Last week, the EmberHope team traded office walls for open skies and furry friends during the first-ever Agency-All Zoo Day. The event, held at The Sedgwick County Zoo, invited staff from across departments to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities and simply enjoy time together.
According to Elizabeth Maxey, Executive Assistant, the inspiration behind the event was simple yet meaningful: “We wanted to provide an outlet for staff to enjoy each other’s company in a fun, playful environment.”
That sense of fun was woven throughout the day. One of the most popular elements was a lively scavenger hunt that encouraged creativity and teamwork. “We’ve discovered that our staff enjoy interactive and competitive activities,” Maxey explained. “It provides some teambuilding and bonding as they work to fulfill the scavenger hunt—it’s a mutual goal for the staff.”
The day was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and moments of genuine connection. “Staff feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, praising a fun day spent enjoying each other’s company,” Maxey shared. One of her favorite memories from the day? “Laughter! The staff were laughing and playful during our time at the zoo. Some of the photos taken for the scavenger hunt are hilarious and just plain silly.”
But beyond the laughter, the event held a deeper purpose. In a field as demanding as social services, taking time to rest and recharge is vital. “Events like this are significant for staff,” Maxey said. “It’s a time to come together, build relationships, and connect with peers. We encourage staff to schedule these events into their calendars, as they provide an opportunity to recharge and spend time with peers.”
That sense of connection is at the heart of EmberHope’s culture. “Building relationships in our field of work is vital,” Maxey emphasized. “Social Services is hard work. We hope these events provide an opportunity for staff to come together, unwind, and relax as a team.”
As the day came to a close, the laughter and smiles shared at the Sedgwick County Zoo served as a reminder of what makes EmberHope such a special place to work: compassion, teamwork, and a community that truly supports one another.
Join the EmberHope Family
At EmberHope, we believe in caring for our staff as deeply as we care for the youth and families we serve. If you’re looking for a career where you can make a lasting impact—and have a little fun along the way—visit our Careers Page to explore current openings. Will you be the one to make a positive impact in a child’s life?
