By Tara Fort
As a young girl, Laura Dreibelbis, Director of the Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center (SJRC), treasured the relationship and special times spent with her grandmother. She later chose Nursing as a career, acknowledging that, “It was so natural for me to care for older adults in the way I expected my own grandmother to be cared for.” A Prescott Valley resident since 2005, she strives to make a difference in the lives of those surrounding her and says, “I find that when I know I have made someone feel better, happier and appreciated, I personally feel better, happier and appreciated.”
Dreibelbis’s passion for offering affordable care to adults in a quality setting is paramount, and today she finds gratification in providing a specialized option. She states, “SJRC is an adult day program giving family caregivers the opportunity to enjoy time off knowing their loved one is secure, engaged and supported in a meaningful, therapeutic activity program.” Since 1982 SJRC has been licensed as a medical social model of an adult day program, serving adults of all ages living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, developmental and physical disabilities, head injuries, loneliness and isolation. Founded as a vision of Susan J. Rheem, a well-respected Prescott resident known as a champion for the elderly and adults with disabilities, the Center was renamed in Rheem’s honor when she passed away in 2011. Says Dreibelbis, “Although Susan is no longer with us, she is still very much a part of the vision and purpose of the Center.”
Celebrating the journeys of others is a highlight for Dreibelbis in her life work—both as Director of the SJRC and as a mother of three sons. “I’m definitely a family person and find that my most treasured times are when my family comes together.” In her work environment, Dreibelbis enjoys the positive, uplifting and rewarding times when she sees participants dancing, cheering each other on while playing games or bowling, and creating meaningful friendships. She credits her amazing team of 15 employees and volunteers for the success of the Center, and says, “SJRC is special because of the exceptionally caring team of those who give of themselves daily to make life better for our participants, and I appreciate their efforts tremendously.” Dreibelbis adds, “The most rewarding part of what we do is when we look into someone’s eyes and see that we are making a positive difference in that person’s life. I am so grateful I can come to work every day to be part of this unified energy. The personal reward in doing what I do is so much more than I ever imagined.”
For more information about the Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, call 928-775-3563 or visit 3407 N. Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. The Center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.