Remembering Long-Time Heartland Employee, Jennifer Miller
We regret to share that long-time Heartland Mental Health employee, Jennifer Miller, passed away on Thursday, February 23rd, at the young age of 57 years, after a long and hard-fought bought with cancer.
Heartland was privileged to have Jennifer Miller as our Drop-In Center Coordinator for over 20 years, and Jen's hard work and dedication reached throughout the entire organization and community. She handled all the peer employment schedules; communicated with Our Savior's Church on behalf of the Drop-In Center; helped with the weekly lunches, clothing drives, and community events; led peer groups; and advocated tirelessly on behalf of our members.
In fact, Jen did so much for Heartland Mental Health for so long that there simply is not enough room to fit it all in this page. But, with the help of some wonderful stories from our Program Director, Margie, and from Board Secretary, Karen, we will try our best to capture what Jennifer meant to us all here at Heartland Mental Health.
Heartland's Program Director, Margie, worked closely with Jennifer for years. They grew close to each other during this time, and Margie feels that she and Jennifer were extremely in-sync in how they partnered together and worked together as a team. When asked about her connection with Jennifer, Margie shared a story about a time when Jen was driving the group back from Georgetown in the winter. They had attempted to go to Georgetown for a group trip, but they turned around right away after seeing the perilous weather and road conditions.
While driving back, the vehicle slid on ice. Jennifer was driving, and Margie remembers how calm, cool, and collected Jennifer stayed despite the stress of the situation. Jennifer knew just what to do to keep them all safe, and Margie will always remember and appreciate that. "We went through this scary moment together," Margie said. "And it's moments like those that really bond you."
Below is a photo of Margie and Jen together at the End-Of-Summer Barbecue... where the weather was thankfully much warmer than it was on that cold drive.
Left: Heartland Program Director, Margie; Right: Heartland Drop-In Coordinator, Jennifer
"Jen was much loved by the members and the member workers. Over and over they say, 'She's the best boss I've ever had.' It's very clear to everyone," Margie concluded.
Heartland's Member Board Secretary, Karen Aakeberg, also has nothing but praise for Jennifer. Karen knew Jen for about eight years, and she shares that she always felt safe and secure with Jennifer at the Drop-In Center.
"Jen was a very take-charge, management-oriented person, but she was also very sensitive and had a lot of empathy," Karen explains. Karen also recalls one particular memory of Jen that meant a lot to her. It was when Karen went on a group trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary. Karen really wanted to see the animals but was too scared to walk on the above-ground walkway to see them. She remembers how Jen helped encourage her to conquer her fears. Jen said, "Come on, Karen, you can do it!" In that moment, Jen helped Karen feel brave enough to step out onto the walkway.
Karen has nothing but appreciation for Jennifer - and the whole team at Heartland feels exactly the same. We are grateful for Jennifer and all that she did for us through the years. From all of us, we say, "Thank you, Jen."