River City Six: Brenda Stanislav
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2017, Notre Dame Housing is a non-profit organization that provides service-enriched affordable and supportive services for seniors 55 and older. Brenda Stanislav is the Program Director at Notre Dame Housing (www.ndhinc.org).
Tell us a little about your business. – As one of the largest affordable housing providers for seniors in Nebraska we offer a stable foundation that allows seniors to explore their potential, supported by programs devoted to maintaining and enjoying independent lifestyles. Notre Dame Housing’s programs and services are designed to help seniors remain independent, healthy and stable. Our Goal: To ensure that seniors have choices about how and where they age. No one chooses to be in the position of depending on the compassion of others to meet the basic need of shelter. Our Mission: To provide service-enriched affordable housing, fostering independence and dignity. Our Vision: To create community that provides older adults with the resources to maintain a safe, comfortable and self-sufficient lifestyle. Our Purpose: To provide service-enriched affordable housing to low-to-moderate income seniors.
Tell us about your position. – As a Program Director I coordinate activities, community events and entertainment. I also oversee the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA) congregate senior lunch program/senior center. Finally, I recruit, coordinate, supervise and train all of the volunteers and program staff for Notre Dame Housing.
Tell us a little about your experience in the industry. – Over the past 20 years I have held positions in Activities, Social Services, Food Service and Nursing. I have worked in Senior Centers, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Livings, and Independent Living Facilities. I also have past case management experience in substance abuse/mental health as well as domestic violence.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – There have been several. Earning my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human & Social Service Administration from Bellevue University in 2004, receiving a ServSafe Certification in January of 2013, and becoming a certified instructor in Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance in 2016.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I moved to Omaha from the middle of the state, out in Grand Island. Relocating to the metro area offered me far more job opportunities.
What are you the most proud of? – My education. I started with earning a diploma in Human Services, went on to receive my Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services from Central Community College, and then my Bachelor of Science degree. I feel my education and career experience has helped me to be a well-rounded person and professional.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Dedicated
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
What is your favorite movie? – Point of No Return starring Bridget Fonda.
What is your favorite TV show? – Days of our Lives, The Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy, and Law & Order Special Victims Unit.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Olive Garden.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Edgar Allen Poe
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Feel free to email me directly at bstanislav@ndhinc.org or visit us online at www.ndhinc.org.