How Purpose, Support and Belonging Led One Employee Back to Wellpoint Care Network

Jess Reese began her career in January of 2012 as a case manager with Integrated Family Services, which later merged into what is now Wellpoint Care Network. Over the next decade, Reese held a variety of roles ranging from direct practice to leadership.

“It was a great opportunity,” she said. “I got to see how the child welfare system works and how Wellpoint Care supports families and staff from different angles.”

In May of 2022, Reese made the decision to leave the organization for a role outside of child and family well-being. It felt like the right next step at the time, but that feeling didn’t last long.

“Almost immediately, I felt this hole,” she shared. “Something was missing.”

In September of 2025, Jess came back to Wellpoint Care Network, taking the role of Program Manager for Foster Care Licensing. This was, in her words, “the easiest decision I’ve ever made.”

“I remember pulling into the parking lot on my first day back and feeling this wave come over me like, ‘I’m home.’ It just felt so natural.”

For Reese, the decision was two-fold. She knew she wanted to step back into a role helping children and families thrive.

“If you work in child welfare and you’re meant to be here, you feel it in your bones,” she explained. “It’s what I believe in and what I’m passionate about.”

But just as important as the work itself is where that work happens. Reese admits that working in child and family well-being can be emotional and demanding, and says organizational support is critical to success.

“Wellpoint Care recognizes how hard this work is,” she said. “They truly support staff doing this every day, and that makes a huge difference.”

Another major factor in her return was Wellpoint Care Network’s commitment to Trauma Informed Care. After leaving, Reese worked in other client-facing roles where trauma-informed practices weren’t prioritized.

“The difference was striking,” she said. “Trauma Informed Care wasn’t a focus or even on the radar in those spaces. And the work just didn’t feel right.”

Reese had seen first-hand the impact of Trauma Informed Care, having participated in a 2013 Greater Milwaukee Foundation grant that set out to implement and evaluate a comprehensive trauma-informed child welfare program. That work ended up not only affecting her professional life, but her personal one as well.

“I saw it trickle into every part of my life,” she shared. “The way I approached my kids, my family, situations in the community — everything shifted. You start leading with understanding instead of judgment, and that changes everything.”

That’s one of the many reasons that Reese is certain she’s back where she belongs.

“People outside of here probably can’t say they enjoy going to work,” she said. “But I love going to work. I love the people I work with, and I love what I do. I know that what I’m doing is making a positive impact on the community.”

At Wellpoint Care Network, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. If you are looking for meaningful work alongside a supporting and mission-drive team, we would love to hear from you. Explore current opportunities and consider joining us.