Welcoming All: Brio’s Commitment During Pride and Beyond

June is Pride Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Brio Living Services’ mission: “Welcoming All, Partnering Together, and Enriching Lives” is a powerful foundation for that work. When we say “welcoming all,” we mean it. And we’re proud of the many ways our team members live out that mission, during Pride Month and every month.

Fostering an inclusive environment at our locations and offices isn’t just a one-time thing, it’s a continuous team dedication. One way we do that is through Brio’s participation in local Pride festivals. Every year, team members from across our organization step up to represent Brio at these community events, proudly hosting informational booths, greeting festival-goers, and connecting with people who might not yet know about our mission, our programs, or our people.

This year, we reached out to a few individuals who have volunteered to help at these events and connected with several Brio team members who shared their personal reflections on what it means to be part of this effort.

Rachel Webster, Director of Philanthropy for the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, said, “Representing our organization at Pride is one small step” in Brio’s continued effort to be an inclusive community. She added that Brio means “living life vibrantly,” and that everyone deserves the opportunity to feel celebrated and valued for who they are.

Sara Beal, a Nursing Community Coordinator at Chelsea Retirement Community, shared her thoughts on Brio’s presence at Pride. “I hope people see us as promoting acceptance of everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.” For her, showing up means supporting not just our residents and participants, but also our fellow team members.

Beyond the festivals, Brio’s commitment to an inclusive workplace shows up in quieter ways, too! In team meetings where everyone has a voice, in communities where residents support one another, and in our ongoing efforts to build trust and connection across roles and locations. 

For Jodee Kelly, an LPN at Green House Homes who has worked at Porter Hills Village for nearly 30 years, participating in Pride reflects a longstanding culture of inclusion. “I have always found Brio to be a supportive and inclusive environment,” she said. “I hope that people know that these are places where they could potentially work and volunteer and be comfortable in knowing that they would be accepted as they are.”

Jodee also lives out Brio’s mission every day by making a special point to sit and talk for a few minutes with everyone. “I make it a point to get to know new team members or potential team members by talking to them, finding out things that they may like or dislike, and don’t just leave it at that.”

Rachel emphasized that true inclusion requires “creating authentic relationships between our team members, residents, participants, families, and partners based on valuing one another.” And we couldn’t agree more! There’s no one-size-fits-all way to build a culture of belonging, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes care. It takes listening. And it takes people who believe that every individual should feel that they are safe, seen, and supported.

As we continue to celebrate Pride, we also celebrate our people. Those who volunteer their time, those who share their stories, and those who help create a positive, respectful culture behind the scenes. Whether it’s by staffing a booth at a festival, sharing a kind word, or simply being someone others can count on, these actions matter! They’re what make Brio not just a place to work or live, but a community where everyone belongs.

Thank you to all the team members who continue to show up for one another and for the people we serve. Your commitment helps shape a better future, one where everyone can be exactly who they are, and know they’re in the right place.

If you’re a Brio team member and are interested in volunteering at a Pride Festival or getting more involved in fostering inclusiveness across our organization, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at WeAllBelong@MyBrio.org. And if you’re looking for a workplace where you can bring your whole self and feel truly welcome, explore career opportunities at MyBrioCareers.org.

New Robots Serve Up Smiles

Bonnie and Jasper are the latest additions to the Assisted Living dining room at Brio Living Services’ community, Porter Hills Village, quietly delivering meals, piping hot, from the kitchen to the residents.  “They have quickly become a vital part of the dining experience,” says Ann Marie Villareal, Senior Director of Dining Services of the pair of robots that have recently joined the dining team.

The size of the Assisted Living dining room previously meant the wait staff had a lot of walking to do. “It’s a hike to get from the kitchen at one end to tables at the far end,” explains Ann Marie. “Now the robots can do much of the traveling back and forth.”

“The robots have been an awesome addition to the team, allowing them to spend more time with residents and tend to their needs more efficiently,” says Chef Manager Dante Owens. The robots are programmed with routes to each table, but will stop if anything is in their way. The cooks place plated meals on the robots’ three shelves, and the robots deliver them to the tables where servers are ready. The robots also help bus tables at the end of the meal.

“We love our robots!” says Andrea Darling, a retired health and physical education teacher who has lived at Porter Hills Village for 5 years. “We’re really fascinated with them.”

The robots look friendly with their animated eyes. They can say “Good morning,” play music, even sing “Happy Birthday.”

Brio is also excited to add robots to the Chelsea Retirement Community dining team. The robots have been a welcome addition at Assisted Living and are now being introduced at the Fireside Grille in Dancey House Independent Living. As we continue to pilot the robots, we look forward to adding them at more Brio locations to assist our teams.

“No jobs are going away,” Ann Marie is quick to add. “The robots are helping to make our servers more efficient. It’s really surprised us all that they are so helpful. They’re not a gimmick. They are truly beneficial.”

At Brio Living Services, we are committed to excellence in all areas of senior living, including providing quality dining experiences for our residents.

UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Scholarships Benefit Avenues Member Navigators; Enhance Health and Wellness for Avenues Members

In April, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation celebrated its Scholarship recipients, part of the Foundation’s Team Member Support Services program, at two reception events. Two of those Foundation Scholars are Avenues Member Navigators Princess Mahabir and Jessica Lincolnhol.

Princess began her career at Brio Living Services in 2018 as a med tech in the Birch Court neighborhood at Porter Hills Village. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she transitioned to her current role at Avenues, later pursuing nursing school and earning her LPN. Jessica also worked at Porter Hills Village, leading the Martindill Wellness Center, for two years prior to the pandemic. She has now been with Avenues for the past year.

Avenues by Brio Living Services is a life plan community at home program for adults 55 and up. With a focus on individuals’ health and wellness, the Avenues team provides personalized navigation services for its members to help them remain living as vibrantly and independently as possible in their own home.

Both Princess and Jessica are pursuing certifications in Wellness Coaching, thanks to their scholarships from the Foundation. Both say this added credential will be beneficial in their roles with Avenues members.

“We provide very personalized health and wellness coaching for our Avenues members who want to be proactive in maintaining their health and fitness as they age,” says Jessica who also holds certifications in yoga and personal training. “My favorite piece is the wellness side, visiting members in their homes to help them work on strength so they can lift a grocery bag or their grandchild, or to help them improve their balance.”

Princess echoes this sentiment. “The Wellness Coach certification will elevate my role as a Member Navigator and empower our members throughout their aging journey. Our members thrive when they have input into their goals and the wellness path they wish to follow. It’s an honor to walk alongside each of our members, helping them feel confident in aging well and remaining independent in a place they call home.”

Avenues Executive Director Paige Hendrickson says, “The strength of any organization lies in its people, and Princess and Jessica have certainly enhanced the Avenues Wellness Team. With their Wellness Certifications, Princess and Jessica tailor our Members’ lifestyle programming with empathy and creativity. Their presence and guidance make a difference in someone’s life every day!”

Jessica, who was a caregiver for her own grandparents, says she wants to share her experience with others. “Stepping into this role was like a dream job. It’s in my makeup, to help people where they are. I feel blessed to be in this role.”

With three children attending college, Jessica is grateful for the assistance she has received through the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Scholarship. Princess encourages other Brio Living Services team members to apply for the Foundation Scholarship, adding, “If you feel a desire deep within to pursue higher education, a career, or your dreams, but you face financial barriers, don’t hesitate. Don’t let anything stand in your way.”

The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation has provided more than $881,000 in Scholarships to 171 team members since the program began in 2014. There are three Scholarship rounds each year; Brio team members may apply for up to $3,000 per semester with a cap of $12,000.

Learn more about Avenues by Brio Living Services or the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation’s Team Member Support Services Fund. Visit MyBrioCareers.org/ to find out more about a career you’ll love.

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

1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.