During the week of October 24th, The Pointe at Kilpatrick became one of the first training sites for a new program developed by the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition (AALC). The program is a Manager in Training class and was developed to encourage and recruit strong leaders to become managers at supportive living communities throughout the state. “We are proud to have one of the best affordable housing programs in the country right here in Illinois. This manager’s course will only add credibility to those overseeing our Supportive Living communities,” explained Nancy McCaffrey, AALC Board member and Corporate Director of The Pointe.

The program consisted of a 3 week curriculum held in the classroom and a fourth week working on-site under the supervision of a Supportive Living manager. Courtney Kelly was the “student” assigned to shadow and learn at The Pointe. She was provided an hour-to-hour schedule and spent a busy week with each department. During this time, she observed systems of communication, resident care, food service, business office processes and emergency procedures, to name just a few of the areas.

“Courtney is a great student. Although she has had little experience, she is very enthusiastic and eager to soak up everything she has been given through the entire week, taking lots of notes and asking lots of questions. I think she has potential to make a great manager someday,” stated Zoe Espitia, Executive Director. The experiences that Courtney had with all the staff members were very positive, she is considering volunteering regularly for the New Day program.

Why would anyone want to enroll in such a course? For Courtney, the decision was easy. She has several family members in senior health care, including her mother who has been an administrator in both nursing homes and assisted living. Courtney went on to say, “My biggest inspiration for getting involved in this field is my compassion for the elderly. I feel it would be a very rewarding career to make sure our seniors are happy and well taken care of.” 

The staff at The Pointe was proud to offer their insight and knowledge to someone who, one day, may be the future of our program. We all look forward to more successful Manager-in Training experiences.