Holly Knipfer took a CNA course when she was 17 as a way to procure a part-time job and earn some money as she looked ahead to college. What she didn't expect was how much she would enjoy working with older adults and how the experience would shape the next five years of her life.
Now she's just 600 internship hours away from completing her degree in recreational therapy with a minor in gerontology from UW-La Crosse. While she had many options on where to complete her summer internship, she chose Capitol Lakes due to its proximity to her hometown of Marshall and the financial support offered by the Capitol Lakes Foundation. Says Knipfer:
Because the internship is a part of my program, I owe tuition for the summer session. I am incredibly grateful to the members of the Capitol Lakes Foundation for the $1,000 payment to help offset my tuition. This will also help me afford my certification exam in September so that I can begin my new career as a Recreational Therapist. This is such an incredible resource for students like myself.
Your gifts make supporting learners like Knipfer possible at Capitol Lakes. And her presence here this summer has made a positive difference for our Health Center residents. On any given day, you can find her running a seated fitness class, facilitating bingo and trivia, leading a story telling group, or assessing new residents so that they can be connected to the activities and resources that match their preferences.
Thanks to you, Knipfer is improving the quality of life for our residents this summer and will brighten the lives of countless other older adults in the future as she starts her career as a Recreational Therapist this fall.
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