At 6:00 a.m., when many people are just starting their day, Brittany Alt-Willard is already hard at work in the dining room at River Oaks Senior Living in Columbia Heights. Preparing snack trays, pouring drinks, setting tables, and washing dishes, she helps make sure everything is ready for residents each morning. 

“I’ve been working here for about six years,” Brittany said. “Three years at a different location and three years here.” 

Before coming to River Oaks, Brittany worked in a warehouse. The dining industry was new to her, and like anyone starting a new job, it took time to learn the routines and responsibilities. But now, Brittany knows exactly what needs to be done when she arrives each morning. 

“My typical day is I punch in at 6 a.m., I do snack trays, and then I pour the drinks into cups and get those ready,” Brittany said. “I go upstairs and clean the community room, then I come back down and set the tables. I do breakfast trays, dishes, and restock anything that needs to be restocked.” 

When asked what her favorite part of the job is, Brittany smiled and shared, “Everything.” 

Chef Supervisor Chris Jones has watched Brittany’s tremendous growth during the past three years. She is now comfortable and confident in her job.  

“She was a little shy when she first started here, but that’s coming to a new place. She’s thriving here.” And Jones said that now Brittany’s personality really shines through. 

“Now she jokes around with everybody,” Jones said. “She knows what to do when she comes to work, and it is awesome.” 

The growth has also led to new opportunities. Recently, Brittany stepped into a leadership role by helping train a new employee in the kitchen. 

“Brittany has impacted the workplace culture because she does a wonderful job,” Chris said. “She recently trained another person, and the new girl is doing outstanding, so kudos to Brittany because she’s the one who trained her on her job.” 

Her reliability has become one of her greatest strengths. Brittany was recently recognized at an all-staff meeting for achieving perfect attendance – an accomplishment that is not commonly earned. And her consistent attendance, strong worth ethic, and positive attitude have made a strong impression on the people she serves every day. 

“The residents love Brittany,” Jones shared. “They comment about how respectful she is at the tables.” 

Behind the scenes, Rise supports Brittany in ensuring she has transportation to get to work each day, assists with benefits and financial planning, and helps Brittany prepare for her future.  

Recently, Brittany also received a new pair of work shoes from Red Wing Shoes through Rise’s Advancing Lives Fund, helping ensure she has the resources she needs to stay comfortable and safe while working in the kitchen. 

Looking back at her journey, those who have worked alongside Brittany say the change in her confidence has been inspiring. 

“Brittany has truly blossomed,” Rise Employment Exploration Specialist Jennifer Nedegaard shared. “She quickly started showing confidence and the mindset of, ‘Hey, I can do this. I can be a leader.’ And now she’s training new people on the team. It’s amazing.” 

For Brittany, the job is one of many things in her life that feels good. 

“I am proud of a lot,” she said.