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
Susan Mielcarek
Sue Mielcarek recently shared her story at the Garden Gala as the keynote speaker. She has navigated through some incredibly difficult tragedies including the loss of her beloved son, Michael. Sue has experienced trauma and heartache but has done her best to remain positive and committed to enjoy this one life she is living. However, this trauma and stress have had an impact on Sue’s health.
In September 2021, Sue and her family noticed changes in her memory. The changes caused her to become more isolated, introverted, and nervous about doing the things she used to love doing. Always an avid reader, Sue had trouble comprehending and focusing on what she was reading, so she withdrew and put her books away. She could not stay focused, and her family noticed she was repeating things. Sue met with a neurologist and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
The diagnosis was terrifying. Sue was saddened to think about all the things she might miss. She sought out resources and learned about Curative Connections. After attending Mind Movers for early memory loss, Sue credits the program, the caring and compassionate staff, and her supportive peers, who never judge, for allowing her to take her life back. It takes time and hard work but through Mind Movers, Sue has retrained her brain and slowed the progression of her disease.
Sue shared, “I appreciate that they understand me and what I am going through in ways my family cannot. In fact, we not only understand each other, we cheer for each other’s successes. I am not alone because of Curative Connections.”
Today Sue walks, bikes, kayaks, gardens, travels, enjoys time with family and advocates for people with memory loss. She speaks on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association at events across Wisconsin. Recently, she spoke to students at UW-Madison who are researching dementia and state legislators about medications and treatments for dementia. It is a busy and wonderful life that she is now capable of and one she loves living to her fullest! Sue, thank you for sharing your journey with us.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Event Volunteers Curative Connections had a busy September with the second annual D2 Kickoff for Curative, the Garden Gala and the Green Bay Packers Alumni Sporting Clays events. We raised over $160,000 between these three events, and none of this would have been possible without our incredible event volunteers.
Each event had its own structure, but volunteers worked hard to keep the events running smoothly by helping with setting up, registration, selling raffle tickets and other roles. For the Garden Gala, volunteers donated over 90 hours combined of their time in just two days! Curative is incredibly grateful for each and every event volunteer for the crucial role they played in making these fundraisers successful. Thank you to all event volunteers for sharing your time and talents to benefit the people we serve.
EMPLOYEE/ TEAM FEATURE
Brenda Jordan | Admissions Coordinator
ach staff member at Curative Connections brings unique talents and abilities to our work culture and are the reason Curative is such an incredibly special place to work and attend. The staff are selfless, kind and compassionate and always put members first.
Brenda Jordan is no exception. This year, she is celebrating her 30th year in Admissions at Curative and is often the initial contact for members and families considering our programs. Brenda has worn many hats over the years and is called on when program areas need assistance. In fact, she has worked in all 13 programs at one time or another.
Brenda says, “Curative becomes who you are.” Her professional and personal lives have blended as all her immediate family members have worked or volunteered at Curative. Her husband, Gary, just celebrated 40 years as Curative’s Director of Facilities. Curative and our members are so fortunate Brenda and her family have included us as their own.
Many members and their families mention Brenda when they share how they found out about Curative, what they like about Curative and who they love interacting with at Curative. Brenda’s boundless energy and passion for Curative shines through every day and Curative is a better place for our members because of her.
In addition to Brenda’s role in Admissions, she also leads the Wellness Committee where they plan staff physical and mental health challenges and activities. They host an annual chili cookoff and add to the family environment at Curative.
Finally, Brenda started a fundraising event, Kickoff for Curative, with D2 Sports Pub – Stadium District. In the event’s first two years, more than $12,000 was raised for Curative. It is an incredible event that brings awareness to the community and supporting the people we serve.
DONOR/SPONSOR THANK YOU
Donor Thank You
Each year in the fall, Curative Connections, just like most other nonprofit organizations, determines our budget for the following year. It is during this process we learn where our financial gaps are and determine how much we need to raise in private funds to support our mission.
Curative Connections’ programs are funded by member and management fees, federal grants, endowment earnings, and community support through private donations. The fundraising portion of the budget continues to grow as Curative serves more people in our community and pivots to meet the everchanging needs of Greater Green Bay.
This past year, Curative held several events, campaigns and appeals to meet our fundraising goals. It all started with our involvement in Give Big Green Bay, where we raised more than $160,000! In June, we sent out a summer appeal and in September, we hosted the Kickoff for Curative at D2’s Sports Pub – Stadium District and the Garden Gala, which raised more than $110,000 collectively. Finally, we were fortunate to be selected as the Green Bay Packers Alumni Sporting Clays event beneficiary and raised $52,875! We are incredibly grateful to be part of this awesome event again in 2024.
Thank you to all our donors, from those who respond to our appeals or make a gift in someone’s memory to those who support us at our events through raffle tickets or auction items. Thank you to those who made a gift during Give Big Green Bay. And thank you to those who support Curative, no matter the event, appeal or reason. Each and every gift, regardless of size or frequency, supports our mission of helping people achieve their goals for independence. The funds go back to our programs so our members can make the most of each day.
In the coming weeks, you will receive our end of year appeal, asking you to make one final gift to Curative Connections in 2023. We hope you will continue to join us in our important work. To make your end of year gift today, please visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/uiQUjg?vid=11fq0w.
CURATIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
75 Touches Initiative
This year has been incredibly special for Curative Connections. 75 years ago, we first offered services to the greater Green Bay community. In 2023, we set a goal to complete 75 touches this year by attending community events, presenting at local organizations’ meetings and taking groups on tours of Curative. As of October, we have well surpassed our goal of 75 touches.
We have had hospital administrators, educational organizations, board members’ associates and other amazing groups come to Curative for tours. One person referred to the tour as “a real eye opener”, while another said they “enjoyed hearing about the programs…and various opportunities to volunteer.” In addition to tours, we held events at Curative such as the 75th Anniversary Celebration and the Referral Partner Thank You event. Staff and volunteers have also represented Curative at senior fairs, farmers markets, career fairs and other community resource events. We are looking forward to more touches before 2023 ends, including a float in the 39th Annual Prevea Holiday Parade.
There is no doubt that we have educated more people in the community about Curative in 2023 than in previous years. For a long time, many have heard Curative referred to as “one of the best kept secrets” in the area. By getting out in the community, Curative is becoming better known and solidifying our status as an essential community resource.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Attacking Alzheimer’s Volleyball Game
Friday, Oct. 27, 6 p.m.
Kress Events Center
Pints With a Purpose | Learn more
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 3-9 p.m.
Zambaldi Beer
39th Annual Prevea Green Bay Holiday Parade
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10-11 a.m.
Jefferson, Cherry and Washington Streets
