Avera community health worker finds joy in serving those who need help

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

Nyareik Choul spends her days answering questions and helping others as an Avera community health worker.

More importantly, when Choul sees young people at job fairs and other events, she hopes they identify with her and find inspiration.

“Avera wants the best for everyone and for me,” she said. “I hope they see I love my work and realize they can too.”

Nyareik Choul talks to her teammate Tabitha Mathiang.

Community health workers like Choul serve as bridges – in language, empathy and experience – for underserved groups of people who might need help navigating health care systems and understanding resources in the community.

“Culture shock can be overwhelming,” she said. “Our team at the Avera Community Health Resource Center hears the voices of those who might feel overpowered by it.”

She spends her days meeting clients and talking them through anything they face, from insurance to transportation.

“It feels good to answer so many questions, she said.

Journey to great career

Choul joined her husband in the United States in 2009. A native of South Sudan, she came to the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and with hopes for finding a good job. But language obstacles and family obligations thinned her options.

“In my old job, I sometimes felt like a robot. Now, I’m learning every day,” she said.

Jumping into her job search, she remembered visits to Avera clinics: the welcoming nature, the smiles and friendly interactions.

“I do remember thinking maybe someday I could work there,” Choul said.

Her journey from customer to comforter feels like part of a greater plan, she said. But her feelings mirror her employer’s: She wants to give back to the individuals and communities around her, be they immigrants, refugees or anyone else.

“The joy of serving others makes me feel like Avera and I together was part of God’s plan,” she said. “Me, having this job, it shows the people we serve that better careers are possible.”

She witnessed the impact of her work during a recent high school visit.

“We’re showing young people it’s possible to find good jobs here,” she said. “Strong companies need their help.”

Angela Schoffelman, community program manager with Avera Community Health Resource Center, said Choul and her team are invaluable. “Nyareik is an integral part of the connections we create and the trust we build,” Schoffelman said.

Career growth, opportunities

Less than a year into her Avera career, Choul said she hopes more people see the health system as a place of growth and opportunities. “I found a chance to do more in a short time, and I know my team backs me. They offered me the chance to grow at work and at home.”

Choul learned communication skills and how that fits into health care when she was part of the Avera Leaders of Tomorrow program. “It was a great opportunity. It gave me a clear vision of what I need to accomplish goals, live out my purpose and share it with others,” she said.

“I feel like that confidence I had lost for seven years in production – it’s returned. Now, I get to teach others about action plans, problem-solving and managing chronic diseases,” Choul said. “That was always my goal: to help others.”

Read more employee stories on AveraBalance.org.