Sometimes things just work out in mysterious ways ...

Penelope up to her usual mischief.

Hello Friends,

I have an update for you all regarding my part time work with Barron County Daybreak.

For those of you that are new to The River, I work part time at Daybreak. Daybreak is an adult day program that provides care givers a break.

Adult Day Programs Provide a Break

Everybody needs some time off. People with memory loss and their care partners can improve their quality of life and personal connections with a daytime program specifically developed for their needs. Individuals with memory loss take part in supervised activities, and care partners experience a much-needed break from daily responsibilities.

Programs provide a safe, fun, loving environment, where people are treated with dignity and respect. Activities may include things like:

• Socializing

• Daily discussions

• Exercise

• Singing

• Outings and field trips

• Shared meals

• Games

• Hobbies

I started this position in June. I worked two days a week. I enjoyed the job, I enjoyed the participants and loved sharing my flowers during the summer months. Each day I worked I would bring in a bouquet.

I had a co worker who seemed stressed and unhappy. At first I felt she maybe burned out, the program was in need of a part time person. I hoped I would help bring that stress down for her. Instead things got worse. I met with my supervisor in August, I asked if I was doing something wrong. My supervisor shared that my co worker was stressed and with that becoming very negative. She was concerned and would reach out to my co worker.  

Things got worse. In November I felt I would need to resign. I worked two days a week and those two days were awful because the negativity started to become a bully type behavior. I went to my supervisor again. This time I learned that volunteers had started to complain about the co worker as well. I was told management would be having a meeting with the co worker.

I shared what I was dealing with at the below post.

Click here

In December the co worker resigned. Her last day was January 10th. 

I have been working full time until a new staff member was hired. This week I have been busy training the new staff member. A man named Brian, who is full of positive energy that bounces all over and makes everyone smile. Volunteers are happy again, some have decided to volunteer extra hours and I have noticed a difference in some of our participants. Many are sharing more and getting involved more in our daily events.

Next week I will be back to part time as Brian has picked up the program very well and is a fantastic team player. 

Sometimes things just work out.

I thank all of you for the advice as I shared this struggle on The River. 

Your encouragement helped me press on.