Jill Manha is the new director of the William N. Pennington Life Center.
Former Coalition for Senior Citizens Board President Jill Manha has been named the new manager of the Pennington Life Center effective Jan. 3.
In addition to her experience on the Coalition, Manha brings a passion for helping seniors and many years of health care experience to her new position, which also includes disability services.
“I’ve cared for disabled persons while in the health care industry and have a disabled family member, so I want to secure resources to enhance the quality of care for seniors and the disabled in our community,” she said.
Manha took her new position because she was looking for a transition out of health care while still being able to serve seniors in this community. “I plan to be here for the long-term, to help seniors in our community and build services for them.”
During her first several weeks on the job, Manha will assess all aspects of services offered at the Life Center and talk with seniors about their needs and wants for services moving forward. Drawing upon the input of seniors, she will draw up goals for implementing services to meet those needs.
“I also want to shadow staff members and learn about their jobs so we can bring people what they want and need,” she said.
Long-term goals include drawing out stories from the senior population and creating activities for all ages around those stories. By collaborating with the Churchill County Museum and School District, she hopes to bring younger people into the Life Center with the ultimate goal of offering more community involvement.
Manha, who has a master’s degree and is an Army veteran, has a long career in the Banner Hospital system, including nearly a decade with Banner Churchill Community Hospital as a senior practice manager and practice supervisor. Prior to moving to Fallon to work at the local hospital, she was with the Banner system in Fairbanks, Alaska.
