SAC * RI * FICE
August 30, 2019
I spent the day as a Nursing Assistant at Crown Pointe Care Center, our 5 Star, 90-bed facility in Columbus. Christa King is the administrator and has built a fantastic team of caregivers. One of those caregivers that I had the honor of working alongside was Marian Jones. Marian has been an STNA for 21 years. She began working for our company back in 2007. Her heart for her residents and her love and respect among the entire team was heartwarming to witness.
Marian came to the United States back in the late '90s from Sierra Leone. She left because of the war and just this past year Marian became a US Citizen. She was so proud of this when we were talking, Marian smiled at me and said, "I was able to vote as a US Citizen for the first time." It's incredible the privileges we take for granted.
As we worked throughout the day, the residents gushed about Marian and the love and care she provides them. Residents and staff alike addressed her as "Momma." A name she proudly accepts. The residents talked about how she makes sure everything is taken care of and how she takes the time to listen to them.
I asked Marian where her passion for caring come from, and she said, "My Mom." She talked about how her mother was a single mom with seven daughters and a son. Back in Sierra Leone, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Marian talked about dropping out of school because she was the eldest child and got a job to help provide for the family. Marian said that her mother is the most influential person in her life and with her being back in Sierra Leone, she Facetimes with her every night.
Marian has two sons and a daughter of her own, and her face lights up when she talks about them. They all live here in Columbus; her two oldest boys both have good jobs and are doing well. Her youngest daughter is in high school, and Marian talked about her loving and caring nature and thinks she may go into healthcare as maybe a doctor, nurse practitioner, or who knows, she will strive to become an STNA!
As we talk throughout the day, Marian told me about how every day since she came to America, she has sent money home to her family. Because of her sacrifice, her younger siblings have all gotten an education and are doing well in Sierra Leone. On top of that, she had three of her own to take care of herself. I asked Marian, how did you do it on an STNA's wages? She told me she always found a way. "It's been tough, but I've always managed." She smiled and said, "my baby will soon be out of the house and then it will be my turn to take care of me."
SAC * RI * FICE – An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
Marian – You are a blessing to Foundations. You are a caregiver at heart and I'm so proud that you have chosen to be a part of our Culture of Care. Your sacrifice for others is humbling and I want to do better because of you. Thank you Momma!!!
Bob Speelman, STNA
Crown Pointe
