Jenessa Dunkle, therapy aide

Therapy aid, Jenessa Dunkle, continually looks for ways to keep residents in long-term care connected with their community joys and personal values. When planning activities, she enjoys finding ways the residents can grow by participating in shared experiences with one another, their families and the community outside the care facility.

“A twisted tale” is a movie she directed starring all the residents. Residents were able to share themselves in the film in ways they may never have before. Jenessa invited and encouraged families to attend filming so they could support and encourage their loved ones. The movie concluded with a premiere gala that had a red carpet, photos and awards. This initial film created the need for a sequel; a third movie is in development.

Jenessa imagined a Christmas winter village and put it together with the help of staff, residents and the community. The village let residents experience the sights and sounds of the season. Volunteers contributed fresh baking, helped set up displays and became characters in the village. Donated goods were sold at the Christmas country store, there was a spot for pictures with Santa and there was also caroling on the street. School children made life-sized backdrops for the village and participated in helping residents enjoy the event.

Last summer Jenessa arranged a bridal fashion show. There were 34 dresses from the community dating from 1935 to 2019 modeled by local residents.