FORMER RESIDENT PUTS HEART INTO RUNNING MONTICELLO HOUSE

The most noticeable thing about Steve Elfrink at first is his age. He seems too young to be the administrator of a long-term care facility like Monticello House.

Elfrink grew up in Jackson. Being the oldest sibling helped him develop leadership qualities.

In high school he was part of a basketball team that played under coach Steve Birk. Birk was a mentor of Elfrink's who through the experience of hard work, keeping goals in sight and working as a team member helped mold him into the person he is now. Being on the team taught him how to work together.

Elfrink, having attained a degree in healthcare administration, worked in the field for some time and was transferred up here because of his experience in start-up facilities and his abilities in administration.

Through genuine caring you soon find your emotions vulnerable, but to Elfrink this was well worth the opportunity to take care of people. Hospitals lack the advantage of establishing relationships with people and building on them. Elfrink thinks being able to come back to Jackson and take care of people is the greatest thing. Some of the residents at Monticello House were once his neighbors; right now his great aunt is a resident. These facts motivate him to achieve the highest standards for the people living here. Being involved with the residents on a day-to-day basis motivates him to feel sincere responsibility.

From Elfrink's point of view, each holiday is important because to one resident it will be their last celebration.

A Mother's Day tea will be celebrated on May 13 at Monticello House in an effort toward making happy memories for the residents and their families.