At Immanuel, careers are shaped by real opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. That focus is at the center of My Story, Our Mission, a video series hosted by Chrissie McDaniel, Manager of Talent Acquisition, and Jameon Rush, Director of Marketing. Each episode highlights team members who demonstrate Immanuel’s mission through their daily work.
Employee Holly McDonald’s story is a great example of the career growth opportunities available at Immanuel.
From intern to impact
When you walk through the doors of Newport House, Holly’s is one of the first faces you’ll see. Not only is she the community’s administrative assistant, but she is also a friendly guide and steadfast supporter of Immanuel’s mission.
Holly’s Immanuel journey began as a graduate student intern at Graceview Courtyard. There, Holly connected classroom learning to resident outcomes. This sparked a long‑term commitment to the field.
“I really liked working for the organization,” she said. “I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Building skills across the organization
Before her internship, she had already discovered a passion for aging services through volunteer experiences with her mom.
“It was meaningful work,” she shares. “I didn’t know a career could come from that, but I loved it.”
Holly’s career progressed as she transitioned into a part-time role with the Immanuel Community Foundation, where she supported donation processing and activities across Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and Des Moines. The cross‑community work expanded her understanding of operations, philanthropy, and how teams collaborate to serve residents.
Front‑desk leadership and next steps
Today, Holly thrives at Newport House’s front desk, where she connects residents, families, volunteers, and guests to the right resources.
“You get to be the first face people see,” she says. “From the tours to the long‑term residents, I love getting to know everyone from the start.”
Holly is expanding her skills by training to support the office business manager. By doing this, she gains a deeper understanding of community administration while continuing to grow within Immanuel’s continuum of care.
She was also accepted into Immanuel’s Executive Director in Training program, which prepares employees to become future executive directors. It offers a development path for those seeking to grow into leadership roles within Immanuel’s communities.
Professional and personal missions in motion
Holly’s grandmother moved into Newport House just as Holly welcomed her first child. “It brought peace of mind,” she says, knowing her grandmother was surrounded by colleagues she considers friends. “You can’t walk around a community without someone offering to help.”
Why people stay
For Holly, each role was built on the last, turning a passion into a career path and a workplace into a home. Her story is just one example of the career growth available at Immanuel.
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