Gladwin CoA Celebrates Long-Time Care Workers

(L to R) In-home Care Workers who received the DCW Grant: Kelsee Zietz, Marie Cummings, Gretchen Mora, Angie Card and Katie White.

The Council on Aging, Gladwin County, would like to recognize five of its long-term employees for outstanding service to the seniors or Gladwin County; Angie Card, Marie Cummings, Gretchen Mora, Katie White and Kelsee Zietz.

The Council on Aging (CoA) received a grant opportunity from Region VII Area Agency on Aging to assist in the retention of its in-home care staff that has been with the organization for at least 1 ½ years plus. In applying for the grant, the CoA’s Program Director, Anna McNeill was able to apply for up to 5 in-home care workers who had shown outstanding skill and care, and who had worked for the organization 1 ½ years or longer.

“It wasn’t hard to write up how these five ladies have gone above and beyond for their clients,” McNeill said.

A week later, McNeill received confirmation that all five employees received the grant.

“This is our second time receiving the opportunity to apply for this grant,” said McNeill. “This time, I had five of our wonderful employees who fit the criteria, and I was so grateful that all five were chosen to get this retention grant.”

Gretchen Mora has been with the CoA since June of 2014, making this her 10th year with the organization. “Gretchen has been with us for the longest of any of our in-home care workers,” McNeill said. “She is a hard worker and cares deeply about her clients and their wellbeing.”

Marie Cummings joined the CoA in November of 2015, giving her 9 years on the CoA staff. In her letter of recommendation for this grant, McNeill wrote: “Marie does an excellent job caring for her clients. The services she provides help them feel safe, secure and comfortable in their homes.”

Angie Card was next, having been with the CoA since October of 2016, making this year her 8th year. Clients of Card, had wonderful comments in regards to her outstanding service, which were included in her application letter.

One of her homemaking clients stated; “Angie does a wonderful job. Angie does more than just clean for me. She knew that my dog was sick and called to check on how he had been doing before he passed away. Angie has been such a sweet heart.”

Katie White, who has been with the CoA since August of 2019, making this her 5th year, was nominated for many of the same reasons as the ladies listed above. McNeill wrote, “Katie cares very much about her client’s safety and helping them in their day-to-day lives.”

One of White’s long time personal care (bathing) clients stated: “I don’t know what I’d do without her help every week.”

Finally, Kelsee Zietz joined the CoA team in April of 2023, being just a month shy of the 1 ½ years criteria. McNeill submitted the application on Zietz’s behalf anyways.

In Ziets’s application letter, McNeill wrote; “Even with her being just outside of the time parameters, I felt it was still necessary to nominate Kelsee for this bonus grant. Kelsee was selected as an outstanding employee for her kind, caring demeanor towards every one of her clients, her go-getter attitude towards her work and her determination to do the best job she possibly can.”

Each of the In-Home Care Workers were presented with a certificate for their dedication to their clients and the CoA’s in-home program and their bonus check.

“I wish that I could have presented every one of our in-home team with this generous grant,” McNeill said. “They all work so hard for the seniors of our community and deserve this and much more."

The CoA wants to thank the Region VII Area Agency on Aging for providing this grant opportunity to help retain and celebrate their workers.