Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Rachel Kindell, the Aurora House Group Home Manager, is the City of Falls Church 2023 Employee of the Year. Kindell has served the City of Falls Church since 2000.
The community-led Employee Review Board selected Kindell for her compassion and ongoing dedication to the young women and staff of the Aurora House Group Home. The home, which is certified by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, serves up to 12 adolescent females ages 13-20 and provides a nurturing environment with the structure and support necessary to help them through the difficulties they experience.
In 2023, Kindell started the accreditation process to designate Aurora House as a Qualified Residential Treatment Program to increase utilization and support foster care for youth. This is the first time the program has done this, and it is part of Kindell’s vision to be the best in Virginia.
Kindell’s approach to care is holistic, and she also supports the residents’ families. In 2023, she arranged for a suit donation for a parent in need who was job-seeking. She also worked with staff to meet family food assistance needs. In addition, Kindell assisted and supported the Aurora House Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) while they planned and executed one of the largest and most successful fundraisers the program has ever had. Over $10,000 was raised for scholarships at the Clare and Don’s event in the City. These are just a few of Kindell’s accomplishments in 2023.
The City Council will recognize Kindell at their April 29, 2024, meeting.
The other 2023 Employee of the Year nominees were Anthony Dudley (Public Works), Charlie Hamilton (IT Services), Dilraj Sidhu (Community Planning and Economic Development Services), Herbert Holmes (Public Works), Kathy Crandall (Public Works), Kayleen Mark (Housing and Human Services), Liam Andrews (Rec and Parks), and Mihai Statie (Emergency Management).
Nominations for the 2024 Employee of the Year will open in early 2025.
