UMRCPH Foundation

Focus on Faith – Podcast Shares Voices of the Village

As we celebrate Older Americans Month in May at Brio Living Services, it is important that we honor the older adults we serve for their many contributions throughout their lives. Each has a unique and important story to share. This year, the theme for Older Americans Month is Flip the Script on Aging. As the older adult population continues to grow in the U.S., it is vital that we transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging, to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.

What better way to do that than to give older adults the chance to tell their own stories! Thanks to the state-of-the-art recording studio at Porter Hills Village (PHV), part of Brio’s recent renovations to PHV’s common areas, and the expertise of Chaplain Carl Pace, technology is helping residents share their life stories through a monthly podcast, called Voices of the Village.

Carl has been the Senior Pastor at True Light Baptist Church in Grand Rapids for ten years and has recently joined the PHV Spiritual Life team as a chaplain as well. He has his own podcast, called Every Day Pastor, to “help people with their faith walk,” says Carl. “Maegan Garlock, Director of Lifestyle and Wellness at PHV, thought the residents might be interested in creating their own podcast. It provides an opportunity for residents to share their life experiences, reflect on their spiritual journey, and try out the recording studio.”

Resident Kay Fellinger, a retired teacher, shared her story of growing up in Iowa and her grandparents who started a Methodist Church. “I was kind of nervous at first, but it’s a fun thing to do,” says Kay. “People who listen to the podcast—even my kids—say, ‘I didn’t know that about you!’ Carl is very easy to talk to, and the equipment is top-notch.”

Carl adds, “All of us have a calling in our life. The podcast is a good way for residents to get to know each other and find commonality. It also gives residents the chance to learn about the technology, that it’s something they can all use and it’s not scary.”

Currently working on his doctorate, Carl offers Bible study for residents and rotates with the other chaplains to provide Sunday worship service. “I enjoy the sense of family among our team and the residents we serve,” says Carl.

To listen to Voices of the Village, visit: Voices of the Village | Carl Pace, or to read more of our residents’ and team members’ stories, check out our Blog at https://foundation.mybrio.org/blog/.

Meet Our Donors: Pat Winton Remembers Wife, Elaine, and Honors Her Caregivers

“We did everything together. She was my first mate,” says Pat Winton of his wife, Elaine, who passed away in February 2024 after living with frontotemporal dementia for seven years. Pat’s great appreciation for the care Elaine received at Chelsea Retirement Community’s Towsley Village Memory Care Center has led him to make a pledge to support the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation’s Team Member Support Services fund. This fund provides resources for team member Scholarships and Emergency Aid. After Elaine’s passing, he knew this was something he wanted to support.

“Elaine was so well cared for in the Fall Neighborhood [at Towsley Village],” Pat shares. “Renae Tomshany and so many others took such good care of her. At the end, if Renae was working in another neighborhood, she would still come and check on Elaine.”

Pat and Elaine were married for 62 years. They met in Flint, MI while Pat was a student at General Motors Institute (now Kettering) where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering. He later received his master’s degree from Wayne State University. Pat’s career began at GM, then led him to management, and finally as president and co-owner of Globe Tool and Engineering Co. in Dayton, Ohio. Their three children also work in the engineering field.

Pat and Elaine loved to travel, often as part of Pat’s work which took him to many parts of the world. As Pat neared retirement age, he started a new career with his U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton captain’s license. He and Elaine would spend weeks each summer cruising the Great Lakes where they logged thousands of hours on their boat, the Eleana, named for Elaine and their daughter, Deanna. They also sailed boats from boat building companies to deliver them to their buyers.

A resident of Brio’s The Cedars of Dexter since 2019, Pat enjoys his independence there, yet it was close enough to CRC that he could be with Elaine each day. Pat is involved with the Cedars Chips writing group, started by a former Cedars resident, Paul Schubert. As a result, Pat has written a book, Farmed Out in Ontonagon County, which tells of his difficult childhood.

“I hope my story of overcoming adversity will help someone realize that they can persevere and be successful overcoming problems in their own life.”

Learn more about the communities that make Brio Living Services so special, or visit the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation to find out how your support can make a big difference in the lives of older adults and our team members.

Head shot portrait close up of middle age cheerful people smiling and looking at the the trees of the forest around them. Active couple of old seniors hiking and walking together in the mountain having fun.

Controlling Stress During Stress Awareness Month

As April marks Stress Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how stress affects our daily lives and learn effective strategies to manage it. In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many of us, impacting our physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Before diving into stress management techniques, it’s important to understand how stress can affect our bodies and minds. Chronic stress can lead to various health issues, including:

Physical symptoms:

Headaches and muscle tension
Digestive problems
Elevated blood pressure
Weakened immune system
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue

Mental and emotional effects:

Anxiety and depression
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings
Memory problems
Decreased motivation
Emotional eating

Effective Stress Management Techniques

Meditate! Taking just 10 minutes daily to practice mindfulness or meditation can significantly reduce stress levels. Find a quiet space, focus on your breathing, and let your thoughts pass. Apps like Headspace or Calm can also guide you through this process
Physical Fitness! Establish an exercise routine that works for you, as physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga session, or high-intensity workout, exercise releases endorphins – our body’s natural mood elevators. Thirty minutes of exercise per day is recommended.
Get some sleep! Maintaining healthy sleep habits is essential for stress management. Create a consistent schedule and develop a relaxing bedtime routine, including limiting screen time, reading a book, or taking a warm bath.
Set boundaries! Learn to say “no” when necessary and establish clear boundaries between work, family, and personal life. This is especially important in our increasingly connected world, where work can easily spill into our downtime.
Manage your time! Poor time management often leads to increased stress. Some strategies to try are to-do lists, setting realistic deadlines, and prioritizing your most important tasks.
Maintain social connections! Strong social support networks can help buffer against stress. Make time for friends and family, join community groups, or consider talking to a therapist if you need professional support.
Eat healthy! A balanced diet can help your body better cope with stress. Focus on limiting caffeine and alcohol, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive sugars, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Implementing Stress-Relief Strategies in Daily Life

The key to successful stress management is finding what works for you and making it a regular part of your routine. Remember that stress management is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might not work for another. Explore different techniques and develop your own personal stress-management strategy.

Through our mission, vision, and guiding beliefs, Brio Living Services is committed to supporting our team members, residents, participants, elders, and family members in living a full and balanced life. To learn more about our services and options, visit our website.

Cook Valley Estates: A Brand to Match the Community

In October 2024, the Brio Living Services Marketing team embarked on a journey to create a brand and logo that signifies the individuality, welcoming feel, and unique services that Cook Valley Estates provides. Focus groups were held with residents and outside prospects to gather information on how to best embody what our community truly represents.

Based on these focus groups and a thorough immersion process, the Marketing team felt it was important to connect to Cook Valley Estates’ vibrant lifestyle and all that it symbolizes. Our goals for a new brand and logo were simple: maintain the name of Cook Valley Estates, while better representing, visually, how special the community is. We also wanted to be sure Cook Valley Estates could stand out in the very competitive Grand Rapids retirement community market.

After an exciting day of celebration on April 16 with team members and residents, we are proud to introduce the new logo for Cook Valley Estates:

“This new brand and logo has been a long time coming for Cook Valley Estates, and it finally gives visual representation to match what life is really like for the residents. This logo will undoubtedly stand out in the local retirement community market and continue to set Cook Valley Estates apart as the premiere standard for independent living in Grand Rapids,” shares James Kelly, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Brio Living Services.

The leaf element of this logo symbolizes the distinct beauty of the campus grounds, while the geometric detail within the leaf represents the individuality and freedom of our residents and team members. The vibrant and natural colors reflect the many ways to grow and enjoy life at Cook Valley Estates.

Jessica Scheuerman, Corporate Creative Director for Brio Living Services and the creator of the logo, states, “it was very important for the colors in the logo and design elements to represent what the residents shared was a favorite feature of the community, which was nature. The residents at Cook Valley love the walking paths throughout campus and the wildlife.”

The leaf is also a connection to our overarching organization, Brio Living Services, which contains a tree as the main feature of the logo. These two logos, along with the sister community of Porter Hills Village, all complement one another, just as our communities do.

We thank our residents and team members for their support and valued feedback along this journey. There is much to look forward to at Cook Valley Estates, and this is just the beginning!

Avenues: Offering a Feeling of Security and Independence

Dr. Bobbi Thornburg, a retired radiologist, recently became a member of Avenues by Brio Living Services. Avenues is a continuing care at home program that allows you to age in the home you love.

Bobbi grew up in Nebraska, completed X-ray tech school in Colorado, then worked in Tucson while completing her undergraduate degree part-time. Bobbi decided to go to medical school and came to Michigan in 1990 for a radiology residency. She started her career at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

In 2012, Bobbi and her partner purchased their dream home in coastal California, but her partner became ill with lung cancer the following year. They were able to be married in their California home before her partner passed away. Bobbi retired from her career as a radiologist during the COVID pandemic.

At this point, Bobbi realized her friends and support system were in Michigan. Her parents in Nebraska had passed away, and her younger brother and his family live in Kansas. “What do you do when you don’t have family close-by?” Bobbi says. “You never know—your life can change in an instant.”

Bobbi decided to stay in Michigan in the home she remodeled, with Asian and vegetable gardens and her chickens. She learned about Avenues from friends of hers who are members. She made a call and joined Avenues in October.

“They do a thorough vetting process,” says Bobbi about Avenues’ executive director, Paige Hendrickson and team. “Paige met with me and told me about the program. Katlin Mills, Sales Advisor, is wonderful, very smart and compassionate. Jessica Lincolnhol was assigned as my Avenues navigator I can go to with questions. We really clicked.”

For Bobbi, the best part of Avenues is the feeling of security it provides for her. “It has taken away a great deal of anxiety for me and worrying if I would need some kind of help in the future. Now, I have someone to call. It’s really nice to have that—to know someone is there, and they’re a good team.”

If aging in place in the home you love sounds like the perfect way to retire, learn more about how you can become an Avenues member!

Brio Announces PACE Partnership in Southwest Michigan

In an effort to grow home- and community-based services available to older adults in the region, Region IV Area Agency on Aging and Brio Living Services have agreed to partner to support the critical community-focused work of the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) of Southwest Michigan.

Effective April 1, 2025, the new partnership will allow PACE of Southwest Michigan personnel to focus on hands-on, quality care, while many administrative functions will be supported by Brio’s extensive team of PACE experts.

“Together, our organizations’ ability to share widely recognized best practices, knowledge and administrative leadership will achieve superior outcomes and create more opportunities for local older adults to participate in our program,” said Michael Zdrodowski, executive director of PACE of Southwest Michigan. “Our team members can focus on providing the best care possible, while Brio provides administrative support. It’s a win-win for all of us.”

PACE of Southwest Michigan opened the Day Center in St. Joseph, Michigan in Sep. 2012 and has since served more than 759 total participants. The partnership originally consisted of Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, and Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care. Corewell Health will remain as a key community care provider to PACE of Southwest Michigan participants so their care and supports can remain local and close to home.

“We began with a small team of caregivers, physicians, and social workers, and enrolled 64 participants during our inaugural year,” Zdrodowski said. “Since then, we have expanded to over 100 professionals who currently serve 250 participants throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties in Southwest Michigan. We partner with more than 90 local and regional service providers to ensure that participants can successfully age in their own homes and communities.”

Luke Reynolds, Brio’s chief of home and community-based services, said, “We are excited to welcome PACE of Southwest Michigan to the Brio family and delighted to have Mike and his team join us on our journey to better serve older adults.”

This decision follows six months of due diligence that was carefully considered by the boards of PACE of Southwest Michigan, Region IV AAA, and Brio Living Services.

“We have worked thoughtfully to ensure not just the right skillset fit, but the right ethos and culture fit for all the PACE of Southwest Michigan team members and the people they serve,” said Steve Fetyko, Brio Living Services’ president and CEO. “We are deeply honored to partner with Region IV Area Agency on Aging to support the wonderful work of PACE of Southwest Michigan and are excited about our future together.”

“We are honored to support the vital work of PACE of Southwest Michigan. This partnership aligns seamlessly with our mission of ‘Offering Choices for Independent Lives’ and expanding home- and community-based services (HCBS) options,” said Christine Vanlandingham, Region IV Area Agency on Aging CEO. “By assisting individuals in their setting of choice, we enhance their quality of life and ensure they can age with dignity and independence. Our longstanding commitment as a founding partner to PACE of Southwest Michigan emphasizes our dedication to providing comprehensive care and support to older adults within our community.”

“This partnership is not just about expanding Brio’s footprint,” added Reynolds. “It’s about embracing new opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of the older adults we care for. Together, we are stronger, and our commitment to providing exceptional care is unwavering.”

With the addition of PACE of Southwest Michigan, Brio is now a partner or full operator of four of Michigan’s fourteen PACE sites. Learn more about Brio’s PACE centers.

Brio Living Services Celebrates National Social Work Month

In recognition of March as National Social Work Month, Brio Living Services is proud to celebrate the life-changing work of social workers throughout our communities. Social workers at Brio play key roles in furthering our mission of ‘Welcoming all, partnering together, enriching lives,’ and bringing to life our vision of ‘A world where all are empowered to age well.’

At Brio Living Services, social workers are more than health professionals—they’re advocates and friends to the older adults we serve. Through collaboration with our Interdisciplinary Teams, their expertise in case management and care coordination offers insights that guide changes in care needs and help create care plans that reflect the specific needs and desires of those we serve.

Social workers act as a bridge between those we serve and their families, promoting open communication by offering information, guidance, and support to help families understand their loved ones’ needs. Whether assisting with transitions to new care levels, advanced care planning, or navigating healthcare and financial challenges, our social workers offer a helping hand every step of the way. Beyond care coordination, they enhance the social and emotional well-being of older adults through therapy, counseling, and life-enrichment activities, fostering social engagement and stimulating the mind, body, and spirit.

Our social workers also serve as a bridge between older adults in our local communities and the services we provide, such as PACE. One example is Bridget Brown, who has the unique position as a Huron Valley PACE social worker, located at Lurie Terrace in Ann Arbor, an affordable living community for older adults.

In 2021, the Ann Arbor Housing Commission purchased Lurie Terrace, which serves one of the city’s largest concentrations of low-income older adults. As they took over management, it became clear the Lurie Terrace community would benefit from the presence of a dedicated social worker with gerontological expertise.

In response, the Ann Arbor Housing Commission pursued a Golden Opportunities grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) Glacier Hills Legacy Fund and began searching for program partners.

“PACE’s multidisciplinary model of providing care and services to older adults, along with its mission of empowering older adults to age in place, made Huron Valley PACE an excellent fit for this partnership,” says Executive Director, Sonja Felton who is, herself, a social worker.

The project’s success in being chosen as a grant recipient made it possible for Bridget Brown, an Eastern Michigan University graduate, to join the Huron Valley PACE team as the social worker at Lurie Terrace. In this role, she assists with identifying and coordinating services such as counseling, outreach, case management, problem-solving, advocacy, and crisis intervention, to support the residents in remaining independent and self-reliant.

From day one, Bridget says she has made it clear to residents that she is their equal. “It’s all about how you engage with people. When working with vulnerable populations, it’s vital to provide care in a way that preserves the autonomy and dignity of the older adults we serve,” says Bridget. “I’m not here to tell anyone what to do—I’m here to advocate for them and be a source of support when they need it.”

Today, the Ann Arbor Housing Commission continues to be a partner of Huron Valley PACE through a recent Exhale Family Caregiver Initiative grant awarded to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation on behalf of Huron Valley PACE. Bridget’s presence at Lurie Terrace is a natural fit to help provide referrals to the program, which seeks to offer support and respite for family caregivers of older adults.

Bridget’s presence at Lurie Terrace has transformed resident services through community collaboration, fostering intergenerational partnerships with student programs at the University of Michigan (U-M) and local elementary schools. Bridget explains that U-M nursing students visit to check residents’ blood pressure and glucose levels, pharmacy students discuss medications and provide guidance for consulting with doctors, and physiology students lead Tai Chi lessons.

Bridget emphasized that residents’ needs are her primary focus in guiding program development at Lurie Terrace. “My job as a social worker is to ensure they are properly acclimated to their environment and remain happy and healthy within it.”

At Brio, we believe in “taking care of the caregiver,” and support from the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation through Team Member Support Services—comprising Scholarships and Emergency Aid—plays a vital role in giving back to the team members who make our work possible. Thanks to the Foundation’s support, many of our social work team members have continued their studies through advanced degrees and certifications in the field.

Learn how you can help support social workers, and all our dedicated team members at Brio Living Services, through your gift to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation.

Commemorating the Roles of Women in the History of Brio Living Services

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the important contributions of women throughout the generations. This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” At Brio Living Services, we are honored to celebrate just a few of the women over our first 120 years who have made our organization and our mission what it is today and who have inspired generations of care for older adults.

In 1904, Methodist pastors and laymen challenged the Detroit Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church to consider the needs of the “lonely aged.” Local stove manufacturer Frank Porter Glazier donated 33 acres from a former county fairground site to the Detroit Annual Conference. In October 1906, a “sod-turning” event took place in Chelsea, Michigan to offer a new way of caring for our aged saints.

Frank named the home after his mother, Emily Glazier. In January 1907, Mrs. Glazier participated in the cornerstone laying ceremony, using a cake server as her construction tool of choice. In October 1907, The Methodist Episcopal Old People’s Home opened in Chelsea with 10 residents, most of whom were widowed spouses of Methodist pastors. It contained 36 rooms and offered housing, meals, and basic care services to its residents. The “Old People’s Home” (eventually, United Methodist Retirement Communities) offered care with dignity to its residents and assured the same quality care even if their savings ran out. Mrs. Harriet Reed was appointed as the home’s first Superintendent; her husband, Rev. Seth Reed, served as Counsellor and Chaplain. The couple used their own belongings to furnish the home.

Mrs. Glazier lived at the home named for her for a number of years until she died in 1927. Today, Glazier Commons is the name of our Assisted Living center on our Chelsea campus.

On the west side of the state, members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids were looking at the possibility of building a “home for the aged” as early as 1956. In 1960, church member Harold Hartger spoke regarding the church’s mission, including the need for a retirement community. Immediately following, Mrs. Marion P. Steketee approached Mr. Hartger and said, “Young man, why don’t you do something about it?” With that, a committee was formed to explore the idea more fully.

Ruth Porter met her husband, Don, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the church was an important part of their lives. When they learned of plans to build a retirement community in the area, the Porters wanted to help. Ruth offered to donate 35 acres of her father’s farm, which he had left to Ruth and her brother, to make this project possible. Located on rolling hills, this property was the perfect spot. This faith-based project now had a location and a name—Porter Hills—which officially opened in 1970.

Many of its early residents were women who had been residents of the Isabella Home for Aged Women in Grand Rapids. The Isabella Home had no land to expand, and it became unfeasible to

remain open. With a gift of $300,000 in seed money toward Porter Hills’ construction costs, the agreement was made to provide life-long care for the women living there at that time.

Throughout the years of both United Methodist Retirement Communities, or UMRC, and Porter Hills, women served in a variety of leadership positions that helped steer these faith-based organizations. One of those was Audrey Sebastian, who was an active member of the Porter Hills Women’s Board which formed in April 1969. She went on to serve the Porter Hills governing Board from 1977 to 1989 and the Porter Hills Foundation Board from its beginning in 1995 to 2005. She was instrumental in co-leading the successful campaign in 1991 to renovate the Porter Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center. This project included additional private rooms for residents, as well as an upgraded dining room, a childcare center (Generations Child Development Center in partnership with the YMCA), and a large meeting room and chapel.

Back in Chelsea, Dorothy McVittie Kresge, was the driving force in creating the Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, at the Chelsea Retirement Community campus in 1985. It was named for Dorothy in appreciation for her dedicated work as Board Chair. The Kresge family and Kresge Foundation helped bring many improvements to the Chelsea campus since the 1910s: everything from steam heat and an elevator, to the construction of the Chapel in 1947.

UMRC and Porter Hills affiliated in 2019 to create one senior living organization, and women continue to be a vital part of the fabric that is now Brio Living Services. Today, six of our ten senior executive team members are women, and women volunteers play a critical role on both our Brio corporate and Foundation boards. Women play an essential role across Brio Living Services and the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, as leaders and partners in every aspect of the care and services we provide for the older adults we serve.

Thanks to the vision, commitment, and leadership of these women, and countless more, Brio Living Services continues to be a faithful, caring, and innovative organization, serving 8,000 older adults each year of all socioeconomic levels across lower Michigan.

Learn more or consider finding a career you’ll love at Brio Living Services.

Is a Career in Aging Right for You?

March is Careers in Aging Month, something we celebrate every day at Brio Living Services! Have you ever considered working in the aging services field? Whether you realize it or not, you might already have the skills and passions that make for a rewarding career in this industry. Here’s a fun way to reflect on whether a career in aging could be your next great adventure!

Do You Love Building Relationships?

If you’re the kind of person who remembers birthdays, enjoys deep conversations, or naturally connects with others, aging services could be a perfect fit. Careers in this field, whether in caregiving, wellness, or administration—thrive on strong, meaningful relationships with older adults, their families, and colleagues.

Jovona Phillips, a Resident Care Assistant at Chelsea Retirement Community, shared what helps her thrive in her role: “I’m a compassionate, loving person, just naturally. So that helps me thrive in this area of work. I love it, I love being there for people, doing for people.” Being compassionate and understanding are key traits that you might already have, just like Jovona, to be successful in this career!

Are You a Problem Solver?

Do you enjoy tackling challenges and coming up with creative solutions? Whether it’s an occupational therapist helping someone regain independence, a dining team member adjusting meals for dietary needs, or an administrator ensuring a community runs smoothly, problem-solving is at the heart of aging services.

As an Administrative Assistant at Porter Hills Village, Christi Feenstra found a perfect blend of her skills and passion. “I’ve always had a big heart, and I’ve always been a geek—I love spreadsheets,” she told us. “Our residents have worked hard their whole lives, and they entrust us with their lives and earnings. The fact that I get to provide data to help make the best fiscal decisions for them is just amazing to me and makes me feel extremely rewarded.” There’s so many possibilities for a career in the aging industry. If you’re into numbers and want to see how your job makes a positive impact, you might want to consider this as an option for you!

Do You Appreciate Wisdom and Perspective?

If you love hearing stories from the past, getting life advice from those who have “been there- done that, and learning history firsthand, then working with older adults can be an enriching experience. Sage Doane, a Housekeeper at Porter Hills Village, found a deeper sense of purpose in this field. “I was looking for something more rewarding than [cleaning] an empty office building or empty hotel room. Being able to build relationships with the people I’m cleaning for and knowing I’m doing a service for somebody is my main driving factor. It’s so rewarding.”

Having the opportunity to connect with older adults can be such a fulfilling experience. Why settle for a job where you are alone, when you could have a career that allows you to see the difference your work makes every day through the smiles and appreciation of older adults!

Do You Like Variety in Your Workday?

No two days are the same in the aging industry! Whether you’re planning a community event, leading a fitness class, or helping a resident solve a tech issue, there’s always something new happening. “One of the many things that people don’t realize about working with older adults is that it is fun, it is informative, it is lively. The people here teach me so much every single day and it’s amazing,” Katie Eitzen, Wellness Director at Porter Hills Village, shared with us.

Katie recently gave us a glimpse into her career journey. “I started as a hospitality aide in 2020 at Porter Hills Village to be closer to my grandmother. Over time, I made amazing new friends among team members and residents. When a Wellness Guide position opened up, I didn’t think twice about applying. I have had zero regrets.” To this day, Katie continues to bring fun to our residents by planning engaging and creative events. From poolside parties to ice cream on the rooftop garden, Katie continues to bring smiles everywhere she goes.

Are You Passionate About Making an Impact?

At the end of the day, working in aging services isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to make a real difference. Whether it’s ensuring someone has the care they need, creating joyful experiences, or supporting families during important transitions, the work is deeply meaningful.

“It’s knowing that I’ve helped someone do something that they can’t do for themselves, and I did it with grace and compassion,” Jovona says when we asked her about the most rewarding part of her job. “This is something I want to do. This is something I want to do every day. This is something I enjoy.” Everyone should be able to enjoy their career just as much as Jovona does. Having the opportunity to make an impact that makes you feel good about the work you are doing, fosters a positive experience in your career.

Do You Want A Career That Supports Your Growth?

One of the most incredible things about aging services is the room for growth, both personally and professionally. Just ask Maegan Garlock, Director of Lifestyle and Wellness, who has worked her way up through multiple roles.

Maegan says she “grew up here” since she has been at Porter Hills Village for over 20 years. She started out as a life enrichment coordinator and was able to finish her degree. She then moved into the Wellness Director’s position and from there expanded into more administrative roles. Now she works with many team members and helps them develop in their careers as well. “It’s just been such a supportive environment for that, I just feel so thankful to be able to be here and share that with other people.”

What she shares with us about a career in aging is that it’s an industry where people truly care! They care about the older adults they serve every day and their fellow team members, too. They want them to succeed and make it in this industry because they know what powerful work it is and how being a part of aging services has shaped our lives.

So, What Do You Think?

If you see yourself aligning with any of the answers from these amazing individuals, a career in aging might be the perfect match for you! The best part? There’s a place for every skill set—from healthcare to marketing, finance to maintenance, and everything in between.

Are you ready to find your career in the aging services industry? Visit MyBrioCareers.org for your next fulfilling and inspiring career journey!

Contact Foundation TodayEast: 734.433.1000 ext. 7502 West: 616.577.2297