May is Employee Appreciation Month at Aurora. As Dave Barnard shared last month, Aurora could not be what it is without each and every one of you! If you have not already ordered your Aurora Smile-Maker shirt, please use the button below to do so.
We honor your contributions to Aurora and thank you for your dedication to the services we provide!
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Owners Corner
— by Colette Spielman —
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This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Liz Green.
Liz says she was born and raised in Menomonie, WI, then moved away for a while. "When I returned in 2009, I started looking for work. I found Aurora! At the time I was hired in 2009, Aurora had nine residential homes in Menomonie, and I had the pleasure of working at all of them. The consumers I’ve had the honor of getting to know on a one-to-one basis I will carry through the rest of my life.”
Though Liz started at Aurora as a Community Living Assistant, she moved into a PMII role shortly after that. Unfortunately the site closed, but Liz continued to work at other Aurora sites. Liz said she had heard stories from other staff about trying different careers. Liz left Aurora in 2014 and became a CNA. After working at numerous nursing homes as a CNA, Liz said she missed the one-on-one time with the consumers. She had a special bond with the Aurora consumers and missed that interaction.
Liz currently works at the Menomonie Day Center and has been there for the past three years. She stated she truly enjoys working at the day center, asking, “Who can truly say they love their job?” Liz says she feels a sense of satisfaction helping a consumer with daily activities and when leaving at the end of the day she has a smile on her face thinking of what was said or done.
During her free time, Liz enjoys photography. She has taken several senior portraits and wedding pictures for family and friends. Liz’s true passion is outdoor and wildlife photography, especially photos taken by lakes, ponds, and streams.
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Featured Service
— by Erik Olson —
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This month, we feature the services provided by the Aurora Vocational Services IPS Program.
IPS, or Individual Placement and Support, is a model of evidence-based practices to supported employment that focuses on the mental health and substance use population. It utilizes a wraparound approach to finding and maintaining employment by embedding an Aurora Vocational Coordinator into the county behavioral health team.
We support the recipient through the entire employment process, but the services we provide are individualized to the consumer’s needs. For example, if the consumer has never held a job, we would be teaching employment skills, such as resume writing, interviewing skills, cover letter writing, etc. If the consumer needs help building relationships with employers, we provide systematic job development focusing on the consumer’s strengths and interests, and talk to employers who would be the best fit for them. Some consumers may come to us with a job they got on their own, but they need help mediating worksite conflicts and building self-advocacy skills to be able to ask for time off or find a better job.
The goal is to have good worksite longevity. Longevity is the result of an individual being happy at the job they end up at, which is why our job development is systematic and based on the consumer’s interests. Given that study after study shows that when someone is working in a competitive employment setting there is a positive correlation with mental health symptom reduction and decrease in substance use, the counties we work with have a lot of buy-in with these services.
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What Is an EOC and
What Does It Mean For Me?
— by Amanda Rageth —
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I’m sure you have heard the term Employee Owned Company (EOC) thrown around a time or two since starting at Aurora, but do you know what that means for you? An employee owned company means more than just some stock floating around in the background. It is your opportunity to make a difference not only in your life, but the lives you interact with on a daily basis. Your actions and reactions shape the services we provide and the relationships we build as a team.
One of the most obvious benefits of being part of an EOC is having an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). An ESOP is your piece of the pie. The better the company does, the more your stocks are worth when they are cashed back into the system. You can learn more about who qualifies and how stock is accumulated by reading through Aurora policy 1.B.5. How does the company do better and how can you help increase your stocks? Positivity, Teamwork, Compassion, Understanding, Listening, Communication, Reliability, Safety, Awareness, and the list goes on and on. Sharing the same dream this company was founded on and building on that foundation to create a better tomorrow for the consumers, staff and everyone we interact with can have nothing but positive results.
Another key benefit is you, your voice, your ideas, and your commitment to providing the best possible community services to the consumers we serve. With an EOC like Aurora you have many resources because as the employees who own the company we understand people can communicate differently. And if you do not know who your best resource is to talk to about a problem, a solution, or an idea, just ask your PM, PD, RD, Employee Services Department, Call Center and yes even your EAP service. An EOC is made up of humans, so communication, patience, trial and error, and teamwork are all key ingredients of creating and maintaining a thriving environment we can all be proud to be a part of.
Change and building better resources is another fantastic benefit of working for an EOC. Aurora stands out due in no small part to the changes we have made as a team through innovation, hard work, and the determination to be our best. Just a few of these changes over the last 10 years include: getting rid of the dreaded phone tree on-call cell and replacing it with a 24/7 Call Center and dedicated schedulers; creating an EAP to provide many different resources that are employee centered; and online charting. What takes 5 minutes now used to take 15 to 30 minutes of paper charting. All of that time can now be spent with the reason we are all here—the consumers!
Aurora is always looking for ways to improve the work environment and services we offer our consumers so we can not only be our best, but we can be The Best! Take that extra 5 minutes to reach out and share an idea or voice a concern, give the policies another go-through... You might just be surprised—in a good way!
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Our BEST employees for the month of April are ... Ondreea Marin from direct support and Lindsay Pittman from management! Congratulations to you both!
Nominees for the month of April were:
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Sandy Ming
Sam King
Judy Koxlien
Deb Brown
Demetrius Banks
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Jakan Young
Jordan Averill
Stephanie Ischer
Melaine Lepak
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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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Congratulations to Linda Liebzeit from 025 in Thorp and Jacob Brunberg from 049 in Comstock!
These team members have demonstrated their commitment to safety and have won a $100 bonus for having done so!
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Now Live! Rain Instant Pay App
Download at the Google Play or Apple App Store!
It's not a loan and there is no interest. It's YOUR money for those unexpected life occurrences that always find a way of happening when you least expect it. We're here to help make things easier on you.
Questions? Ask your supervisor or visit https://rain.us/ to read more!
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Mental Health Awareness Month |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
We’ve all heard it and most of us have experienced it in some way… The COVID-19 pandemic increased dramatically the incidence of mental health issues in nearly every demographic group, many by 50%.
We want you, your families, and our consumers to be well! Build your coping toolbox by trying these ideas:
Meditate. Access a relaxing playlist or your favorite meditation podcast or app so that it’s easier to get started.
Breathing exercises. There are many helpful breathing techniques you can try out. Relax your body (especially your neck and shoulders), pick a technique, and stick with it for a few minutes to give it time to work.
- Breathe as deep as you can, hold for a count of five, and slowly exhale.
- Breathe in for two counts, purse your lips like you’re going to whistle, and exhale for four counts.
- Lay down and put your hand on your stomach or chest as you take deep breaths – focus on your hand rising and falling as you breathe in and out.
Call a friend or our EAP provider, REALiving. Sometimes we all need a reminder that our friends care about us and want to be supportive during the tough moments. List the people in your life that you know have your back to eliminate overthinking when you need to reach out. If you don’t have anyone that you’re comfortable opening up to, try calling REALiving at 1.877.256.9302.
Practice gratitude. Reflecting on things you are thankful for can help you change your mindset. Each time you do this, aim to come up with at least three things—but you can never list too many, and nothing is too simple to count!
Watch a funny movie. List some of your favorites so that you aren’t stumped about what to put on.
Use your five senses. Tuning into your sensory experiences can be comforting during intense moments.
- Touch: stress ball, silly putty, stuffed animal, blanket
- Hear: click a pen, pop bubble wrap, listen to a calming playlist
- See: photos with loved ones, snow globe, affirmation/quote cards
- Taste: sour candy, mints, tea
- Smell: candle, scented lotion, essential oils
Distract yourself. Taking your mind off of the problem for a bit can help you come back to it with a fresh perspective. Funny videos, puzzles, and books are often great distractions. So are hobbies – write down some specific go-to ideas (like cross-stitching or baking a new recipe) so you don’t forget your options.
Repeat affirmations. Saying an affirmation or mantra with positive and personal meaning can bring calm. You can buy an affirmation deck online or just write your own on a notecard. Pick something that speaks to you: I believe in myself. Fear doesn’t control me. I let go of my sadness. I am safe.
Process your feelings. Diving into your emotions can help you find a healthy way out of that headspace. Link to (or print out) a feelings chart or remind yourself to journal to get everything in your head on paper.
Reach out to crisis resources. It’s important to know where you can go for help when you need it, so here are some other options:
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Crisis Text Line: Text MHA to 741741, and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach a trained crisis worker. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in emotional distress.
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Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides crisis counseling and support for anyone in the United States experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies like COVID-19.
For more information, visit the Mental Health America site at https://mhanational.org/
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Kendra Stowell
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Altoona
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others and making a difference in others' lives.
My background: I'm very interested in psychology and addiction studies and am currently in school for earning my BA in this field.
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Jennifer Blake
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: Miss taking care of people.
What I will bring to the job: Understanding, patience.
My background: Worked for Aurora 3 years ago. Glad to be back.
Family: 4 children - busy.
Hobbies/interests: Gardening.
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Mitchell McGillis
Aurora Vocational Services
Vocational Coordinator, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I've always loved being able to help people, and this seemed like a fantastic opportunity!
What I will bring to the job: I'll bring dedication, compassion, and a drive to be better.
My background: Graduated from UW-Stout with a bachelor's in psychology.
Family: I have an extremely supportive mom, dad, and sister.
Hobbies/interests: Theatre, video games, enjoying nature.
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Francis Okonmah
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I like helping others.
What I will bring to the job: Positive energy.
My background: Athlete, artist, and friend. Love being outside and living in the present.
Hobbies/interests: I spend my evenings painting. Love being social. I spend a large amount of time riding bicycles.
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Cameron Meidam
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I applied to work for Aurora because I really enjoy this type of work and have known/worked with individuals who use Aurora Services in the past and think it will be a great fit!
What I will bring to the job: I think I bring a lot of energy to the workplace. I try to be very outgoing and a friendly face to make work/the clients' time enjoyable!
My background: I have worked in disability care for a few years now! Ranging from child care to dementia care. I love working in this area and learning about different populations.
Hobbies/interests: I love music festivals and concerts. I have two cats who are my world and I enjoy taking them for walks.
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Aaron Brostrom
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Baldwin
Why I applied for the job: I needed extra income and enjoy helping people.
What I will bring to the job: Positivity, a strong work ethic.
My background: For the past 5 years, I worked in a treatment facility. I am a vocalist.
Family: Meg (cat) me!
Hobbies/interests: I like cats. I enjoy music.
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Riley Persike
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job to gain new skills and provide another service for a consumer I currently work for.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring positivity and kindness and a mindset to learn!
My background: I have a degree in communication sciences and disorders. I'm exploring options and gaining experience. Recently took on manager position at supportive home care facility.
Family: I love spending time with my family. 2 parents, 1 brother, 2 half-sisters.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, biking, running, reading, tennis, disc golf.
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Cathi Curry
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, River Falls
Why I applied for the job: To work in a rewarding career field. Location was also a reason why I applied.
What I will bring to the job: Enthusiasm, communication.
My background: I have worked in this field for 20+ years. I feel the work I do is very rewarding, and I just really feel comfortable working in this position.
Family: I have one daughter, age 19, and my mom who is also disabled, whom I take care of as well.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, spending time outside, fishing, football, etc.
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Sara Dullum
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, River Falls
Why I applied for the job: Missed caregiving.
What I will bring to the job: My positive attitude and ability to help the consumers strive.
My background: I have worked over 9 years in the caregiving field.
Family: I have an 11-year-old daughter.
Hobbies/interests: I love to do word searches, puzzles, go to the gym, and spend time with family and friends.
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Kearstin Comstock
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Mosinee
Why I applied for the job: Because I watched my sister work here for 3+ years and the way she connects with everyone is amazing and I would love to do that.
What I will bring to the job: Happiness and joy.
My background: Wausau YMCA - child care/swim lessons.
Family: Sister-in-law, Monique; brother, Codi; sister, Karyn; mom, Jessica; siblings' kids.
Hobbies/interests: Drawing, photography, swimming.
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Emily Holzheimer
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist I, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: I worked here previously and enjoyed it a lot.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude, patience, good work ethic.
My background: Aurora Vocational Services, CCLS, special ed aid, resident care assistant at multiple facilities.
Hobbies/interests: Occupational therapy, being outside, hiking, camping, and traveling.
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Shaina Gagas
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Plover
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I have always been interested in working in this field and have always heard great things about Aurora.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring kindness and hard work.
My background: For the last 6 years, I have worked in a day care and was the lead teacher for the one-year-old classroom.
Family: My family is me, my mom, and my younger brother.
Hobbies/interests: I like to hang out with friends, go to the beach, and spend time with family.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of May, we celebrate anniversaries
for these Aurora managers:
Nancy Campbell-Kelz (3 years), Melody Jorgensen (3 years), Joan Parsons (3 years), Kimberleigh Newton (3 years), MaryAnne Erickson (8 years), Terri Bollinger (24 years), Angela Raatz (6 years), Deb Seibel (29 years), Sue Hertz (24 years), Dawn Mashak (20 years), Theresa McConville (1 year) and Mikki Freeman (13 years).
That amounts to a whopping 137 YEARS! And 4 of those employees were in the 20+ years category!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with Aurora!
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