Meet Mark - In 2016. Mark, like many of our caregivers, chose to become a caregiver during retirement because he wanted to do something meaningful with his time. His favorite thing about this job is the relationships he creates with his clients, and he is motivated to continue his work knowing that he is fulfilling the needs of the seniors. His proudest moment was being able to successfully help a male senior during an emergency. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction and mystery books and walking his dogs. His hidden talent is that he is a great cook and if he could learn anything it would be what it takes to become an astronaut. Mark’s piece of advice is to write with a pencil first, because you always make a mistake.
Employee Spotlight #6
It’s time for April - This spotlight is about April Steele, another one of our amazing caregivers. April started with us because she loves to see the joy on our seniors' faces while caring for them. Which is not surprising since she also volunteers at Christian Horizon a camp for adults with special needs. Her willingness to care is only matched by her artistic ability. She makes, and sells, jewelry. She takes “old things” and makes new jewelry for them. April loves the artistic outlet it gives her. When she isn't helping others, or making art, she can be found reading. She enjoys historical fiction and mysteries. Too wrap up take a second and enjoy April’s favorite bible verse(s)
2nd Corinthians 1:3-5
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
Smiling Faces
Last Thursday, we hosted our second official Zoom hang out where we got a chance to see your smiling faces again. It’s been so long since we’ve been together, and while it wasn’t exactly the same, it was still great to see you. This event was purely social - we played Virtual Scavenger Hunt and Trivia. Marta, Carmela and Gloria each won a gift card for their expert answers or hunting skills. Our next hang out will be announced soon.
The rapid rise in Covid cases in the county has impacted many of our caregivers this week. We’ve received lots of calls and questions about potential exposures. Keep calling. The best thing you can do if you have a question is to call the office. We are learning just as you are, but the guidance from Kent County Health and the CDC is being updated regularly, so we feel we have the support we need.
A couple of reminders I want to give you. If you are transporting a senior, you are within 6 feet. That means you must wear a mask and so should they. While in any place of business during your shift, masks must always be worn. Additionally, you need to disinfect your vehicle interior at the beginning and end of every transportation event with a senior. It’s really important that we all think of ways we can stop the spread and keep our seniors safe.
Employee Spotlight #4
James (Jim) Vandenberge
Meet Jim - he is a special caregiver who joined us this past year. His motivation for caregiving stems from his faith and his desire to help those around him. He says that “it is important that those we care for do not feel like they are a burden on others but are cherished and valued”. As Jim is now officially retired, he likes to take the time to go on road trips and explore the world around him. One of the coolest places he has ever been to was the Xel-Ha park in Cancun, Mexico, where he swam in the clearest water he had ever seen and explored underwater caves and marine life. In the summertime, you can often find him down at the beach in Saugatuck or finding a new place to hike. Did you know that Jim used to be a DJ? One of his favorite hobbies now is to listen to and mix music. Jim’s best piece of advice to everyone is to always look for the positive in everyone and everything; and if you can’t find a positive, then you can make one. Thank you for being such a beacon of light in our world, Jim!