Half A Century of Service
July 17, 2025
Celebrating Beth’s 48 Years of Dedication to Homeward Bound
When you sit down with Beth, you quickly feel the warmth that so many have come to cherish over the past 48 years. As she prepares to close this chapter and step into retirement, it’s impossible not to reflect with gratitude on the incredible impact she’s had — not just on the individuals she’s supported, but on generations of staff who have learned from her heart, her resilience, and her joy.
A Journey of Many Hats — and Hearts
When Beth first joined Homeward Bound, she started as a nurse — a natural fit given her background — and dove headfirst into supporting the daily health and wellness needs of the individuals in her care. “After several years in nursing, I felt a pull back to direct care. It’s where my heart is,” Beth shares. That shift set the tone for a career defined by her willingness to grow and adapt, always putting the people first.
“I remember my days at the New Hope home so fondly — everyone was always upbeat; it felt like family from the very beginning,” she recalls. Over the decades, Beth stepped into many roles, from operations coordinator — “working behind the scenes and alongside the home coordinators to make sure each individual had what they needed day-to-day” — to on-site supervisor, and today, her flex position allows her to balance quality time with her grandchildren and her unwavering commitment to the Homeward Bound family.
A Day in the Life: Hands On, Hearts Full
These days, Beth spends her evenings in direct care — “helping prepare meals, going on outings, assisting with travel — it’s such a treat to have an abundance of quality time with the residents,” she says. The chance to truly share daily life with individuals is what lights her up. “I really enjoy spending quality time with them. It’s the best part.”
When asked how her daily work has changed over nearly five decades, Beth points out that while the details shift, the heart of it stays the same: “It’s about showing up, pouring your heart out, and rising to the occasion. Always.”
Finding Joy in the Everyday
For Beth, the most rewarding part of her work has always been witnessing the pure joy and growth of the people she supports — and the deep trust their families place in her. She keeps handwritten notes and letters from guardians and family members; reminders of the special bond that makes this work feel like an extension of her own family. “It’s an awesome feeling to know their loved ones feel safe in my care — and I feel the same about them,” she says.
There are countless special memories — from trips to Manhattan and the Wisconsin Dells to “helping one of our individuals get ready to be a bridesmaid at a family wedding — she looked so stunning in her dress,” Beth recalls, her eyes lighting up. One of her all-time favorite moments was attending Camp Confidence, a weekend camping retreat with 24/7 care that allowed staff and individuals to share uninterrupted time together. “Nothing can beat that — I hope opportunities like that come back.”
Challenges and Grace
Of course, four decades in this field have brought challenges too. Beth remembers a time when adapting to change felt daunting — especially supporting individuals through relocations or new processes. “Homeward Bound made those transitions so much easier,” she reflects. “Now, I know how to be a leader through change. We do it together, and we do it well.”
Lessons for the Next Generation
We asked Beth what advice she gives new staff, and she didn’t hesitate: “Give yourself grace. Don’t expect to know everything right away — give it six months. Ask every question. We want you to succeed.” Her mentorship has helped shape so many at Homeward Bound into confident, compassionate caregivers.
She’s equally quick to say who’s inspired her: “So many people here give 110% every single day — the way they show up for our individuals and each other is amazing. It’s a family.”
The Legacy She Leaves
When she thinks about what she hopes people remember, Beth’s answer is simple: “The smiles. Everyone’s personality is so different, and they exude joy. The bond between staff and individuals, the kindness and compassion — it’s just an incredible thing to be part of.”
A Well-Earned Next Chapter
After an astonishing 48 years of service, Beth is stepping into a season of rest and family time — tending her garden, spending time with her grandchildren, and making new memories at the cabin. “I’m excited to have more time to flourish outside of work too,” she says with a smile.
To Beth: Thank you for showing us what it means to lead with love, to rise to the occasion, and to never stop witnessing the joy that lives in the heart of Homeward Bound. You have poured out your heart every day for nearly half a century, and in doing so, you’ve built a legacy that will continue to shape our Homeward Bound family for generations to come.
From all of us: Thank you, thank you, thank you.
