CCRI: CCRI: a place for family

The bonds we form with our family are some of the most impactful bonds we will experience. Whether chosen, found, or related, a family can shape a life and be a constant source of support and love. CCRI is no stranger to the impact family can have. With CCRI’s person-centered focus, strong and lasting relationships are built among clients and staff that help fulfill CCRI’s mission: enhancing and enriching lives. Of course, the bonds between staff and clients aren’t the only displays of family at CCRI — relatives and spouses work together at CCRI too. Jennifer Brandt, finance director, and her wife Heather Forbord, HR coordinator, are one example of a family working together at CCRI. They share they are both very passionate about the work they do both in the office and working directly with people we support. Forbord relates, “to be able to share that with those that are closest to you, and that they can relate too, is a pretty big thing.”

Executive Director Shannon Bock and her daughter Kaitlyn, who works in the mental health program, are also familiar with the motivation of shared passions, as well as shared experiences. Kaitlyn says one of the most interesting parts of working with a family member is the unique opportunity to know the people CCRI supports and build relationships with them from a very early start. Bock recalls “looking back to some of the people in the 28 years I’ve been here who remember Kaitlyn as a two-year-old.” Kaitlyn says she basically grew up at CCRI. She got to be a part of other people’s families growing up and they still work here. “They are kind of like a second family.”

Not only does working with a family member bring a new perspective and experience, it also helps challenge preconceived ideas. Brandt reveals that “Heather’s passion with the people she works with has impacted my view of family. Before I probably would have told you family is my parents, my siblings, my cousins. Now, to me, family is somebody that you’re willing to spend your time to help, to be with, and to support in any way.” It’s difficult to provide accessibility to enrichment and fulfillment without care and compassion. At CCRI, these traits are encouraged and have the opportunity to grow, just as the idea of family might.

Kaitlyn has taken on multiple roles during her time with CCRI and this experience has allowed her to see the many different types of family structures within the organization. “The individuals that live together in the 24-hour care homes, they’re a family.” Within all the interactions and experiences at CCRI that Kaitlyn, Bock, Forbord and Brandt have had, it is all possible because of the kind of people involved. When asked why CCRI is a good fit for her family, Bock’s answer is simple: the people. The people who are invested in each other's lives and do what they can to create a positive impact on it. The family of CCRI is ever expanding and with each new member added, their impact in the fulfillment of lives is felt.

SEPTEMBER 13

– OCTOBER 18

6:00 – 7:15 PM each Tuesday

"When Mourning Dawns" is our six-week series that looks at the seasons of the year to guide our conversations about the seasons of your grief. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Please call or email us if you have questions or interest in this series. for more info: boulgerfuneralhome.com

These meetings are led by our Grief Support Coordinators Sonja Kjar and Ann Jacobson. 701-237-6441 griefsupport@boulgerfuneralhome.com