As the new year is officially upon us, we reflect back on what a wonderful year 2023 was with our most recent newsletter Assisting Hands Rockford 2023 Year in Review. For starters, 2023 marked the first full calendar year that Assisting Hands Rockford has been in operation. As one might expect, the year brought us many changes and new opportunities.
We Celebrated New Growth
We added many new quality caregivers to our active roster, as well as new key office personnel including: a full-time scheduler, staffing coordinator (recruiting) and director of outreach and education (sales/marketing). Speaking of staff, we celebrated a milestone birthday for one of our key members, Wanda. At a time in life when most people are looking to settle into retirement, Wanda is still going strong. Between her many volunteer efforts, as well as full-time employment with our agency, we are in awe of her each day and grateful to have her as part of our team!
We Cherished Our Time Spent with Our Clients
In 2023, Assisting Hands Rockford was blessed with the opportunity to provide care for numerous extraordinary veterans, many of whom we are still providing care for. To our dismay, we have had some clients who have passed during 2023, all of whom we are grateful for the opportunity to know and care for them.
Our lives have all been enriched by the connections we’ve made along the way, as it is truly an honor to serve those who have served our country. The growth we experienced in 2023 resulted not only in the increase in staff, but also a larger office space to operate within. We are now in Suite 310 at 5301 East State Street, so feel free to stop by anytime and say, “Hi!”
We Honored Countless Veterans
As Assisting Hands strives to connect with the veteran community, we were presented with many opportunities to do so this year. In October, Assisting Hands started on the path of partner commitment with the We Honor Veterans program, which is designed to educate on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgement as we work for America’s veterans. On October 27th, we attended the Top of Illinois Veteran’s Stand Down Event in downtown Rockford as a vendor providing information to veterans in need about our services as well as job opportunities for veterans to help their fellow veteran.
We Enjoyed Connecting with the Community
On November 4th, Assisting Hands helped sponsor and participated in a 5K Run & Walk to benefit the Veterans Drop-In Center in Rockford. Assisting Hands Rockford was not only represented during the race by a father/son duo, but the entire office staff was on-hand to talk to all who stopped by.
We Experienced the Gift of Community Outreach
The director of the Veterans Drop-In Center was kind enough to extend an invitation. The Assisting Hands staff, as well as a veteran client, were invited to attend the 82nd Annual Veterans Dinner hosted by the Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum. It was truly a humbling experience to be graced by so many veterans serving our nation across many decades and spanning back as
far as World War II. This wonderful evening was highlighted by meeting special guest speaker Chief Master Sergeant Ericka E. Kelly, who shared her inspiring story. It was about being abandoned at 5 years old in the jungles of Guatemala to later attain the highest enlisted executive leadership level in the military.
We Established New Community Relationships
Veteran’s Day presented two unique opportunities for Assisting Hands to be involved with. The first was a Veteran’s Day breakfast and assembly at Winnebago High School to honor veterans. Later that day, the YMCA of Rock River Valley hosted a Veteran’s Day lunch. It was held at the log cabin along the Rock River, showing appreciation to those who have served our nation.
In December, Assisting Hands officially joined the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. It is the intent of our agency to connect with the community and offer assistance to those in need.
We Celebrated the Season
The year officially came to a close with an all-agency holiday party and we are so appreciative for those we have served, as well as those who make it their mission to help others as an agency caregiver.
In summary, we have had an amazing year. We are so excited to see what 2024 has in store for us. We continue down a path of excellence to provide the very best in care for those in need. If you or someone you know is in need of our care, please consider Assisting Hands Rockford. We are always looking for exceptional caregivers. Call our office any time at (815) 884-CARE (2273).
May you and your loved ones be blessed with good health and happiness in the coming year…CHEERS!
ABOUT ASSISTING HANDS ROCKFORD
Assisting Hands® can provide assistance in the privacy of their own home for you or a loved one. Our caregivers have training and experience in providing in-home care. We assist with the day-to-day activities and care, so your loved one can live independently.
- Senior In Home Care
- Elderly Care Services
- Personal Care & Companion Services
- Coordination of Care
- Veterans Services
- Additional Services
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