What do you get when you have an organization with a meaningful long-term mission that also offers a wide range of dynamic job opportunities? You get a Great Place to Work.
With a broad mission to provide services that support people facing challenges to living and working in our community, the Challenge Center has developed programs that have attracted many dedicated employees bringing a wide range of talents. Working at the Challenge Center offers a different level of engagement and purpose that appeals to those looking for more than just a job.
As an affiliate of Catholic Charities Bureau of the Superior Diocese, it’s fairly obvious to see that the work done by the Challenge Center is important on many levels. The support and services provided to those they serve not only improves the condition of those directly served, but their families and greater community are positively impacted as well.
What might not be so clearly evident is the impact the Challenge Center has by providing long-term, stable jobs in an industry critical to the health of the community.
From pay and scheduling to environment and opportunities for growth, it’s commonplace for employees to transfer from position to position for multiple reasons while looking for their perfect fit. In an age where employees don’t hesitate to switch jobs for perceived greener pastures, the Challenge Center’s variety of work opportunities has an appeal for employees at any stage of their career.
With more than 100 employees, there are many stories from employees at the Challenge Center highlighting as to why people find this is a Great Place to Work.
Back in 1996, Toni Tollers began working in Bay Produce as a fill-in staff person. After two years she began working full time in their Residential Program. The Challenge Center owns and operates right different group homes in Superior, as well as supporting more than 50 people in their own homes. In 2000 Toni began working for Marathon Industries, providing subcontract work and shredding as a Prevocational Program that offers opportunities for those served to gain the skills necessary to pursue work in our greater community.
“A big part of what we do is to help people live a more independent life, and work is a big part of that for all of us. It’s great to watch the people I work with as they fulfill their goals and know that I had a part in that success.”
At almost 30 years and counting, Toni’s career at the Challenge Center continues to positively impact those served by the program as well as her own life.
Joanie Matson began working for the Challenge Center back in 2007 in the Residential Program. Through the years she has gone on to work in the Adult Day as well as the Independent Living Program. Joanie even left the Challenge Center for two years but came back to take a role as a Team Lead in many of their homes. While also a busy mother, Joanie is pursuing her business management degree while working full time.
“Working at the Challenge Center allows me to continue working in a field that I have grown to love as I improve my skills as a leader.”
At just 18 years old, Shannon Hirvela, began working in the Harborview Group Home as a Direct Care Worker or a DSP. This role is one of the Challenge Center’s core roles in each of their programs, providing professional, compassionate care to all those served. Shannon was then promoted to Team Lead in the Residential Program. Team Leads operate as the house managers, ensuring a safe, homelike environment for the residents. Then, Shannon was promoted to Residential Director, overseeing the operation of the Residential and Supported Living Programs.
“I tell people I meet that I grew up at the Challenge Center. It’s amazing to see how my career has developed to a position where I can now see and help others as they look to start and build their own careers. It’s not just the impact our programs have on the residents that drives me; it’s also the impact on our employees and their families that I find most important.”
Not only do these key staff manage the programs that drive their mission, they also serve as great examples and mentors for those looking to make a career in the human services field. For many employees, especially students or those with young families, the employer’s flexibility in accommodating a non-traditional 9 to 5 position plays a big role in their ability to maintain consistent work.
Serenity Holmes, a college student at UWS, works in the Challenge Center’s Adult Day Program, where she is able to schedule her shifts around her classes as she pursues her degree in Criminal Justice. Serenity works assisting those served in the Adult Program as they access all our community has to offer.
“Working at the Challenge Center is much more rewarding than the jobs most students find. It’s a chance to play a bigger part in the community. My days are never the same and I really enjoy helping people.”
Izzy Carlson is a Senior at Superior High School and works in the Challenge Center’s Independent Living Program, where she helps support those wishing to stay in their own homes. She helps with light cleaning, cooking, shopping and transportation. As a busy student athlete on the girls soccer and cross-country teams, the ability to have a flexible schedule is a main reason she came to work at the Challenge Center.
“I came to work at the Challenge Center based on a referral from a friend. I love knowing that what I do makes a difference in people’s lives.”
Simon Rock, a UWS student thinking about a career as a Special Education Teacher, works in the Residential Program as an overnight DSP. His position at the Challenge Center not only provides him an opportunity to gain real-world experience in his chosen field, it also allows him time to keep up with his class work.
“Once my nightly household duties are taken care of, I have time to study. Not many other jobs offer this kind of benefit.”
Human Services is still an industry where a person can start with relatively little experience and grow into a leader. The Challenge Center offers programs across a diverse range of service types and, therefore, different opportunities for employment. It’s true that the type of work performed by the staff at the Challenge Center might not be for everybody.
But for those drawn to positions where they have the daily opportunity to help others and make a difference in their lives, the Challenge Center truly is a Great Place to Work.
