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
MARY POWERS
Curative Connections member, Mary Powers, recently shared her inspiring family story at our 75th Anniversary Celebration on July 12. Mary’s late brother-in-law, David Hall, spent years rehabilitating at Curative after a car accident left him paralyzed in the 1950s. David was instrumental to our history by helping develop the Curative Workshop which gained national attention. David was a powerful advocate for people with disabilities and in 1963, he was named “Handicapped Man of the Year” by President John F. Kennedy for his accomplishments as an individual with a disability.
Mary has many fond memories of David, his tenacious and positive attitude, his gratitude for Curative, and his passion to live his best life. Because of David, she was always appreciative and grateful for the services we provided. Unknown at the time, she never anticipated needing these valuable resources down the road.
Mary has also led a life centered around helping others. After graduating high school, she joined the Army as a nurse and was soon deployed to Vietnam. After leaving the Army, Mary joined the Air Force as a flight nurse. In this role, she treated POWs and soldiers who were returning home. Both opportunities were very rewarding for her. Mary later worked as a nurse in Germany before returning to the United States with her husband. They had two sons and Mary worked as a pediatric nurse until her retirement in 2013.
In 2022, Mary returned to Green Bay from the East Coast. As she personally started to realize her own memory changes, she met with the VA Hospital to seek advice, and they suggested Curative. Mary is now a member in our Mind Movers program for people experiencing early memory loss. Mary comments, “I was very scared to come to Curative. I thought, ‘What is happening to me, to my life that I need to use Curative’s services?’ I could see changes in myself but did not want to go down this path. Now, today, I can say, ‘Curative is where I need and want to be.’”
Mary’s touching story demonstrates Curative Connections’ positive impact on both members and their families throughout the past 75 years, today and in the future.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
STEVE MARICQUE | VOLUNTEER DRIVER
Steve served in several leadership roles throughout his career including executive director of American Red Cross Northeast Chapter. He was familiar with Curative’s transportation services as the program was previously operated by the Red Cross during his time with the organization. Steve recognized the importance of aging and disabled individuals being active in the community so one week after his retirement in 2021 from the Bellin Health Foundation, he became a volunteer driver with Curative Connections. This year, Steve received Curative’s Transportation Volunteer of the Year award
By volunteering, he has made a difference in members’ lives and can see this impact. When helping a member out of her vehicle after an appointment, she asked if she could give Steve a hug, and thanked him for what he does as a volunteer driver. Steve also spoke of a passenger who was typically not communicative or engaged during drives. However, after a few rides, he started to smile and talk to Steve. He shared, “I could see he felt comfortable enough with me that he could open up.” Steve also appreciates the positive environment for volunteers created by staff such as Brenda, Iris and Tina. In unique ways, everyone at Curative shares their gratitude for each other.
When reflecting on our 75th anniversary, Steve was amazed by Curative’s longevity. Before volunteering, he heard from Curative employees about their passion for their work and their ability to make a difference. Steve shared, “75 years is a significant time to be active and involved in one community.”
Steve wants more people to know about the need for volunteer drivers and encourages individuals interested to contact the transportation office. He believes strongly in the impact volunteering even one day a week can have on a community.
“They’ll get more out of it than what they give.”
EMPLOYEE/ TEAM FEATURE
JEANNE STANGEL | PRESIDENT & CEO
For many of our team members, they work at Curative because they want to be a part of something bigger. They value the opportunity to work with a dedicated team and help their community. For President and CEO Jeanne Stangel, she sees this as an underlying theme of searching for purpose. At Curative, she has found hers.
Jeanne first learned about Curative 20 years ago during Community Service Day with Leadership Green Bay. She chose to spend her day with members in Curative’s Brain Rehab & Wellness program. Years later, as the director of business and resource development with the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay, Jeanne crossed paths with Curative again. Members of Ready, Set, Life! sold root beer floats as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay’s hurricane relief efforts. In 2021, Jeanne joined Curative as our fourth President and CEO. She feels honored to be the first woman in this role. Prior to joining Curative, Jeanne had experience with for profit, nonprofit and academic organizations.
Jeanne appreciates the purposeful aspect of Curative’s culture. She says, “It’s never the same day twice. There are certain things we plan but there are day-to-day things that make us who we are and what we become.” Everyone here comes from different backgrounds and offers unique perspectives that help us serve our members. Jeanne describes the culture at Curative as “nurturing, inclusive, non-judgmental and gentle,” and she sees this practiced everyday by members, staff, board members, volunteers, and community supporters. She says, “That is the fabric of what we do and anybody carrying out that work or on the receiving end understands and appreciates that.”
In this special anniversary year, we have often reflected on how Curative has adapted to best suit the needs of our community for 75 years. To continue doing this, Jeanne says, “We best suit the community by looking ahead.” Organizations such as Curative know there will be a change in our aging population over the next several years. Jeanne has led Curative in preparing for this through efforts like Yesteryear Village, which will bring innovative reminiscent care to our area. When speaking about the recent solar panel installation, Jeanne sees it as an opportunity to be a good steward of the environment and Curative’s financial stability. She says, “In 75 years, Curative Connections evolved with the community needs and will continue to do so.”
DONOR/SPONSOR THANK YOU
BERNIE & ALYCE DAHLIN
Alyce and the late Bernie Dahlin have been longtime supporters of Curative Connections with their first gift dating back to 1997. Alyce explains they became donors after receiving a donation request in the mail which piqued their interest. They learned more about the organization and liked what Curative was doing in the community. Alyce says, “Since that time, we would always give when we are asked.”
Alyce went on to say, “You never know if you or someone you love might need Curative.” Because of this sentiment, she was excited to learn about Curative’s awareness campaign where we are meeting, presenting and hosting events with local groups whose members could benefit from Curative’s programs. In 2023 alone, Curative has engaged with more than 75 groups and shared its story with more than 3,000 people.
Alyce also appreciates that Curative has adapted and grown over time to meet the community’s ever-changing needs. She feels all the programs are worthwhile and important, but also appreciates that Curative is agile and able to offer new programs needed in the moment. Examples include Yesteryear Village, a reminiscent care facility that is currently under construction on Green Bay’s west side and opens in spring 2024. Additionally, Alyce mentioned the Brain Rehab and Wellness program that supports people with all types of traumatic, acquired and congenital brain injuries and other neurological impairments.
The Dahlin family supports other nonprofits in the community including the Miracle League of Green Bay. Because of their generosity, and because they are truly wonderful people, Curative Connections and the Miracle League honored the Dahlin family between Miracle League games on Wednesday, July 26. It was a wonderful night celebrating a special couple who have and continue to inspire lifetime fulfillment for special people.
CURATIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION RECAP
On July 12, approximately 180 people joined us as we celebrated our 75th anniversary with a vintage picnic. We were honored to have our friends from Altrusa Hospitality House in attendance. It is because of the efforts of the Altrusa Club, Kiwanis Club and Junior Chamber of Commerce that Curative was able to open our doors in 1948. Additionally, it was wonderful to have many past board members, board chairs and staff there to celebrate with us. It is because of the supportive board members and caring and compassionate staff that Curative Connections has been able to live out our mission for 75 years.
As Curative was incorporated and opened in 1948, we enjoyed 1940s themed food and music. History was a focus of the program as past Board Chair Mike Meeuwsen and former Presidents and CEOs John Bloor and Steve McCarthy shared stories about Curative during their tenures. Each of their unique stories were unified by the theme of Curative’s evolution to meet the needs of our community. Current President and CEO Jeanne Stangel spoke of Curative’s present and future by sharing four cornerstone words that capture the essence, impact and stability of Curative: purpose, perseverance, pivot and people. Curative was also honored with a proclamation from Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich.
Mary Powers, Mind Movers member, was our amazing keynote speaker. She talked about her remarkable life story, family connection to early Curative member, David Hall, and the understanding and compassion she receives from members and staff in the Mind Movers program. Her story moved attendees and she received a standing ovation.
We would like to thank everyone who attended our 75th anniversary celebration. It was an incredible evening celebrating our past and looking towards our future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SOLAR CELEBRATION | Thursday, April 20, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
WALL BREAKING | Monday, May 1, 3:00 pm
Curative Connections | Cloud Family Care Center (1538 Western Ave., Green Bay, WI) 75th ANNUAL
RECOGNITION EVENT | Tuesday, June 20, 1:15 pm
75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PICNIC | Wednesday, July 12, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
GARDEN GALA | Tuesday, September 12, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
