Aurora wants to support our team members in any way we can. We just stumbled upon a current discount for Sam's Club memberships.
In celebration of their 40th anniversary, you can become a member for just $10! (First-time memberships only.)
ENDS APRIL 19. ACT NOW.
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"People who need help sometimes look a lot like
people who don't need help."
~ Glennon Doyle
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Which of Aurora's Value Words resonate most with you? |
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Owners Corner
— Jenny Thomas —
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This month’s featured owner of Aurora is Emily Lambert, Program Manager.
Emily is currently the Program Manager for operation 302 in Holly Hills, Colorado! Emily got her start in health care when she took care of her nana during her high school years. Little did she know that would spark a passion for taking care of others.
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She began as a care partner in an assisted living center caring for the residents. Emily says she stumbled across Aurora and felt it was a good fit to expand her knowledge and skills and put her passion into action!
Her goal is to become a therapist in geriatrics and is looking to ultimately develop and grow her talents. “When I was young I was used to get in trouble for helping people. Sometimes I would help people without even realizing it.”
She began as a Float and DSP and worked her way up and learned all she could, which eventually led her to being promoted to Program Manager. Emily has been with Aurora for approximately 3 years. She says, “It’s been going so good, and it’s amazing!”
Some of her current roles and responsibilities include making sure her staff is properly trained and assisting consumers in any way possible. She oversees the daily activities of the home and assists with clerical and organizational duties, such as appointment setting. She enjoys advocating for her consumers and making sure they feel supported. She believes well-balanced meals are important as well as stimulating outings. When asked what she enjoys most about her job, she emphasized that she loves being the key person for her consumers to come to feel comfortable and safe in knowing that whatever their concerns are, she will get the job done. "I love coming in every day and seeing my consumers excited for what we have planned for the day.” Her philosophy is that she doesn’t want her consumers to feel alone. She wants to get them to a level of independence so they feel capable on their own.
During her free time, Emily likes to swim at her local recreational center and go out on the weekends to do karaoke with her boyfriend. She’s a passionate caregiver, singer, and movie buff! She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family whenever possible.
Thank you, Emily, for all that you do!
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Featured Service
— Jesseca Erb —
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This month, we feature the program Age of Tomorrow.
In the early 2000s, Aurora Community Health identified a need for independent living services for elders in the community; specifically, services that focused on ways to help people maintain their autonomy, dignity, and independence in their own homes and communities. After much research and planning, Age of Tomorrow (AOT), a care management service, was founded in 2008. In an effort to provide optimal supports and services, Aurora Community Health nurses became nationally Certified Care Managers (CCM) by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Through careful assessment of the individual’s health, home, and activities, AOT’s registered nurses/care managers identify challenges that may be affecting the person’s quality of life. A custom plan is created that is unique to the individual’s needs, and includes input from the individual and their family about how to best reach their independent-living goals. This plan also includes ways to advocate for the person, and how to address safety, crisis, or natural disaster issues. In addition, the care managers coordinate services with doctors, therapists, and other professionals to ensure that the person’s plan is continually modified to address current needs.
Under the general medical direction and supervision of one of AOT’s registered nurses/care managers, the Age of Tomorrow Living Assistants provide the day-to-day supports/assistance with transportation, medications, medical appointments, personal cares, housekeeping, errands, meal preparation, grocery shopping, activity planning, and social/community outings. All of these supports not only enhance the quality of the individual’s life, but also helps their adult children (who may live near or far) feel secure that their loved ones are receiving the help they need to remain independent and fully supported, in all aspects of their life. AOT’s motto is, “We will be there when others
can not.”
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The Owners Team is a leadership cooperative that includes employee representation from each of the Aurora companies. This team’s mission is to make Aurora its BEST through collaboration and project implementation. The team had its first meeting on April 5, 2023, which focused on brainstorming sustainable/consistent ways to foster a culture that makes employees feel valued and appreciated. The team is excited to develop new ways to support our employees and help them be successful in their roles.
Members of The Owners Team are Ian Rajek, Angie Mandera, Justin Boiteau, Wendy Jagoditsh, LuAnn Esko, Heidi Lang, Mike Neary, Steve Lauer, Megan Bauer, Pam Kegley, Jessica Checkalski, Joy McMullen, Linda Aton, Gina Krueger, and Jesseca Erb.
If you have input or ideas that you’d like to share with The Owners Team, please contact Linda Aton, Gina Krueger, or Jesseca Erb.
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Our BEST Employees for the month of March, and winning $150, are ... Madeline Bridge from direct support and Andrea Olson from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of MARCH were:
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Hannah Abbeihl
Don Andresen
Michelle Baljo
Megan Bauer
Brian Bender
Kayla Benisch
Deena Black
Madeline Bridge
Lori Burns
Donna Como
Michelle Corbin
Allison Cuddihy
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Abbey Dieckman
Shaina Gagas
Stacey Hamm
Tanya Herrin
Deb Jensen
Joshua Jumbeck
Steve Lauer
Teresa Lien
Andrea Olson
Ryan Overhouse
Sarah Sheb
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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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National Work Zone Awareness |
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National Work Zone Awareness is April 17 through April 21, 2023.
Road work zones are necessary for the upkeep and improvement of Wisconsin’s infrastructure, and every year thousands of hard-working men and women participate in street, highway and bridge projects statewide. While all roadwork is temporary, the decisions—and mistakes—that drivers make in work zones can have a lasting impact.
There are unfortunately thousands of crashes in our work zones every construction season. Drivers and passengers—not workers—make up the vast majority of those either hurt or killed. It’s in every driver’s best interest to stay focused and patient—especially in work zones. Keep in mind that even at a reduced speed limit of 55 mph, a vehicle travels 80 feet per second and can clear a football field in the time it takes to glance at a phone or a radio dial. Combine the speed factor with narrow, shifting lands and the chances of a crash can dramatically increase.
Any time people are working in a street or highway near traffic, drivers and workers are at risk:
- Major road construction
- Emergency vehicles at the side of the road
- A snowplow flashing its warning lights
- Everyday garbage pickup
In Wisconsin, they’re all work zones. Being able to identify the work zones up ahead can save lives. Any combination of orange barrels, orange signs, flags, flagging operations, workers or flashing lights may be involved. You might also see utility, maintenance or emergency vehicles. Surefire details include “work ahead” signs and, of course, workers.
In the past five years, Wisconsin work zones saw 62 deaths, 12,441 crashes and 4,780 injuries. The majority are drivers and passengers.
- Eliminate distractions
- Slow down
- Give yourself room – DON’T TAILGATE
- Allow about four seconds of braking distance
- Look for signs
- Be patient
- Plan ahead
- Follow the law
- Expect delays
Additionally, remember that texting and driving is illegal throughout the state, and it’s illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone wile driving through a work zone. Please give undivided attention to the road!
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Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. The more you know about earning, saving, spending, borrowing, etc., the better off you will be overall.
Through your EAP provider, REALiving, you have the ability to meet with a financial counselor, Adrian Klenz. You can receive an authorization for financial consultation by calling the 24/7 Call Center: 1.877.256.9302.
Adrian typically writes a financial column in every issue of the REALiving Magazine. His most frequent advice for everyone is to create a budget. He says only 35% of Americans have a monthly spending plan. It's easy to go way over a budget if you don't have one! Adrian encourages you to write down an actual document that maps out what is coming in for income, and what is going out for expenses. You can use a notebook from home, an spreadsheet, or even using a financial app like Mint.
Second big tip from Adrian: You need to save. If you're able to save at least 10% of your monthly income, that will be beneficial to you. But if all you save is $20 per paycheck, it's a start!
The next big suggestion is to create a food spending plan. Be as detailed as possible in your grocery lists and stick to it. Don't go to the store when you're hungry.
If you feel like you are struggling, don't just suffer with anxiety. Use your FREE EAP benefits and get an authorization to talk with Adrian. He's down-to-earth and has been where you are.
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Congratulations to Sarah March from 304 in Colorado and Brooke Sandmire from 129 in Wausau!
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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While the impact and frequency of Covid-19 has decreased, Aurora continues to be required to monitor and insure a consistent response. The Covid line remains in operation, and if you or a consumer you work with have symptoms, test positive or have been exposed please call to have a conversation about next steps.
As a general rule, someone who tests positive should isolate at home for 5 days from date of symptom onset or test date if no symptoms and should mask through day 10. If you are exposed, monitoring for symptoms and periodic testing if available are the best steps to take.
Because each situation may present with unique risks and circumstances, the best thing to do is call: 1.877.301.5587
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Connor Hucek
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: It relates to my major and will give me good experience for my future.
What I will bring to the job: A positive and fun-to-be-around attitude.
My background: I have done 2 summers of Parks & Rec work and worked at Menards for a year.
Family: I have one little sister and a dog, Bella.
Hobbies/interests: I like basketball, being outside, and movies.
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Kennedy Shackleton
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, River Falls
Why I applied for the job: I heard about the position from Ashley Prax, and she spoke so highly of Aurora. I previously worked at a pharmacy, and I realized how much I loved working with people in health care.
What I will bring to the job: I am bringing to Aurora my love and enthusiasm for working with people.
Family: I am the middle of 3 kids in my family. I have an older sister and younger adopted brother. My family did foster care for most of my life, and through that, I became an older and younger sister to many others, too.
Hobbies/interests: I am an Instrumental Music Education major, and I love creating, listening to, and performing music. Outside of music, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and playing board games.
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Becky Hoschouer
Aurora Vocational Services
Quality Assurance Specialist, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I am excited to be part of Aurora using my experience to do quality assurance. I look forward to meeting everyone!
Hobbies/interests: I have a German Shepherd dog. I enjoy listening to classical music or bingeing on detective series, currently "Bones." I also enjoy playing games, especially cards.
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Leah Leisen
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
What I will bring to the job: Compassion and understanding.
My background: Rehire.
Family: 2 older brothers, 4 pet birds.
Hobbies/interests: Video games, Netflix, puzzles, art.
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Kathleen Fleenor
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Castle Rock, CO
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this position because I am passionate about mental health and treating everyone humanely.
What I will bring to the job: Teamwork, communication, good spirits.
My background: I worked for the state mental hospital for the past 18 months. Currently going to school for a BS in counseling and psychological science.
Family: I live in Monument currently. I have a 10-year-old daughter.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, coffee, hiking, movies.
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Yoon Jung Hur
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: My son is going to work for Anderson company. He needs a job coach, and I want to help him perfectly.
What I will bring to the job: Proudness to help people in need.
My background: I have worked in retail and restaurant industry since I was 15, so I have a lot of customer service background. I like working with people.
Family: Husband, 2 sons.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking, baking, listening to music.
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Amy Bielinski
Aurora Community Services
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
What I will bring to the job: Compassion.
Family: Husband, 2 boys.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, gardening.
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Moriah Echavarria
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Day Center Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I'm ready to put my time and energy into a job that truly means something to me. I'm excited to positively impact each consumer to the absolute best of my ability.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a kind heart, with a patient, upbeat attitude.
My background: I worked as an RNA for 3 years and have been serving at restaurants such as Red Lobster the past few years as well. I love working with all walks of life.
Family: My father, Louis, works for Aurora. I'm very close with my parents. I have a brother and sister. My brother Christian is currently traveling South America.
Hobbies/interests: I'm a bodybuilder. I love anything related to health and wellness. I also love food and trying new things.
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Luke Knudtson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: To give back to my community and have a rewarding/fulfilling job that I enjoy.
What I will bring to the job: An optimistic mindset along with patience and a kind spirit. Look forward to providing the best assistance to my consumers.
My background: Worked with children and adults with disabilities for three years in Minnesota.
Family: Mom and dad both retired, older sister lives in the Cities as a loan officer, younger brother is in real estate. I am an uncle to my 8-year-old niece!
Hobbies/interests: Love strategy games, Risk, and chess. Like to exercise and when outside I like to bike the trail, frisbee golf, and golf.
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Quanisha Beavers
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: The reason I applied is because I love working with residents to help achieve goals.
What I will bring to the job: Great attitude! Great working skills.
Hobbies/interests: Eating!
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Bobbi Jo Schick
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Mental Health Technician, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I like to help others, no matter what the task is. Big or small.
What I will bring to the job: Love, compassion.
My background: Fast food, medical, factory, postal service.
Family: 6 children, 13 grandkids.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, learning.
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Amy Richards
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Waupaca
Why I applied for the job: My passion is working with people that may not have a voice.
What I will bring to the job: Empathy, compassion, open-minded, free spirit.
My background: Managed 3 sober living houses. Rand the ED2R program with Thedacare and Aurora when people overdose. I train recovery coaches. Peer specialist.
Family: Twin sister, 3 older brothers, mom and dad.
Hobbies/interests: Music, crafts, art, nature.
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Gerry Whipps
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Weston
Why I applied for the job: Returning to a work role that I had several years ago, after past several years in security positions.
What I will bring to the job: Long-term experience and training in supportive care.
My background: Background in speech pathology. Experience in community rehabilitation, day services, sheltered employment, vocational training, AODA services, mental health, personal care.
Family: Married with 3 adult children, 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren.
Hobbies/interests: Avid outdoors, camping, cycling, kayaking, in-state travel, hiking.
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Caleb Fissette
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: To get experience in the medical field.
What I will bring to the job: Positive attitude and humor.
Hobbies/interests: Huge basketball/football fan.
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Jaydon Heller
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job because I am very passionate about helping others and would like to do that more often.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring a positive attitude to this job.
My background: Housekeeping at Best Western in Spooner.
Hobbies/interests: Photography, volleyball, hunting, fishing, and travel.
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Jessie Davidenko
Aurora Vocational Services
Job Coach, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: Enjoy helping others and interacting with people as well. Have some experience and think I'd be a good fit.
What I will bring to the job: Good attitude and positivity. Extra help/flexibility when needed.
My background: Auxiliary officer in Stevens Point PD. YMCA youth coach.
Family: Have a younger sister along with my mom and dad in Illinois. Also have two chocolate labs.
Hobbies/interests: Enjoy being outside and seeing family and friends.
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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 APRIL, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
David Barnard (37 years), Pam Barnard (37 years), Jim Neuman (37 years), Deb Neuman (37years), Jesseca Erb (7 years), Megan Bauer (2 years), Thomas Cusey (1 year), Jacob Tappe (1 year), Connie Smith (2 years), Narda Gordillo (1 year), Kailey Knight (1 year), Lindsay Pittman (10 years), and Steve Lauer (5 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Deborah Fisher (4 years), Mabry Polus (1 year), Renae Greisen (5 years), Ciara Owen (3 years), Erica Mortensen (1 year), Joshua Jumbeck (1 year), Margaret Wojtalewicz (1 year), Jazmine Daniels (3 years), Elizabeth Fogelberg (2 years), Heather Karon (7 years), Gregory Davis (8 years), Anna Johnson (17 years), Jennifer Reese (4 years),
Joyce Swenson (5 years), Francis Okonmah (1 year), Rhonda Bungartz (18 years), Deborah Jensen (1 year), Sherri Krueger (11 years),
and Kelly Abbas (1 year).
From Aurora's founders, Dave and Pam, Jim and Deb, that's 148 years of experience and service. Combined with the rest of this month's anniversaries, we're looking at 326 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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