurora is able to provide all 13 services. Aurora works with 4 consortiums to provide these services, which include the Recovery and Wellness Consortium (RWC); Western Region Integrated Care (WRIC); Barron, Eau Claire, and St. Croix Consortium (BESt); and North Central Region Consortium (NCR). Each consortium has a group of counties that work together to provide these services. Each consortium is listed below with the counties they encompass. RWC Chippewa, Dunn, Pierce, Pepin, Buffalo, Rusk, Polk, Burnett, Washburn WRIC La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson BESt Barron, Eau Claire, St. Croix NCR Taylor, Iron, Price

Ask Aurora

While I was at work, I bent over to grab a box off the floor and now I can barely move! What should I do? Please contact the Call Center to report your incident at 888.589.6492! Even if you decide not to seek treatment, one of our skilled nurses can give you some basic first aid tips and help talk you through what to do next. We want you safe and healthy, so prompt reporting and possible treatment is imperative!

Best Employees

Our BEST Employees for the month of October are ... Jerome Taylor from direct support and Nikki Coss from management! Congratulations! Nominees for the month of October were:

Michelle Baljo Bethany Cerutti Sara Dorr MaryAnne Erickson Jocelyn Holder Kelly Johnson Chelsi Julson Bintu Kamara Erik Olson Hunter Rebak Tara Reitan Randy Shumway Kyle Weidler 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.

National Family Caregivers Month

This month we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month. Did you know… Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the United States. Many caregivers work and also provide care, experiencing conflicts between competing responsibilities. Research indicates caregiving also takes a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. With nearly half of all caregivers over age 50, many are vulnerable to a decline in their own health. Studies show that coordinated support services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress, and enable them to provide care longer, which avoids or delays the need for costly institutional care. We have coordinated support services for you! REALiving is standing by to assist you. If you are a family caregiver, be sure to carve out time to care for yourself. We’ve all heard it: Put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others! It’s difficult work, especially if your “real job” is already caregiving! REALiving Call Center: 1.877.256.9302

Safety Winners

Congratulations to Sue Davidson from 005 in New Richmond and Heather Chaney from 095 in Spooner! 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.

Safety Tip

It's that time of year! Driving during deer season Deer are most active during sunrise and sunset. Be alert and observe your surroundings. Deer tend to travel in packs, so if you see one deer, slow down and proceed with caution. Don't swerve to avoid hitting a deer. By swerving, you put yourself and others at risk for a worse collision. If you hit a deer with an Aurora vehicle, report it to the call center. Winter Driving Stay alert to changing conditions. Slow down to avoid skidding. If you do start to skid, take your foot off the gas and steer into the skid until you regain traction. Brake cautiously. Watch for hidden slippery conditions, such as hidden patches of ice. Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. Three-point contact for safely getting in/out of vehicles Use at least three points of contact at all times when getting in or out of a vehicle: two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. The three-point contact method should only be broken after reaching the ground (getting out of a van or truck) vehicle seat or other stable platform. Inclement weather Keep walkways as clear as possible. Shovel snow right away, and scrape the ice as soon as it forms. Spread sand or salt immediately over remaining ice. Survey the ground as you are walking to avoid slippery areas. Avoid distractions. Keep a small bottle of sand or salt on you to shake over slippery spots that are inescapable. If walking on ice is unavoidable, walk like a penguin: Use your arms to maintain balance, take short shuffling steps, and keep knees slightly bent and toes pointed out.

Welcome Aboard! Please give our new hires a warm welcome!

Sadie Jones Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Baldwin Why I applied for the job: I want to expand my interests with health care and thought this would be a good start. What I will bring to the job: Leadership, strength, cleanliness, thoughtfulness, positivity, smiles. My background: Customer service, talking and helping people. Family: Mother, older twin siblings. Hobbies/interests: Traveling, coffee, cosmetics, Netflix binge, cleaning.

Sheree Ellefson Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Menomonie Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping people. My background: Worked at United Health for the last five years. Family: One daughter. Hobbies/interests: Crafting, photography, and I have the cutest shorkie pups!

Natania Sault Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire Why I applied for the job: I enjoy caring for people. It helps me feel fulfilled. What I will bring to the job: A good attitude and a helping hand. My background: I grew up helping my mom with day care, had my own clients, and was manager at McDonald's for a year. Family: Parents and 4 siblings. Hobbies/interests: Sketching, makeup, nature, cooking.

Bailē Dregney Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Thorp Why I applied for the job: I wanted to move into more of a mental health position, and this job is helping me transition. What I will bring to the job: I am extremely patient and am able to solve problems efficiently. I always give 100%, so I'm able to take pride in what I do. My background: I used to be a server at a family restaurant in Cadott. I played volleyball in college for one semester and then came home. Family: I have 1 brother who is 10 years older. I live with my mom and my dad. We have 3 cats and a tortoise. Hobbies/interests: I love to read and draw.

Ashley Prax Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, River Falls Why I applied for the job: I really have a passion for helping others, but I have mostly worked with kids, so this pushed me out of my comfort zone. What I will bring to the job: A good, upbeat energy, compassion. My background: I have quite literally only ever worked with kids. Family: 2 older sisters; mom is a teacher (SPED K-5); and dad is retired. Hobbies/interests: I love movies, music, and thrift shopping.

Josephine Shipman, preferred name Davie Jo or Jo Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Spooner Why I applied for the job: Learning to take care of all sorts of folks is really appealing to me. I'd like to get experience so I can take care of my aging parents someday. What I will bring to the job: My dedication to learning about people. My background: I worked as a cheesemonger in California while I lived there, so I have lots of cheese knowledge. I'm also artistic. I enjoy painting, drawing, and designing. Family: I grew up with my two parents, an older brother, and lots of family pets. Hobbies/interests: Art, drawing, painting, creating charcuterie boards, web design, video games, running, yoga.

Taylor Waymire Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Wausau Why I applied for the job: Because I like caregiving. What I will bring to the job: Honesty.

Michelle Corbin Aurora Community Counseling Administrative Specialist, Chippewa Falls Why I applied for the job: I just started grad school for clinical mental health, so when I saw this position is was a no-brainer. I have been wanting to work in the field of mental health for years, and I finally took the plunge. What I will bring to the job: My background and experience is in business management, and now I am studying clinical mental health so I will have some of the best of both worlds. I love people and thrive on creating positive environments for all around me. My background: I have been working with a nonprofit dedicated to helping spouses/significant others of law enforcement officers live empowered lives. I have been sharing mental health resources and using my public speaking skills to advocate for healthier relationships. Family: I am proudly married to my best friend and have 3 beautiful daughters who are 5, 7, and 18. I also have a dog named Henry, a cat named Cinder, and 7 nameless fish. Hobbies/interests: When I'm not reading insane amounts of material for grad school, I'm focused on spending time with my family. I also love to craft and write. Writing has been my passion since I was in 3rd grade. Photography is another love of mine.

Shauna Klawiter Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire Why I applied for the job: This job was exactly what I was looking for. What I will bring to the job: Positivity. Family: I have 4 kids: Zoey, 16 F, Daelan, 11 M, Wyllow, 9 F, Liauna, 7 F. Hobbies/interests: I love to draw and be in nature. I love a great Netflix binge day.

Emily Cordes Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire Why I applied for the job: To gain experience. Family: 1 sister, 1 dog, 3 fish. Hobbies/interests: Music—listening and playing.

Rylee Parker Aurora Residential Alternatives Community Living Assistant, Menomonie Why I applied for the job: I love working with elderly people and helping people who are in need. What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude and a good mindset to the table to make sure everyone meets their needs. My background: My life is involved around racing, and I am looking to go to school to be a correctional officer, hopefully sooner than later. Family: Very close with my family. They are my everything. Hobbies/interests: Friends and family always come first.

We Have the BEST Staff During the month of November, we are celebrating these anniversaries! Aurora Management Paula Mickelson (18 years), Nicole Vande Kolk (1 year), Tara Reitan (2 years), Ethan Liss (2 years), Pam Kegley (5 years), Jessica Kautter (1 year), Jennifer Faught (1 year), Mandi Mouw (13 years), Heidi Lang (18 years), Beth Alexander (27 years), Rebecca Radke (10 years), and Melanie Lee (2 years). Aurora Direct Care Staff Marquetta Rodey (9 years), Naomi Lehmann (6 years), Abby Hamilton (3 years), Janell Card (21 years), LeTessa Ludwigson (11 years), Susan Wheeler (2 years), Jesse Korbal (10 years), Tanya Herrin (1 year), Brandon Bautch (15 years), Kyle Weidler (8 years), Randall Shumway (8 years), Clifford Maxfield (2 years), Elvin Stoner (22 years), Roy Parker (11 years), Anthony Semmer (1 year), Bintu Kamara (4 years), Holly Love (13 years), Teresa Monjaraz (4 years), Lee McCreadyHunter Rebak (1 year), and Jason Hager (1 year). That's a combined total of 258 YEARS of experience at Aurora! Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!

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