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Aurora Value Words
• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous
• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive
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"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."
-Victor Hugo
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No Tax on Overtime
••• How Does It Work? •••
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As you may have heard, an act was recently signed into law which allows for no tax on overtime pay. Aurora would like to share the most current information on how the act will work--when you file your individual tax return for the tax year 2025, you will be able to take a deduction, before your taxable income is calculated, for qualified overtime pay. The deduction is capped at $12,500 for a single taxpayer, $25,000 for a joint return. There are also income levels that limit the amount of overtime pay that can be deducted from your taxable income. The IRS will be providing additional information as it becomes available. You can access the information at IRS.gov.
Aurora, as an employer, is obligated to continue to withhold all applicable taxes, including federal income tax, on all pay. At the end of the year, you will receive a W-2 which will indicate the total dollar amount of overtime pay you earned in 2025 while working for Aurora. This information is used to calculate the amount you can deduct from your 2025 taxable income. Once your individual tax return is filed, you will receive a refund, if one is applicable, on the tax you paid on overtime in 2025.
We appreciate you and all you do for Aurora.
Cindy Smith
CFO
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Forget Cliché Advice.
This Is Budgeting for REAL Life
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Let’s be REAL, budgeting isn’t always fun, but gaining control over your money does feel really good. Here’s a simple way to try One Thing Different when it comes to budgeting, (and how to stick with it):
Step 1: Build Your Budget
- Know What’s Coming In
- List all your income from your job, side gigs, and anything extra.
- Know What’s Going Out
- Break your spending into fixed (rent, loans, insurance) and variable (groceries, gas, Amazon late night scrolls). A peek at your bank statements helps keep it real.
- Give Every Dollar a Job
- Cover the essentials first, then plan for the rest. The 50/30/20 method is a solid place to start:
- 50% = needs
- 30% = wants
- 20% = savings & debt payoff
- Tweak it to fit your life.
- Set a Goal
- If it’s getting out of debt, saving for a trip, or building a rainy-day fund, having a clear goal can help keep you focused.
Step 2: Stick With It
- Track It
- Use a spreadsheet, app, or even your Notes app. Know where your money’s going even the $6 lattes and avocado toast.
- Make It Automatic
- Set up auto-transfers to savings so it’s one less thing to think about.
- Watch the Impulse Buys, and small purchases that add up!
- Give yourself a 24-hour rule before spending on wants. Or try using cash for the fun stuff, it just hits different.
- Adjust When Life Changes
- Your budget isn’t set in stone. Check in monthly and shift things as needed.
- Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
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You won’t be perfect but that's not the point. It's like the saying goes, "The goal is progress, not perfection."
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And don't forget...
Financial Coaching is available through our
EAP resources!
We know that financial stress can impact every area
of life and we want to remind you that support is available. Through our REALiving Employee Achievement Program (EAP), all staff have access to confidential financial coaching at no cost. Whether you're working on budgeting, managing debt, or planning ahead, these services are a
valuable resource.
How to get started:
Visit www.REALiving.com and click “Employee Login.” Use your company code to access services, or call
877-256-9302 to connect with a coach directly.
| | | — featuring Pete Johnson, Program Director | | |
Pete Johnson isn’t new to this kind of work. He started as a CLA after Justin Boiteau referred him, and he eventually became a Program Manager. For the last six years he's been a Program Director. He did take a short hiatus from Aurora to run a restaurant but about a year ago, he found his way back to the field that feels like home.
What keeps him rooted in this work is simple, real connection. “The most fulfilling part is being able to connect with the people we serve,” he says. Pete leads with a hands-on approach. He’s the kind of leader who jumps in right alongside his team. Watching staff form genuine relationships with the people we support is what makes it worth it. Sure, the job isn’t without challenges (staffing being a big one), but Pete stays focused on what matters, helping people grow. “You’ve got to be patient, persistent, and always looking for solutions,” he says. And he knows when to protect his own energy, too. “Sometimes, you just have to shut off the phone, compartmentalize, and focus on what really matters.”
Pete didn’t come into this work with a background in caregiving, just an open heart. He fondly remembers one of his first clients who he says left a lasting mark. “We’d drive around blasting classic rock, just singing. He even came to one of our holiday gatherings and met my wife. He looked at her and said, ‘She doesn’t seem like a pain in the butt.’ No filter. But full of heart.” It’s moments like that, raw, funny, and human that remind Pete why he does this work.
Outside of work, life stays just as full for Pete. He and his wife Rachel have been married for 20 years, and their three daughters keep them busy with volleyball tournaments. When he’s not cheering them on, Pete enjoys unwinding outdoors fishing, relaxing in a hammock with their pup, or sneaking away to their quiet Airbnb in the woods to recharge.
Thanks Pete for all you do!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of August are Jena Harrup from Direct Support and Lisa Schumacher from management!
Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees from June 21st – August 20th:
Jena Harrup • Christina Strom • Lisa Schumacher • Nicole Hanken
| | Recognize someone for being their best! | | |
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!
Send YOUR nominations to BESTEmployees@AuroraServices.com.
Nominated employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing all year.
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| August 18th is a global celebration of perseverance and determination! | | |
We usually recognize an awareness month in the Loop but this month, we’re doing something a bit different. We’re celebrating a specific awareness day! August 18 is Never Give Up Day and we’re celebrating YOU and your resilience!
Never Give Up Day holds profound significance as a day of unity and empathy. Never Give Up Day stands as a beacon of unity and empathy, resonating deeply with individuals who may find themselves grappling with adversity or feeling isolated in their struggles. In a world where challenges can often feel overwhelming and isolating, this special day serves as a powerful reminder that no one is alone in their journey.
At its core, Never Give Up Day is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It’s a day that honors the unwavering resolve of individuals who refuse to succumb to the pressures and obstacles they face. For those who may be experiencing hardships or setbacks, Never Give Up Day offers solace and reassurance, reminding them that their struggles are not in vain and that brighter days lie ahead.
One of the most profound aspects of Never Give Up Day is its ability to foster a sense of connection and camaraderie among people from all walks of life. It’s a day when individuals come together to share their stories, offer support, and uplift one another in times of need. Whether through heartfelt conversations, acts of kindness, or expressions of solidarity, Never Give Up Day creates a space where people can find comfort and encouragement in the midst of adversity.
Moreover, Never Give Up Day serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life’s triumphs and tribulations. While victories and defeats may come and go, the indomitable human spirit, embodied by the ethos of "never give up," endures. It’s a timeless reminder that resilience, perseverance, and hope are constants in the ever-changing landscape of life.
On Never Give Up Day, we're encouraged to reflect on their own journeys, recognizing the challenges they have overcome and celebrating the strength that resides within them. It’s a day to honor the resilience of the human spirit and to reaffirm our commitment to never giving up, no matter the obstacles we may face.
"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
- Japanese Proverb (aka Never Give Up!)
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One Nutritious Ingredient, Five Meals
Lentils & Chickpeas
Stretch your grocery budget, make meals easier, and sneak in a little plant-based goodness with these pantry MVPs. Lentil and chickpeas are loaded with protein and fiber, and they’re crazy versatile! Whether you're cooking up something cozy or fresh and light, these five easy meals are simple, tasty, and totally doable.
1. Lentil Curry
Warm, fragrant, and nourishing.
Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in coconut oil. Stir in curry powder or paste, add cooked lentils, coconut milk, and diced tomatoes. Simmer until creamy. Serve over rice or scoop with naan, pita chips or flatbread.
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2. Chickpea Shawarma Wraps
Quick, bold, and packed with flavor.
Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Roast until crisp. Load into a pita with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and tahini or yogurt sauce.
3. Cold Lentil Salad
Fresh, tangy, and meal-prep friendly.
Mix cooked lentils with chopped bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, parsley, and crumbled feta. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice. This also keeps well for lunches throughout the week!
4. Chickpea Veggie Burgers
Hearty and satisfying.
Mash chickpeas with grated carrot, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden. Serve with toppings of your choice or on a salad.
5. Lentil & Chickpea Soup
Comforting and protein-rich.
Combine cooked lentils and chickpeas in a pot with sautéed onion, celery, carrot, garlic, vegetable broth, and Italian herbs. Simmer until veggies are tender. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
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We have Safety Winners for the month of July!
Congratulations to Danielle Daluise - 057, and Haley Wright - 303!
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!
S.A.F.E. = Stop And Focus Entirely!!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Shannon Norris
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, New Richmond
Why I applied for the job: I find helping others to be meaningful work in life.
What I will bring to the job: I bring a positive approach, an upbeat view of humanity, and sometimes snacks!
My background: High school English teacher, lover of nature, and music/theatre/movie/travel enthusiast.
Family: Awesome sister and a lot of headstones.
Hobbies/interests: Swimming, acting, hiking, reading, cooking.
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Ayanna King
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I am going to school to be a physical therapist so I thought this job would help me get started in that path by helping people live as happy as they can.
What I will bring to the job: I have a very happy and positive personality that I will bring joy to the people I am working with.
Hobbies/interests: My hobbies are my sports, hockey, gymnastics, figure skating, and diving. I also love just being outside whether it's hiking, fishing, or just going for a short walk.
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Donquiesha Revies
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I love helping others. It's a passion, not a job.
What I will bring to the job: Positivity and reliability.
My background: I love cooking and cleaning. I enjoy reading.
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Kate Castillo
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau and Weston
Why I applied for the job: Weekend position I can keep during school year.
What I will bring to the job: Experience in social services, fun attitude + dependability.
My background: I've worked in social services, home healthcare, hospice. I currently tutor students K–3rd grade thru AmeriCorp.
Family: My brother + niece live in WA state. I'm from Port Townsend, a tourist beach town W. of Seattle.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, gardening, road trips, trekking in the woods w/ my dog—she's a Siberian Husky, and loves the dog park.
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Elizabeth Svejda
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: To learn and gain new skills and experience.
What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude.
My background: Working with dementia residents.
Family: 10-year-old son named George.
Hobbies/interests: Yoga, YMCA, gardening, and being with George.
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Caelesta Tripp
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I really enjoy working with and helping people!
What I will bring to the job: I will bring patience, kindness, and humor.
My background: I worked at HCO in Winona for 4 years.
Family: I have 2 siblings (I'm in the middle) and my mom and dad.
Hobbies/interests: I like crafts, hammocking, reading, hiking, writing, etc.
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Lynnette Jenness
Aurora Community Services
CPS Case Manager, Ladysmith
Why I applied for the job: I have worked for Aurora on two other occasions and have enjoyed my job. I retired about 18 months ago and realized I needed more to do.
What I will bring to the job: A lot of knowledge regarding this job, some of the same clients. My compassion for people has always been who I am.
My background: I have been a social worker for almost 30 years, and I have always enjoyed working with people and the challenges of being a S.W.
Family: Married – 3 adult daughters – all in the medical field, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter who is so funny & smart.
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my family, going to the gym or exercising daily, traveling.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of August, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Jana Hansen - 23 years
Jacqueline Perro - 17 years
Shannon Larson - 6 years
Katharine Barnard - 5 years
Hayley Petersen - 4 years
Jessica Gossen - 4 years
Hannah Goss - 2 years
Kimberly Doll - 1 year
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Jessica Hills - 11 years
Sandra Ming - 9 years
Jacob Brunberg - 8 years
Caitlin Thomey - 7 years
Patrice Fissette - 5 years
Jeremy Kiktavy - 4 years
Elijah Arceneaux - 3 years
Bethany Cerutti - 3 years
Jayda Turchen - 2 years
Peyton Williams - 2 years
Mary Wolfgram - 2 years
Meajah Adams - 2 years
Jamie Stickney - 2 years
Cara Johnson - 1 year
Ashley Emerson - 1 year
Michele Williams - 1 year
Rayna Waller - 1 year
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 126 YEARS! If you walked one mile for each year, you’d cover 126 miles... roughly the distance from Eau Claire to Madison, WI, a journey paved by dedication!
Thank you for sharing your time, talents and wisdom with us!
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