Welcome, Tom!

Tom Orput is the new Aging and Disabilities Resource Specialist! Tom is a veteran with a background in education which will be so beneficial to the Aging Unit and Elder Care Programs. His office is in the Tribal Government Center. He can be reached at ext. 5261.

“I am very excited to serve as the St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic’s new Aging & Disability Resource Specialist! I am grateful for this meaningful and rewarding position – caring for the Tribal Elder’s social, emotional, and physical wellness.

My work with older adults and adults with disabilities has been both unique and diverse. I moved here from the San Francisco Bay Area last April where I performed similar work. My most recent position included working in a Veterans Hospital, which provided me with rich experiences leading and supporting caregivers for senior women and men who served in our armed forces. Prior to that assignment, I managed educational and wellness programs for older adults and adults with disabilities through adult school programs in Berkeley, Alameda and Newark, California. While our primary mission was educational, we were tasked with checking in with each senior, interviewing them to identify their unique needs and provide them with information about resources.

Through this work, I learned firsthand the challenges some of our elderly face coping with a disability and navigating healthcare, nutrition, mental health services, transportation, finances and family relationships. Oftentimes our seniors are forgotten or overlooked even though most people agree that our elderly community members, including the disabled or non-ambulatory, should be our priority. I also learned that many elders often struggle with technology and may not know how to find resources or advocate for themselves. It is my hope that our work here will help all Elder Tribal Members understand all of the resources and options available to make great choices that improve their quality of life.

I grew up in St. Paul where I gravitated to Northwestern Wisconsin during my formative years and learned first-hand about the beauty of the forests, lakes, and streams. When my elderly father became challenged with his unique emotional and physical needs, I knew it was time to return here and help care for him in his waning years. I guess it is a combination of both forces that brought me here.

I realize that with this change, I have a lot to learn. I look forward to working in concert with Tribal staff members and the County Aging & Disability Resource Centers staff. I welcome all feedback and advice. I believe that by working together, we can benefit all of our Tribal Elders to ensure that they have the knowledge of the resources they may need to improve their quality of life.”