Resident Information
Why We Do What We Do Karen Morgan, Assistant Director of Recreation
Happy 100th Birthday
Deaconess K.J.S. was born on November 11, 1923, during the Japanese colonial occupation in Chungcheong Province, South Korea. She lived through the turbulent times of the founding of the Republic of Korea and the difficult times of the Korean War. During the war, she married and had one daughter. She later immigrated to the United States in the late 1980s. She was passionate about children's education and always said, ‘A person must learn, even if they have to build things with their hands to make a living.’ She has resided at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Long Term Care for five years. She enjoys her day in the dayroom, participating in daily activity programs with her peers.
In my first three months at Bergen New Bridge, serving as the Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation staff, it has not taken me long to learn that the therapeutic recreation department is filled with creative, passionate, hardworking, and caring staff members. From planning resident-centered programming to meet the whole person’s needs to creating significant events that truly celebrate life, the recreation staff is in constant motion as they engage the residents and create memorable experiences. When asked why they do what they do, here is what the recreation staff had to say: “ I am very proud to work with our residents, where I love to share my ideas and creativity. ” “ I have always been passionate about helping others, and working as a therapeutic recreation aide has made me do this. Seeing the residents happy, even with simple tabletop games and trivia and reading to them, brings me joy and inspires them to do better to positively impact their lives. ” “ My inspiration is to play a part in making every day better for the residents. I love helping others. ” “ I like this job because I feel good for doing something good for them. ” “ My recreation aide job allows me to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life every day. ” “ I like the job I am doing because of my residents. I love them so much because they are amazing. I enjoy talking with them, helping them, giving them activities they enjoy and sharing my talents with them. ” “ Seeing how recreation changes the resident’s quality of life inspires me. I want to make a difference in their lives. ” “ Advocacy and inclusive services inspire and drive me to succeed in my profession. ” This would not be possible without the department director’s solid leadership skills and experience. Kris Mullins has served as the Director of Therapeutic Recreation for over 19 years. She brings heart and expertise to the role that makes the department run smoothly and adds to the exceptional programming experienced by the residents here at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2024, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 8 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
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