Jane Barnette and Valerie Drexler both started at St. John’s in 1976.
Jane Barnette retires today after 50 years of service at St. John’s. She started as a payroll clerk and was promoted to various positions in the Finance Department. When Barnette was awarded St. John’s Employee of the Month in October 1996, she was described as “one of those employees who work behind the scenes and never get the full credit they deserve.” No matter how busy she was, Barnette was always able to help a fellow employee through crisis situations. She became a trusted resource for St. John’s residents, their family members, and staff.
Finance is one of the many disciplines essential to St. John’s success as a provider of senior services in the Rochester area. As we mark Careers in Aging Month, here are some of the unique positions and departments that play a key role in helping serve older adult populations.
Social Work and Elder Advocacy
Social workers are dedicated to supporting older adults in maintaining dignity, independence, and quality of life. Professionals such as Michelle Killeen guide St. John’s residents through health care systems, connect them with community resources, and help protect their rights. Michelle reflects, “Back when you’re in junior high, high school, and college, you picture nursing homes like what you see in the news. You don’t realize the life they (residents) still have.” Inspired by her close relationship with her grandparents, Michelle knew from a young age that she wanted to help older adults be heard and live meaningful lives.
St. John’s Meadows Elder Advocates Hannah De George and Megan Brown.
Elder Advocates similarly help independent living residents navigate a complex health care system, empowering them to make informed decisions. “Older individuals experience many things that can take a toll on their mental health, like new diagnoses, vision or hearing loss, grief, anxiety, or depression. In turn, mental health needs to be treated as a fundamental part of senior living,” writes Hannah De George. Elder Advocates are committed to ensuring that each resident receives the attention and resources they need, so that every individual can thrive and feel supported throughout their journey at St. John’s.
Spiritual Care
St. John’s Spiritual Care Team plays a vital role in enhancing residents’ well-being by nurturing their spiritual needs. Under the leadership of Reverend Sarah Culp, the chaplain team creates welcoming spaces for resident to express their beliefs, find comfort, and participate in meaningful spiritual practices. In addition to weekly prayer services, the team offers individualized support and compassionate guidance to residents and their families, especially during times of loss or transition. “I have come to embrace this idea of a bridge builder, especially since coming here (to St. John’s). I think about all of the ways we are headed from one place to another. To be a part of that is very exciting for me”, shared Culp.
Protective Services
Protective Services professionals keep residents safe and secure across all St. John’s communities. Torrey Ragland has worked at St. John’s Home for over nine years and understands that his work goes a long way in providing peace of mind for residents and their loved ones. “This is home for the people who are here every day. They should be provided for in a certain way. To come here and look at it as just a job–you are in the wrong place for that,” says Ragland.
These are just a few of the many unique career paths vital to the success of St. John’s as an aging services provider. Click here to see all of our current career opportunities.
