"You can go to the gym, drink your water, and take your vitamins, but if you don't deal with the stuff going on
in your heart and your head, you're still going to be unhealthy."
~ positivethoughtsvibe
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Employee Appreciation Month
— by Dave Barnard —
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Buddha said, “If you light a lamp for someone else it will also brighten your path.” The month of May is designated every year by Aurora as “Employee Appreciation Month.” It is an opportunity for us to identify a special time to thank all of you who make Aurora possible. I hope you understand the significance of what you do by “lighting a lamp”
for others.
You cannot go into any business today without seeing “Help Wanted” postings everywhere. It is a challenge for businesses to adequately staff their operations. Many businesses have cut back operating hours, found new technology to get by with fewer staff, and some businesses have simply closed due to the inability to staff.
Just a few weeks ago, Aurora celebrated our 37th anniversary. It is quite an accomplishment when any business can continue operating for 37 years. Especially a company like ours that is so staff intensive. Aurora has the unique issue of having to staff our homes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The fact that we have continued operation for over 37 years is solely due to the fact that we have amazing staff. People who are committed to serving others so that those served may have the best lives that they may experience. Without you, the employees of Aurora, we could not exist.
I am very proud of our company and very proud of you, our staff, who make everything happen. Please know that you are deeply appreciated and that we are continually looking for ways to show
that appreciation.
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Owners Corner
— by Linda Aton —
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This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Ted East, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for Aurora Community Counseling.
Ted East was a behavioral health coordinator for Rusk County back in 2001 when Aurora came to the county. It was his job to contract with providers in the community for behavioral health services. "What I found with Aurora Community Counseling was integrity, commitment, and a passion for the clients they served," he says.
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Though he retired from Rusk County in 2018, he knew there was more he wanted to do in the area of behavioral health services in the community. Based on his years of communication, interaction, and trust with ACC services, there was no doubt in his mind who he wanted to be affiliated with.
Ted began his Aurora journey officially in 2018 as a behavioral health therapist, which has allowed him to focus on a variety of his interests, specifically providing services for Medicare recipients. He had struggled in the past knowing elderly people in his community had to travel to Eau Claire just to receive services. In addition, Aurora allowed Ted to explore other areas of interest, such as providing sex offender treatment and becoming certified in dialectical behavioral therapy.
What does he enjoy about his job? The clients! "I have a passion for the people of Rusk County having worked in this community for nearly 40 years. If I can give back to this community just a fraction of what they've given me over the years, my life would be very satisfying."
Ted enjoys downhill skiing in the winter and has served as a member of the National Ski Patrol for the past 15 years. He also has a unique hobby—chainsaw carving! "Back in 2000, I wanted a carving of a bear but could not afford to purchase one as the price was astronomical. Since then, I have carved thousands of bears, eagles, people, and a variety of other requests. It's something I truly enjoy as I can focus on the creation of something, and then stand back and smile when it's completed," Ted says.
Thanks for all you do, Ted! And thanks for sharing pictures of some of your carvings!
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Featured Service
— by Tess McConville —
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This month, we feature the CCS program.
Comprehensive Community Services—or CCS—is a recovery-oriented and person/family-centered program. Service plans are created based on what each individual consumer chooses. Each county is responsible for providing or coordinating provision of these services: intake, crisis, adult protective services, alcohol or drug abuse programs, mental health programs, aging and disability resource centers, children’s services, inpatient services, vocational services, alternate care team/residential services, and recovery court services.
Each county has service facilitators who are responsible for creating and monitoring the consumer’s service plan. Contracted vendors provide many of the services offered, such as screening and assessment, service planning and facilitating, medication management, peer support, individual skill development and enhancement, employment-related skills training, psychoeducation, wellness management, psychotherapy, and substance abuse treatment. CCS is funded by Medicaid, with actual cost reimbursement and billed via the county.
There are many moving parts and many players involved in facilitating the CCS program. The CCS Program Administrator is responsible for the overall CCS program, including compliance. The On-Site Administrator oversees on-site operations at the branch location. The Clinical Coordinator is responsible for clinical supervision and implementation of recovery-based services. The Service Facilitator is responsible for ensuring that the service plan and service delivery is integrated, coordinated, monitored, and designed to support the consumer.
Thank you helping the rest of Aurora understand all that you do,
CCS-ers! And thank you for all of your hard work providing necessary services to so many people!
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Multiple picnics are being planned across Aurora-land, and you are invited to attend any and all of them!
Eastern Region
Wednesday, June 14
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Iverson Park — All Purpose Lodge
Stevens Point, WI
Wausau Day Center
Thursday, June 15
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
451 Grand Ave.
Schofield, WI
Central/Western Region
Tuesday, June 20
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wakanda Park Pavilion
Menomonie, WI
La Crosse Region
Thursday, June 29
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Iva Brown shelter in Van Ripper Park
206 Riders Club Road
Onalaska, WI
Dates for picnics in other areas are still pending.
Please RSVP by one week prior to the picnic by calling 715.235.1839 or email Narda at ngordillo@AuroraServices.com. Hope to see you there!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of April, and winning $150, are ... Olivia Stevens from direct support and Katie Bourgard from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of APRIL were:
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Kathy Barnard
Brian Bender
Terri Bollinger
Kevin Crowell
Abbey Dieckman
Jana Hansen
Melody Jorgensen
Samantha King
Gina Krueger
Teresa Lien
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Ashley Lyons
Paula Mickelson
Sandy Ming
Lindsay Pittman
Emily Ronning
Keyanna Skadsberg
April Solberg
Olivia Stevens
Sue Wheeler
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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!
Once nominated, employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing throughout the year.
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Take time to check out your local farmers markets!
Enjoy produce, flowers, locally made items, and often food, music, and art at your local farmers market! Click on the button below for your state to find specific details.
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Erik Olson, AVS Regional Director and Recovery and Wellness Quality Assurance Specialist, proudly shared with us that Aurora Vocational Services received FOUR awards recently. These were presented at the 2023 Wisconsin Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Conference in Wisconsin Rapids.
Awards won were the following:
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Highest Overall Fidelity Score (for our Burnett, Polk and St. Croix IPS programs)
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Role of Employment Supervisor (given to Erik Olson, who had the highest score in the category in the state!)
- Job Development - Frequent Employer Contact
- Individualized Job Search
Pictured is Erik receiving his award for Role of Employment Supervisor. Congratulations to Erik and the Aurora Vocational Services teams for all of their hard work. We love seeing you get the recognition you deserve!
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What happens to my ESOP stock if I leave Aurora?
Why would you ever leave Aurora?? Well, ok, it could happen! So let’s say you have been with Aurora for more than 3 years so are fully vested. And let’s say you decide to move to Timbuktu and since Aurora doesn’t offer services there (yet!) you resign in August 2023. Nothing can happen until your stock has been valued for 2023. That means after 2023 is over, the independent auditors conduct that valuation. The valuation is generally completed in August, and then you would receive your statement and can withdraw the value of the stock or roll it over into a qualifying account per the 5-year installment schedule. Refer to Policy 1.B.05 for more information.
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Before operating any Aurora vehicle, find out where the blind spots are and Get Out and Look (G.O.A.L.) around the entire vehicle (every time you operate it) for anything that may be in the way.
Unfortunately, Aurora still sees incidences of backing resulting in damage to another vehicle, garage, etc. Backing incidences are avoidable. Per Aurora policy 4.1.A, Use of Company Vehicles, all drivers of Aurora vehicles are expected to Get Out and Look for possible hazards.
- Remember that every backing situation is new and different.
- Get to know all blind spots by closely inspecting the vehicle.
- Use a spotter whenever possible.
- Adjust the rearview and side mirrors to your proper line of seat.
- Continually scan mirrors and look through the back window. Looking in your rearview mirror or at your back-up camera screen is not enough.
- Back no faster than a slow walk.
- Focus on your surroundings.
All Aurora vehicles should have a back-up camera (which needs to be in working order). If a site/office vehicle does not have a back-up camera, contact your area office.
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Congratulations to Kassidy Earhart from 108 in La Crosse and Oppong Thomas Kyeremeh from 098 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.
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Due to the end of the public health emergency and the lack of use, the dedicated COVID phone line has been discontinued. Please use the same procedures for reporting absences due to illness that you would with any other. If there are specific questions related to COVID, let your supervisor or DSC know. Thank you!
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Mental Health Awareness Month |
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Look Around, Look Within: Your surroundings say a lot about your mental health
Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and grocery stores? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally? This Mental Health Month, challenge yourself to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.
Where a person is born, lives, learns, works, plays, and gathers, as well as their economic stability and social connections, are part of what is called “social determinants of health” (SDOH). The more these factors work in your favor means you are more likely to have better mental well-being. However, when it seems like the world is working against you, your mental health can suffer. While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being.
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Work toward securing safe and stable housing. This can be challenging due to finances, age, and other reasons, but there are a few things you can try, such as reaching out to state/local agencies to secure housing, removing safety hazards in the home, or finding another space (such as a community center or friend’s home) where you can get the comfort you are missing at home.
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Focus on your home. Consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly, and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive.
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Create bonds with your neighborhood and community. Get to know the people living around you, join or start neighbors-helping-neighbors groups.
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Connect with nature. Hike in a forest, sit in a city park, bring a plant inside, or keep the shades open to absorb natural light.
If you’re taking steps to improve your surroundings but are still struggling with your mental health, you may be experiencing signs of a mental health condition.
Remember you have FREE support available to you through our EAP provider, REALiving. Just call 877.256.9302 to get connected!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Branda Kolve
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, River Falls
My background: Currently working as a dietary aide in a nursing home. Have been there for 17 years off and on.
Family: Have 2 daughters, ages 10 and 3. Love traveling with them and showing them new adventures!
Hobbies/interests: Love baking, board games, outside yard games, anything social or outdoors.
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Lisa Tijerina
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with the consumers and team.
What I will bring to the job: Knowledge of the position, caring and fun, I'm energetic.
My background: I've been a caregiver most of my career.
Family: I have 3 kids, 5 grandkids.
Hobbies/interests: Camping, road trips, home improvement, spending time with family.
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Rita Jacob
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Wausau Day Center
Why I applied for the job: Because I enjoy working with people.
What I will bring to the job: A happy, cheerful attitude.
My background: Working and taking care, also helping people.
Family: I have a big family and enjoy my time with them.
Hobbies/interests: Camping and spending time with my family and friends.
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Lily Mickoleski
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Wausau Day Center
Why I applied for the job: I have always loved working in this field and miss it.
What I will bring to the job: Fun personality, lots of laughs, hard worker.
My background: Nursing homes, home health, in-home PCW.
Family: Dog, Groot; fiancé, Joe.
Hobbies/interests: Paint, craft, crochet.
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Tonya Keenan
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Plover
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, understanding.
Hobbies/interests: Camping, swimming, reading.
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Makayla (Kitt) Stevens
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I've been told by family and friends this type of job is perfect for me.
What I will bring to the job: I am very caring. I try my best to help anyone.
Family: My aunt, uncle and cousins are closest to me.
Hobbies/interests: Video games, playing with my animals, coloring.
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Sheri Sneen
REALiving
Training Director, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I'm looking forward to working at a company that champions the best interests of the employee, client, and community. It makes everyone's lives so much fuller!
What I will bring to the job: Enthusiasm, creativity, a desire to grow and share with others along the way.
My background: Recently retired after almost 25 years with the Nevada State Police in Las Vegas, NV. I grew up in Chippewa Falls and am so happy to be in my hometown and with my family.
Family: My family is from this area and almost all still reside here. I'm looking forward to all the fun adventures we will have as the weather warms up and we can enjoy the sunshine!
Hobbies/interests: I like to craft and make adorable felt creations that kids enjoy. Paddleboarding, snorkeling, and travel are how I enjoy spending my time.
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Erin VanDeWiele
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: Because I love helping other humans. It fills me with joy to be able to help others in need.
What I will bring to the job: A helping hand, great attitude, smile on my face every day.
My background: I used to work for an assisted living facility and can't see myself doing anything else. I love being around people and help them any way I can.
Family: My other half and I don't live together but are hoping to be married by next year and in our own home.
Hobbies/interests: I collect pigs. For example, stuffed, clay, glass. I will have a live pig one day.
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Michael Tillmann
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with people and being an advocate for those who are struggling and need help.
What I will bring to the job: A wide variety of experience and an extensive background in the medical and mental health fields.
My background: I worked for Regis Behavioral Health for 3 years, and in addiction recovery prior to that.
Family: My family is in Georgia and Wisconsin.
Hobbies/interests: I play guitar, write, and am a jammer. I also love all kinds of music.
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Wyatt Pearson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: I enjoyed working in this field in the past.
What I will bring to the job: Experience.
My background: 10 years working in the human service field. I've done job coaching, day programs, group homes, ILS services.
Family: Wife, 3 sons
Hobbies/interests: Being outside, gardening.
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Paige Tucker
Aurora Community Services
Call Center Specialist, remote, Michigan
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I have a passion for helping others. I have only ever worked as a caregiver or in a remote hospital setting. Also, I was very interested in the way Aurora portrayed their values and morals!
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a positive attitude and experience in taking care of people with disabilities.
My background: I have worked as a caregiver and supervisor at a nursing home in Linden, Mich. I have also worked as a Customer Service Representative in a remote setting for McLaren Healthcare. I am interested in helping others with disabilities.
Family: I have a younger brother that is about to be 16! And there is also my mom and stepdad, and my amazing boyfriend of 2 years. I also have a kitten named Gravy and he has completely stolen my heart.
Hobbies/interests: I spend the majority of my days painting and drawing. I love abstract and retro styles of art, and I hope to one day be in a craft show to showcase my work! Other than that, I love spending time with friends and family, and I also love shopping for new plants, books, and art supplies.
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Helen Carter
Aurora Community Services
Call Center Specialist, remote, Texas
Why I applied for the job: After taking some personal time following last year, I am looking forward to getting back to work and wanted to move in the mental health field more and bring my care/health care background as well. The company ethos, work schedule, and remote work suit my needs.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, communication, empathy, extensive background in health care, creative thinking, dedicating, hard working, multitasking. And humor!
My background: Physical therapist/advanced practitioner for 13 years approximately. After moving to the United States in 2016/2017, I moved to work in state agency health care. I have been wanting to get back into more direct client contact while pursuing a second master's degree in clinical counseling.
Family: Mum who lives in England. Only child. Partner (Ryan) lives in Austin. 3 cats! (Gaston, Belle, and Leonidas Winston)
Hobbies/interests: Roller derby. I have played for 10 years and now play for the Texas Rollergirls, who are one of the top-ranked teams in the world. Professional wresting—I am a referee, ring announcer, and commentator on the local circuit. Gym/working out, reading, anything outdoors, travel.
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Travis Hahn
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: Passion for helping and assisting marginalized populations, especially mental illness/AODA. Degree in vocational rehabilitation and my experiences seemed like a perfect fit to me.
What I will bring to the job: A smile, patience, and integrity.
My background: Program manager-CBRF, vocational rehabilitation specialist, community resource coordinator, teacher.
Family: 3 children, ages 24, 17, 11.
Hobbies/interests: Outdoors, camping, fishing (especially ice fishing), hunting, music, and time with family.
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Klara Ellig
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: Previously I was an assistant teacher at a local child care center in Golden Valley, MN, and I applied for this job because I wanted to continue to help people as well as care for them.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring fun, organization, and humor.
My background: I was a teaching assistant the last 2 years at a child care center back home. I am a full-time student going into my junior year at UW-Stout, working on a Bachelor of Science degree in social science.
Family: My parents/step-parents, no siblings. 2 dogs, 3 cats.
Hobbies/interests: Writing, painting, music.
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Denise Marsh
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: I have a servant's heart and greatly enjoy working with adults with developmental disabilities.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude, patient demeanor.
My background: I have two moderately disabled adult sons and a level 2 autistic daughter. I have worked in dementia care facilities for the past few years but greatly miss the job prior working with the developmentally disabled community.
Family: Married 34 years, 6 children ages 33-13. Three youngest children have very rare gene mutation.
Hobbies/interests: Sewing, crafting, researching.
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Gaylin Greetan
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Weekend Float, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I can work just weekends, convenient for family.
What I will bring to the job: Military vet, many years mixed health care, former correctional officer, Eagle Scout.
My background: Anything in outdoors.
Family: Fiance, 2 daughters (4-1/2, 5 months), puppy, cat.
Hobbies/interests: Used to be into the outdoors heavily, before my children were born. Now they are my main focus.
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Linda Firkus
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: To help with people.
What I will bring to the job: I have been in health care over 25 years.
My background: I started as a CNA and went on to become a MA.
Family: I have a mother, brother in Iowa, married, and 2 furry children.
Hobbies/interests: Husband and I ride in the summer. Otherwise I like diamond painting, scrapbooking, or changing the colors of my walls.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of MAY, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Nancy Campbell-Kelz (4 years), Melody Jorgensen (4 years), Joan Parsons (4 years), MaryAnne Erickson (9 years), Terri Bollinger (25 years), Angela Raatz (7 years), Deb Seibel (30 years), Sue Hertz (25 years), Dawn Mashak (21 years), and Theresa McConville (2 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Sue Davidson (19 years), Rosezanna Pratt (5 years), Carrie Bultman (3 years), Kathy Doering (25 years), Brian Wojtalewicz (2 years), Shaina Gagas (1 year), Dorothy Reed (26 years), Ronda Simons (22 years), Jonathan Bosse (8 years), Pamela Knetsch (17 years), Brook Sandmire (11 years), Savannah Moore (2 years), Mikki Freeman (14 years),
Adam Little (13 years), Emily Holzheimer (1 year),
and Riley Persike (1 year).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 301 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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