Curative Connects – January 2025

Curative Connects – January 2025

Nancy and Jeff Jacobe smile for the camera.

Member/Care Partner Story

Nancy and Jeff Jacobe

Nancy Jacobe, a cherished member of Curative Connections, has been attending our dementia-specific programs since early 2024. Nancy’s journey with us began with some hesitation, but she has since embraced the supportive environment we provide, attending more days and programs over time.

Nancy’s husband, Jeff, is her loving, devoted caregiver. His kindness and care are truly inspiring as he navigates this challenging journey alongside Nancy. Jeff’s dedication is evident in the way he has adapted to their new reality, learning and growing as they face the unknown together. He is incredibly grateful for the quality person-centered care Nancy receives at Curative, considering us an integral part of her care team.

In the beginning, Nancy was reluctant to attend our programs. However, with time, she has grown to love being here, often expressing her desire to attend every day. Jeff, who for the first month, stayed in the lobby all day just in case Nancy needed him, now feels confident enough to leave, knowing she is in good hands. He has also found support in our caregiver support group, where he connects with others who understand his experiences. Caregiving can be a lonely road and Curative Connections is focused on providing caregivers with the resources and support they want and need.

Nancy was among the first members to attend Curative Connections West, featuring Yesteryear Village—an innovative, proactive approach to reminiscent care for people living with memory loss. On opening day, Nancy was feeling a bit agitated and worried that Jeff, wouldn’t return to pick her up. Jeff has been early for every pickup but memory loss robs people of their security. Because Nancy was upset, Curative President and CEO Jeanne Stangel asked Nancy if they could check out the individual spaces and they could look for him while they toured. In the passenger train car, Nancy lit up and shared a beautiful memory of riding on a passenger train with her mom and sisters from Milwaukee to Texas. She described the layout of the train car and how passengers accessed the beds, shifting her focus from looking for Jeff to engaging with a joyful memory.

This is exactly what we hoped the spaces at Yesteryear Village would provide our members: a safe, memory-connected environment. Nancy’s story is a testament to the positive impact of our programs, not only for those living with memory loss but also for their dedicated caregivers.

We are honored to be a part of Nancy and Jeff’s journey and look forward to continuing to support them and others in our community.

 


 

Staff Spotlight

Ellen Conley

Photo of Ellen Conley posing with her black labrador dogFor the past four years, Ellen Conley has been the welcoming face at Curative Connections East, greeting everyone with her radiant smile and making their days brighter. As Ellen embarks on her well-deserved retirement on January 31, 2024, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her dedication and wish her all the best in her new journey. Ellen’s presence will be greatly missed by all.

Curative is a fantastic place to work, known for its inclusive culture and vibrant energy. We are currently seeking a high-energy individual to fill the receptionist position. If you or someone you know excels at providing direction and information in a warm and friendly manner, we encourage you to apply. Visit our website at www.curativeconnections.org to learn more about this exciting opportunity and our other open positions.

 


 

Donor/Sponsor Thank You Support Curative’s Mission

We’re In and We’re Grateful!

logo for Give Big Green BayWe are thrilled to announce that Curative Connections is one of the 50 nonprofit organizations participating in Give BIG Green Bay 2025! This 24-hour online giving event is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the essential work nonprofits do in our community and provide a simple way for everyone to contribute to local charities.

Curative Connections has been incredibly fortunate to participate in Give BIG Green Bay in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Each of these opportunities allowed us to share our story, raise awareness, and gather crucial funds to support our programs and the amazing people we serve.

We owe our success to the generous donors, supporters, and community members who have engaged with us during these events. Your contributions have made a significant impact, helping us make our community a better place. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and engaged with us in Give BIG Green Bay. Your support means the world to us!

As we gear up for this year’s event, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. Save the date for February 19 and 20, from noon to noon, and get ready to give BIG! Together, we can continue to make a difference and support the vital work of Curative Connections.

Let’s make Give BIG Green Bay 2025 the best one yet!

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. We can’t wait to see what we can achieve together this year!

 


 

Curative in the Community

Getting Chilly for Curative!

Five volunteers stand in a line and smile for the camera.On February 1st, brave volunteers will gather to support Curative Connections at the Beerntsen’s Chilly Chocolate 15k and Fudge Trudge 5k. This fun event, hosted by Runaway Shoes, was formerly known as the Seroogy’s Valentine’s Day Run.

Runaway Shoes generously donates $50 to Curative Connections for every volunteer we provide. Thanks to our amazing volunteers, we’ve received over $4,000 so far! A huge thank you to Runaway Shoes for choosing Curative as a nonprofit partner. Let’s get chilly for a great cause!

 


 

Upcoming Events

Beerntsen’s Chilly Chocolate 15k and Fudge Trudge 5 k
Saturday, February 1, 8 a.m.
Beerntsen’s Candies

GiveBIG Green Bay
Wednesday, Feb 19 – Thursday, Feb 20
Noon to noon

Garden Gala
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025
Oneida Hotel