New role provides chance to help and comfort friends

Alicia Paul recently took over the role of Senior Living Sales Specialist for Clay Center Presbyterian Manor - where she’s tasked with helping guide aging adults through the process of finding a community that can accommodate their needs.

But really, Alicia views the work as helping the friends in her community she’s known her whole life.

“I was born here in Clay Center, and I’ve lived here most of my life,” Alicia said. “Family is big in this community, and I’ve known these families throughout my life. And some of them don’t know what to ask, so it’s giving me a sense of giving back to my community.”

As Senior Living Sales Specialist, Alicia is the start of the conversation about how to make the transition from one’s home to Clay Center Presbyterian Manor. It can be an overwhelming and emotional process, but Alicia does what she can to ensure people are comfortable and informed.

“Part of my job entails finding a place for senior citizens to call their new home,” Alicia said. “I’ve had the opportunity to do a few home visits and start the process of helping guide these families through the confusing road of finding someone to care for their loved one.”

Before working with Clay Center Presbyterian Manor, Alicia spent seven years with the local newspaper - performing every role that exists in the hometown publication. Her experience and dedication for Clay Center has carried her throughout her life - and beyond.

“I have three kids - 13, 14, and 17 - and it was really important to me when I became a mom that I raise my kids in Clay Center,” Alicia said. “This has always been a very wholesome community to me, the way everyone treats each other and has each other’s backs. It’s a close-knit community. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Clay Center is a really good village to have on my side.”