In celebration of Curative Connections’ 75th anniversary year, we are launching Curative Connects, a quarterly e-newsletter featuring stories about the people who make Curative the special place it is. Through these stories, you will learn about Curative Connections and the important work we do through the perspective of our members, volunteers, employees, and donors. Additionally, we will update readers on upcoming events, donation and volunteer opportunities, and other ways to engage.
Meet Our Member
EMMA (Member) & CLAIRE (Sister)
Many siblings are close but the relationship between sisters, Emma Doty and Claire Berg, is special. It is evident when they share family stories, when Emma compliments Claire and looks to her for guidance, and in the amazing care Claire provides for Emma.
Emma was determined to be cognitively disabled in 2011 and functions at a 2nd-3rd grade level. Claire describes Emma as very sweet with a sense of wonder. Specifically, she says, “The way Emma sees the world is truly beautiful. She still holds on to the hope of magic and fairy tales being real, often asking if I believe in fairies or the Easter bunny, to which I respond ‘Of course! Magic is everywhere.’”
Emma moved to Green Bay in 2020 to live with Claire and her husband, Scott. Before Emma’s arrival, Claire researched day programs for Emma to participate in. Claire wanted Emma to have new opportunities to learn, socialize, and make new friends. After touring Curative Connections, she knew it would be a great place for her sister.
Emma started attending two programs at Curative, Ready, Set, Life! and Let’s Work! She also utilizes Curative Connections Specialized Transportation Services and loves her drivers, Holly and Karla. One afternoon when dropping Emma off, driver Karla Kahr, noticed Emma walk across the street to get the mail. This made Karla nervous because the street can be busy, so she started parking the vehicle, helping Emma out, and holding her hand to get the mail. Since then, Karla does not leave Emma until she knows she is safely in the house. Claire shared this story and is truly touched by the care and compassion Emma receives from everyone at Curative. She says, “It feels good to know Emma is in good hands while we are working, and she loves going to Curative to spend time with her friends.”
Emma initially attended Curative to gain job development skills. She really enjoys working and has held several jobs in Green Bay using many different skillsets. She currently works at NEW Beads and Jewelry where she cleans and organizes beads by color and price. At Curative, she also enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society where she folds laundry, cleans, and sometimes gets to pet the animals. When asked what she likes most about Curative, Emma says, “I like seeing my friends.” Emma has many friends and enjoys seeing them in and outside of Curative.
Emma’s interests include photography, dance, art, board games, bocce ball, and spending time with friends, travel, and pandas. In fact, they have a trip planned to Germany to see pandas. They love each other fiercely and Claire proudly shares, “Emma loves adventure, gives big hugs, giggles with a childlike joy, loves everyone once she gets to know them, and feels with her heart. She’s truly a beautiful soul and we’re grateful to have her.” Emma and Claire are living a beautiful life together.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
TERRY BOURESSA
Terry is a partner at Hanaway Ross Law Firm in Green Bay. As a young attorney, new to the Green Bay area in 1998, Terry joined the Curative Connections’ Corporate Board to network and get to know others. This is what attorneys do, it is how they connect with and give back to their communities. He grew to appreciate the authenticity of the people at Curative Connections and has remained an active board member ever since.
Terry likes that Curative is a good quality organization with staff rowing in the same direction for the betterment of the nonprofit. He appreciates being a part of major initiatives like changing Sheltered Industries to a wholly owned subsidiary, ProSolutions. He says, “Curative utilizes the skillsets of their Board members.” The organization engages him, and he wants to contribute and feel needed.
When asked to describe Curative Connections, Terry uses words like entrepreneurial, enduring, creative, flexible, not afraid, and well-led by good leaders and directors. He talked about the relief and respite Curative’s day programs provide for those caring for loved ones. He also likes how Curative works with other agencies in the community to avoid duplication of services.
Terry would like more people to know Curative exists and the diversity of the programs provided. He is passionate to share the benefits and respite Curative provides for families and caregivers.
Terry shared that his grandfather, Clarence Bouressa, had a stroke in 1955 that impacted his right side and inhibited his speech. He was always in a good mood and valued the physical rehabilitation services he received. We went through the archives and found that those services were provided by Curative Workshop. With this year being Curative Connections’ 75th anniversary year, it is interesting to see how the organization has transformed and grown to continue to meet the needs of the community.
Terry has many interests and hobbies including working for his clients at his practice, spending time with family, boating, and cooking. He finds a successful result on a case to be very rewarding. As a Curative Connections’ Board member, Terry enjoys giving back and helping the organization move forward.
DONOR/SPONSOR THANK YOU
AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK
American National Bank and Curative Connections have an important partnership. In addition to high standards, competitive benefits, and professional growth opportunities, American National Bank is passionate about giving back to the community. In 2019, they were the proud recipient of the Fox Cities Chamber Corporate Citizen Leadership Award, which recognizes organizations with a philosophy of giving and community involvement that have made significant differences in the health and well-being of the community. Curative Connections has experienced their philanthropic kindness to our community firsthand. American National Bank supported our Rising Tide campaign, which allowed us to renovate our Curry Lane location to expand our capacity and serve more members. They are also the presenting sponsor of our annual Garden Gala fundraising event.
The leaders at American National Bank prioritize leading by example. For over a decade, the president and CEO of American National Bank, Paul Northway, has supported Curative Connections as a board member, capital campaign chair, and advocate for our organization. His passion for Curative Connections is evident, and he inspires others to get involved including ANP Business Banker, Dustin Gresen who serves as co-chair of Curative’s Development Committee.
As a corporate donor to Curative Connections, they recognize we are all touched by the services at Curative Connections. American National Bank believes in our mission of helping individuals achieve their goals for independence. Their dedication as donors and involvement as leaders helps us empower and support our members and the community.
When asked how they feel about the American National Bank / Curative Connections’ partnership, Chief Marketing Officer Amanda Krueger says, “We value our relationship with Curative, and greatly respect their work in our community. We are in awe of the unbelievable team at Curative who deliver the mission—and humbled to be part of it all.”
EMPLOYEE/ TEAM FEATURE
STACEY KRAHN, REGISTERED NURSE AND DIRECTOR OF SAFETY
Those who work at Curative Connections often say the culture has a family feel to it. It is a great place to work, where staff and their families come first, along with members, of course. We all care about each other. Staff are valued and supported and know and appreciate that communication is honest and transparent. Everyone’s thoughts, concerns, and ideas are considered in decision making. For all of us, Curative strives to feel like an extension of our families. This is true for Stacey Krahn, Registered Nurse and Safety Director at Curative Connections.
Stacey has been employed with Curative Connections since 2008, when she started as a work study student while earning her nursing degree at Bellin College. She then took a program sub position and eventually worked full time at the Cloud Center. Having previously worked at a nursing home, Stacey knew she wanted to work with seniors, and she has never looked back.
Stacey became Curative’s Registered Nurse in 2013 and in 2018, she took on the additional role of Safety Director. She likes taking on new challenges and was met with a significant one in early 2020. Her role at Curative became even more essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the onset, Stacey was a critical part of the team that guided us through the pandemic to ensure the health and safety of everyone at Curative. Through careful planning of protocols and Stacey’s dedication, we can serve our members with everyone’s wellbeing at the forefront of our operations.
Stacey says, “Working in this setting is special.” Curative allows her to balance office work and nursing, so she is able to build relationships with members and their families. Connections go beyond our name. The bonds between members, staff, and volunteers are central to who we are. Stacey shared, ‘If you are having a bad day, there is always someone here to boost your mood.” She finds it rewarding to see members make progress in our programs and continue to live at home. We celebrate everyone’s achievements however it looks for them.
Stacey also values lifelong learning and completes at least 10 hours of continuing education each year. She focuses on courses that fit her role and benefit those she cares for like geriatric care and CPR.
Stacey and her husband, Jeremy reside in Green Bay with their two children, Piper, and Oliver.
