Avera Community Health Worker Finds Joy in Serving Those Who Need Help

In her heart, Nyareik Choul knew she could find a better job, like the one she landed with Avera last year.

She spent seven years in production work. Sore and exhausted at shift’s end, she had little time for her husband, son and three daughters. Now, she has that time. She’s busy as a community health worker in Sioux Falls, where she helps anyone in need find their way. Choul felt 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.” Her 7-year-old daughter saw things change.

“She told me someday, she was going to get an Avera job,” Choul said. “She knows how it helped our family – and keeps helping many others.”

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.”

A New Avera Professional’s Journey to a 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 hopes for a good job. But language obstacles and family obligations thinned her options. When a production job came along, she took it. It was hard work, but necessary. But she knew she wanted more.

“When I turned 40, I said I’m going to find something else,” said Choul. “In my old job, I sometimes felt like a robot. Now I’m learning every day.” 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 serving of 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.”

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 and 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,” Choul said. “They offered me the chance to grow, at work and at home.”

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

Choul appreciates advantages her employee benefit programs offer. “Not all jobs have paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program or other benefits,” she said. “These blessings make a difference. 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.” Avera’s formal mission statement alludes to helping individuals and communities, an idea Choul completely understands

“We have busy, exciting days with back-to-back-to-back meetings with clients, and we walk them through anything they face, from insurance to transportation,” she said. “It feels good to answer so many questions.”

Choul sees young people at job fairs, career days or educational events – she knows they may identify with her. “Avera wants the best for everyone, and for me,” she said. “I hope they see I love my work and realize they can, too.”