“Whatever I do, I pray that my work will please the Lord. If I am serving and helping others, I know God is watching over me.”

JoAnn Burris works as a CNA in ARISE Health Center at Covenant Village. She began serving in the Woodlands wing and now works in the Courtyard. This year, she received her ten-year service award.

“I love serving the residents,” she said. “I learn so much from them. They love conversation, and they are interested in my life.”

JoAnn works the night shift when there is more time for interaction, and residents appreciate having someone to listen to them, someone who understands their changing needs.

JoAnn didn’t always work in healthcare. Her first career was with Wells Fargo. While working on a career and raising her two sons, Isaiah and Elijah, now 27 and 24, she also cared for her mother.

As her mother’s caregiver, JoAnn realized she needed to develop new skills to provide the best care. She enrolled at Gaston College, and her clinical experiences took place at Covenant Village.

“I loved being at Covenant Village. It was peaceful and loving,” JoAnn said.

JoAnn cared for her mother until she passed away at 98 years old. Being able to care for her mother was “a blessing,” she said.

As a student, JoAnn excelled in her clinicals and caregiving, and her instructor encouraged her to pursue a career in healthcare. She credits her instructor for guiding her toward a meaningful second career, and the Lord for opening the door to a position at Covenant Village.

“Whatever I do, I pray that my work will please the Lord. If I am serving and helping others, I know God is watching over me,” she added.

JoAnn enjoys working with her colleagues in the health center, describing them as a “compassionate team.” She says everyone collaborates in caring for the residents and each other, especially during a resident’s passing. The team ensures the resident’s home feels sacred, comforting, and welcoming for family members saying goodbye.

Over the past ten years at Covenant Village, JoAnn has learned that you “can’t take life for granted. Every day is precious, even the last day.”

Family is very important to JoAnn, who is a twin. Her Christmas season revolves around family and serving others. When asked about her thoughts on the annual Employee Investment/Staff Bonus gift, JoAnn said, “I don’t expect anything except that the residents are happy. I hope it makes them happy knowing their gifts are helping others.”

At Covenant Village, service and care are shown through first-name relationships and attentive care that isn’t limited by time, provided by trained, compassionate staff who often feel like extended family. Supporting the annual Workforce Investment/Staff Bonus fund is a way to express appreciation. Donations can be made by check using the red envelopes available at the main entrances and the Resident Mail Center, or online at covenantvillagenc.com/giving.