The Bishop Garrigan girls basketball team has plenty of pre-game rituals.
Instead of a matchup on the court, today the Golden Bears are visitors at the Good Samaritan Society in Algona, Iowa.
“We come here a lot,” says high school senior Zoe Montag. “Most of the time before or after we make trips to the state tournament.”
One of the team’s coaches, Joe Bartolo, happens to be the nursing home’s administrator.
“We pair with the local schools, both Bishop Garrigan and Algona, and they bring students here, and we have them involved in activities or they sing and things like that,” Joe says.
An intergenerational showdown featuring dice is on the docket this morning.
“The goal is to roll doubles,” Zoe says with a smile. “We come down because they’re always supportive of us and our team. And they’re very supportive of Joe and they care about him and what he’s up to.”
Joe adds, “That’s obviously pretty special to me because it’s the girls I work with 12 months out of the year for basketball. To see them come in and interact, it’s pretty special.”
‘It’s far more than just a job’
Joe first came off the bench and joined the Society as a CNA when he was 18. More than 20 years later he’s still serving others.
“Once you sit down and get to know the people and talk to them, you build those relationships. It’s far more than just a job at that point,” Joe says.
Resident Tim Mogler says, “They’re good people here. They take care of you really good.”
Emmi Bartolo, a member of the basketball team and Joe’s daughter, has even spent time working in the center’s kitchen.
“You see it here with the residents, he really loves what he does, and he has a big heart, and he’s always wanting to be around people and helping them out,” Emmi says about her dad.
“Obviously we live different lives but we’re all people. We have a lot in common. We love to spend time together.”
‘We like our leaders to be in the community’
A nurse by trade, Joe loves being a caregiver in a faith-based organization and the life that comes with it.
“We’ve got five kids. We like to travel,” says Joe. “I mean we’re running everywhere most weekends and evenings. To have the flexibility to do that is huge when you’re looking for a career to have that work-life balance with your family.”
When he’s not roaming the Society’s halls, you can find Joe at Bishop Garrigan Catholic Schools not far from a familiar face.
“We like our leaders to be in the community. That’s what Good Sam looks for,” Joe says. “My dad means a lot to me, and I certainly look up to him. And he’s probably why I’m coaching and maybe why I’m in the position here as administrator as a spiritual leader as well.”
John Bartolo, a hall of fame coach in Iowa and longtime referee, is retired. But he still pitches in as a coach for multiple sports. Staying active is a family tradition.
“He’s involved in everything around town that he can get his hands on, especially out here at school,” John says praising his son Joe.
Recently, Joe helped coach the Audi Crooks-led girls basketball team to back-to-back state titles in ‘22 and ‘23.
“It makes me proud. I’m probably going to get a little emotional,” says John through tears. “I’m just proud of what he’s done. He’s proven himself.”
Society’s faith-based mission a ‘comfort’
Knowing the X’s and O’s is one thing. Being there for players and residents is Joe’s gift.
“If you’re having any problems, you know that you can talk to him and know that he’s going to give you an honest answer,” says Zoe. “He genuinely cares about you, not as just a player but also as a person.”
Society teammate turned resident Mary Hannover says Joe is living out the organization’s mission.
“Give everybody the opportunity to make them feel comfortable, loved, needed and wanted,” Mary says about Joe’s leadership and caregiving style.
“We owe it to our community to help them out and so we want to be a part of that for sure,” Joe says. “What sets us apart first and foremost is the Christ-centeredness, the mission that we have. I think it sets us apart.
“To me that was like second nature. It was comfort.”
Learn more
- Dedicated husband, volunteer perks up long-term care center
- Nurse finds calling as senior living administrator
- ‘Everything that an employee of Good Samaritan should be’
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Posted In Community, Corporate Services & Administration, Sanford Stories, Senior Services
