Amid millions of constantly moving “neighbors”, what nearly motionless object is invaluable because of its unchanging location? This same object is 2,500 times brighter than the sun; try to imagine the intensity of the light! Even though it is 1.9 quadrillion miles from Earth, because of its nearly constant location over the North Pole, the North Star has been an invaluable navigational guide for numerous journeys for centuries. There is often dependable and wise guidance in simplicity; simply by facing the North Star, one can be confident they are facing north and have the guidance needed to proceed in the correct direction.
Likewise, in human services, there is often dependable and wise guidance to be found in facing the “North Star” of striving for person-centeredness. Person-centered approaches involve navigating in a direction that ensures personal well-being and supports increasing independence while simultaneously supporting each unique individual to achieve their personal goals.
For almost a quarter of a century, Nicki Hellickson-Carothers, Designated Manager at Great River Homes, has provided leadership in helping navigate numerous life journeys by focusing on the “North Star” of person-centered thinking. Nicki has provided long-term, stabilizing, and invaluable leadership for team members at six homes in Wabasha and two homes in Lake City. Nicki also helps provide hands-on guidance in creative and individualized ways as she helps support individuals served by Great River Homes to live their best lives.
Any journey takes place one step at a time; look for the “North Star” of person-centeredness while reading Nicki’s thoughts about a few steps on her journey with Great River Homes. Nicki commented, “There have been so many great memories since I started at Great River Homes in 2002. From swimming parties and mini golf games to pontoon rides and parades, the experiences have been endless. I’ll never forget going through TSA with someone so they could make their flight to visit their sister. Of course, I happened to wear the wrong jeans that day — the ones with a little too much bling — which immediately set off the alarms. The whole situation gave the person I was with a good laugh, and honestly, that laughter helped ease my own stress in the moment. Another fun memory was sitting through a Vikings game, getting playfully heckled because the person I was with knew I was a Packer fan. Add in cheering at Twins vs. Brewers games and advocating at the Capitol during Disability Day at the Capitol, and the list truly could go on and on.
Over the years, I have witnessed many changes — policy updates, licensing requirement changes, funding cuts, and, most recently, the push and goal at Great River Homes toward becoming more paperless. Through it all, we as an agency have remained strong and steady.
Our communities continue to be incredible supporters of the individuals we serve. It’s rarely a quick trip to Kwik Trip; someone usually runs into a familiar face and stops to chat, and that’s what it’s all about. Those connections, those moments of belonging, are what make my heart full and why I continue to love what I do.”
Congratulations to Nicki on nearly a quarter of a century of service as a leader, following the “North Star” and elevating the needs and personal goals of individuals served by Great River Homes!
Jerry McMillin
Great River Homes, Inc.
