At AmanaCare, building relationships, supporting community organizations, and investing in continued education are all important parts of our mission to honor the God-given dignity of those we serve and lead.
Our Lincoln team has been busy making connections, supporting worthy causes, and strengthening our ability to care for clients and families across Nebraska.
Building Connections Through WHAM
Recently, Heather Schanou, AmanaCare’s Director of Marketing, attended the Women in Healthcare Administration and Marketing (WHAM) Summer Social at Emerald Nursing & Rehab on South Street in Lincoln.
WHAM is a professional networking organization that brings together women working in healthcare administration, marketing, and related fields throughout the Lincoln area. The organization provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, relationship-building, professional development, and the sharing of ideas among healthcare professionals.
At AmanaCare, we know that strong relationships within the healthcare community ultimately benefit the clients and families we serve. Events like the WHAM Summer Social allow us to meet new people, strengthen existing partnerships, and explore new ways to work together to support Nebraskans.
We always enjoy connecting with fellow professionals and look forward to continuing to build relationships throughout the Lincoln community.
Supporting Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children
AmanaCare was also proud to sponsor a golf team at the Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children fundraising tournament.
A great time was had by all while supporting an extraordinary organization dedicated to serving children with special needs.
Nestled in the beautiful Nebraska countryside, Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children provides a peaceful, loving, and home-like environment for both day students and residential students who require specialized educational services.
Students at Villa Marie benefit from individualized academic instruction, comfortable living accommodations, spacious recreational opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where they can grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
The Marian Sisters and Villa Marie staff provide around-the-clock supervision and support for children with special needs, making Villa Marie the only facility in Nebraska offering 24-hour care of this kind. All teachers are certified in Special Education, and students have access to well-equipped classrooms, a library, computer lab, multipurpose room, chapel, and a variety of educational technology resources.
AmanaCare is honored to support organizations like Villa Marie that make such a profound difference in the lives of Nebraska families.
Investing in Mental Health First Aid Training
At AmanaCare, compassionate care goes far beyond assisting with physical needs. We recognize that emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being are equally important components of quality care.
Because of this commitment, two members of the AmanaCare leadership team — Mikah Christensen, Director of Operations in Lincoln, and Nancy Smolik, Director of Operations in Kearney — are currently pursuing certification in Mental Health First Aid through Region 5.
Mental Health First Aid training equips individuals to recognize, understand, and respond appropriately to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Participants learn practical tools for identifying concerns early, responding during times of crisis, and promoting ongoing wellness and connection.
For Mikah Christensen, the training reinforces a truth that AmanaCare witnesses every day.
“Human beings crave connection,” Mikah shared. “We are wired to desire love and belonging. Having a trusted person in your life is vital to maintaining mental wellness.”
For many clients, caregivers provide much more than assistance with daily tasks. They offer companionship, consistency, encouragement, conversation, and emotional support.
“If you don’t have someone you trust to spend time with and socialize with, you are likely to isolate and do or experience less,” Mikah explained. “Science tells us that the less stimulation we have as we age, the faster we decline. The more compassionate we are and the deeper our understanding becomes of those needs, the better we can serve our clients.”
Nancy Smolik echoed the value of continued learning and professional growth.
“While I was initially unaware that the training included a certification, I was excited to participate because I believe there is always value in learning new skills and gaining knowledge that may help someone in the future,” Nancy said. “Earning the certification was an added benefit that reinforced my commitment to professional growth.”
By investing in ongoing education and strengthening our understanding of mental health, AmanaCare continues to enhance our relationship-centered approach to care and ensure that we are meeting the whole-person needs of the individuals and families we serve.
At AmanaCare in Lincoln, we remain committed to serving our communities, supporting our partners, and continually growing in ways that allow us to provide exceptional care across Nebraska. Find out more about us here: Home Care Services in Lincoln, Nebraska | AmanaCare
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