Rosellen Policky of Seward has been pouring her heart into Kinship Pointe since its founding more than 32 years ago.
In a bittersweet moment on Nov. 22, she will retire from her position as activities director, where she said residents have turned into family.
When Policky started her Kinship Pointe career, the facility was called Heartland Park and solely offered independent living. Each week, she worked 24 hours in housekeeping and 15 hours in the activities department.
Years later, the facility added assisted living options and opened 23 more apartments. Its need for housekeeping increased, so Policky became the full-time housekeeping director. In 2000, a new executive director asked Policky if she would like to go back to activities to be the department’s director, and Policky accepted.
As activities director, Policky plans and leads engaging activities and outings for residents to keep them entertained. She said she makes a point to incorporate their past traditions and interests into their daily lives at the center.
“I like to bring back traditions for them, like when it came to the holidays, with Christmas, a lot of them baked, but they couldn't bake anymore,” she said. “So, I would find out what their tradition was, and then make those traditional candies or cookies, so that they'd have a taste of that again.”
She said the best part of her job has been all the friendships she has made along the way, and she has loved hearing from residents about all the interesting things they have done in their pasts.
“You just can’t beat it,” she said. “You just become family, and you just want to be a part of their life.”
Assistant activities director Marie Vantine has worked with Policky for nearly two decades and said they make a great team.
“She's probably my best friend, or maybe even like a sister,” she said. “The residents love her. We all do a lot of outings and have fun and a lot of laughs.”
Lindsay Mobley will take over as activities director when Policky leaves. In retirement, Policky plans to travel more with her husband. They have a trip to Branson planned in December and will visit friends in Alaska in June.
“Being with the residents and everybody just became like family,” she said. “So, it's not easy to leave. I'm at the age where it's time to retire, so that's why I'm retiring. Otherwise, I'd be continuing because I enjoy and love what I do.”
