×

New director takes helm at Marshalltown REM

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Aly Wenner, left, was recently promoted as director of community services at REM Marshalltown. Her primary focus is overseeing the agency’s residential programs whereby clients integrate into the community while still receiving the daily supports they need. She works closely with Nicole Lynch, right. Lynch seves as director of developmental services, overseeing day program activities for clients.

For Aly Wenner, her job is not a job — she enjoys going to work and is grateful for the company she works at.

Wenner was recently promoted as director of community services at REM Marshalltown. Her primary focus is overseeing the agency’s residential programs whereby clients integrate into the community while still receiving the daily supports they need.

Founded in 1979, REM Iowa provides services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and services for adults with brain injuries. Throughout the state, REM offers residential services and day and vocational programs. It is a partner of The MENTOR Network.

Wenner, 23, has been employed at REM for almost three years, working her way up through the ranks. She said she can’t imagine a career anywhere else.

“I fell in love with this company and what we do here. I started as a direct support professional in the Marshalltown area. I love the individuals we work with and serve. I just really have a passion for them gaining their overall independence, which is really what we’re all about. We’re kind of the middle man in getting them resources,” she said.

Wenner said she is the first one to point out her young age. However, she said she plans on eventually completing an undergraduate degree in social work.

Amy Cady, REM area director, said considering one’s passion and experience, not age, goes into the hiring process.

“(Working here has given) her a lot of experience and knowledge and understanding of the individuals we’re serving. She has displayed she’s motivated to wanting to grow services and continue to have good services in this area,” Cady said.

Regional Manager Sara Drish said Wenner has a passion for REM’s mission.

“I have three kids, so they kind of drive everything I do here,” Wenner said. “My youngest son has autism, so that is one of the reasons this job is near and dear to me. I know he’s going to need services one day, and I want REM to be the exemplary model of what everybody should be.”

Wenner works closely with Nicole Lynch, another recent hiree. Lynch serves as director of developmental services, overseeing day program activities for clients.

Looking to the future, Wenner said she is working toward bringing REM’s Host Home program to the Marshalltown area. A home provider, called a mentor, takes in an individual in a REM program and provides him or her with home-based supervision, life skills development and activities. Mentors can be couples, families or single people. An informational meeting about the Host Home program is slated for 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Marshalltown REM, 21 S. Second Ave.

“I’ve worked here three years and there are still people who don’t know we’re here and what we do, and I’m trying to change that,” Wenner said.

———-

Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at (641) 753-6611

or sjordan@timesrepublican.com

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today