Congratulations, 2011 TAHSA Award Winners!
We are pleased to announce the winners of TAHSA's 2011 Awards. The awards represent endless hard work, dedication, and commitment to the aging services industry. Congratulations and job well done!
Volunteer Achievement - Group Outside an Organization
Volunteer Auxiliary of Morningside Manor, Nominated by: Morningside Manor Healthcare, San Antonio
They can be seen everyday in their blue smocks: some playing the piano, others paying regular visits to residents or in the workroom preparing welcome baskets, while still others are wrapping birthday presents for all of the residents celebrating birthdays that month. The Volunteer Auxiliary of Morningside Manor bakes cookies for the holidays and on New Year's Eve they host a delightful meal of steak and shrimp complete with wine and hors d'oeuvres. These blue smocked individuals are members of an organized volunteer auxiliary that was created in 1968 and have served the residents of Morningside Ministries for over 40 years. They have dedicated thousands of hours and their dedication and devotion add to the quality of living for all of the residents. The auxiliary is completely autonomous and has their own set of bylaws, officers, and committee chairpersons.
In 1968 the auxilians recognized that they could provide additional services to our residents by selling items they most often needed. So with a $10 donation and a small rolling cart a volunteer began going thru the corridors each day with toothpaste, hair pins, greeting cards, etc. This "business venture" grew to two folding tables and then eventually into a 200 square foot space that has become a complete gift shop. The ultimate beneficiary of all of this effort and work is the residents and the facility. With the gift shop acting as the fundraising arm the auxiliary has contributed major monetary contributions including a $40,000 gift for the renovation of a landscaped atrium area, a $12,000 gift to improve the lighting in our dementia care units, a $13,000 matching pledge to renovate a care area that is used by residents, families, and staff and most recently a matching gift of $65,000 to renovate our 30 year old chapel. This is well over $100,000 in the past ten years alone. And this does not include the pianos, rehab equipment, and large screen TV's they have donated through the years. As impressive as the monetary gifts are, and they are impressive, the greatest value of these dedicated volunteers is the time they spend working to make Morningside Manor a better place to live for all residents. Their time and commitment cannot be purchased.
Volunteer Achievement - Individual Outside an Organization
Don Winkler, Nominated by: Morningside Manor Healthcare, San Antonio
Loud laughter is heard coming from down the hall and residents and families are seen walking down the hall with a sack of popcorn; the popcorn man is here. But this volunteer auxilian does so much more than sell popcorn two days a week; Don Winkler is the 2011 president of the volunteer auxiliary. His nomination and election as president comes from the recognition by his peers in the auxiliary for the outstanding work he has done. For several years the auxiliary had "aged in place" and struggled to keep their numbers sufficient enough to continue to provide the traditional services they had provided for the previous 35 years. When Mr. Winkler and his wife joined the volunteer auxiliary they immediately became tireless workers. Mr. Winkler brought a new enthusiasm that sparked new interest in long time members and carried over into recruitment efforts and the addition of several new volunteers. This auxiliary volunteer completely updated the directory of volunteers, began annual recruitment, began a quarterly newsletter, and worked with Morningside Manor Healthcare's marketing staff to establish a site on the facility webpage where interested individuals could see what kind of opportunities were available which resulted in an influx of new auxiliary members. Mr. Winkler was recognized this past year with the highest recognition possible which goes to the volunteer that most embodies the spirit of the auxiliary. Upon receiving the award Mr. Winkler, with tears in his eyes, stated that he did not feel worthy because he gains so much more than he gives.
Volunteer Achievement - Group Within an Organization
Air Force Village I, Air Force Village I Hobby Shop, San Antonio
The volunteer work Air Force Village I Hobby Shop performs is completed for donated charges, with the monies received going to the community thrift shop fund. Proceeds from thrift shop, are then donated to various needs within our retirement community that benefit the residents and staff. Much of the work over the years has been done for retired widows who are not able financially to even make the small donation requested for the repair work. Without assistance from the hobby shop volunteers, these widows would not have funds to get their repairs done. Furniture and electrical items are brought in for repair that would otherwise have to be discarded and in many instances never replaced due to the lack of funds. One such customer who had a delicate, antique, three legged stool repaired noted, "I really appreciate their work because there is no one else in this town who can do the work they do." Projects have gone beyond the many repairs for individuals. They scoured the maintenance and construction scrap yard to gather enough two-by-four lumber to build custom tables for the relaxation class members to lie on during their class, replacing "mix and match" furniture that was sometimes difficult for the class members to find a comfortable position within. Finally, Air Force Village I Hobby Shop also provided the resident garden an Adirondack-style bench set under a big oak tree where gardeners can overlook the garden and the grounds. "We enjoy doing this for other people, to help them out", said the former pilot when explaining why he chooses to spend approximately 6 hours a day, 4 days a week volunteering at the hobby shop.
Volunteer Achievement - Individual Within an Organization
Russell Swansburg, Air Force Village I, San Antonio
Air Force Village I Health Care Center nominated Col. Russell Swansburg because of the difference he makes in the lives of their residents. His compassion is shown daily through the many hours of volunteer work he does providing not only a service to the elder population but also by providing companionship and a caring attitude. Col. Swansburg is an advocate for the elder population. He works to ensure that their lives are enriched by the services he and the other volunteers can provide.
Col. Swansburg sees the potential in all of the employees at Air Force Village I and strives to give them an opportunity to further their education. He is continually giving of himself. One of the employees wanted to get his GED but expressed to Col. Swansburg that he knew he wouldn't score well in Math. Col. Swansburg offered to give private tutoring lessons to the employee (which he did) in order to help him further his education.
This Gentleman is still at his wife's side and tends to her needs as he is able to. Every now and then he is able to sneak in an afternoon nap but, whether he is the "Cookie Man", The "Mail Man" or out on "Juice Patrol" you can usually find Col. Swansburg wandering about the nursing home helping others.
Administrator of the Year
Charles Borst, Westminster Manor, Austin
Since arriving at Westminster Manor in January of 2008, Charles Borst has proven himself to be a great asset to community operation. Having served as a consultant for at-risk communities, Mr. Borst has elevated standards of care and expectations for resident and employee satisfaction. Bringing to the job more than 10 years of experience in the senior housing industry, he excels as a manager and a leader for the staff in the Health Care Center. He pays attention to the details in every aspect of his job. He sets high expectations for his employees and then gives them the tools to meet those expectations. Mr. Borst's open door policy along with his personal interest in the happiness of each employee and resident, create a culture of open communication and care for employees and residents alike. The residents love their Administrator and the staff admires his perseverance. Working together for one common goal and keeping morale high are important to Mr. Borst. Thus, he ensures employee accomplishments are recognized providing praise, rewards, and parties for meeting goals. Mr. Borst has implemented several programs promoting public accolades. He is impacting care at Westminster Manor on a daily basis and with the multiple avenues of influence he has on other professionals and future administrators and certified nurse aides, he will be impacting care for many years to come.
Web site of the Year
C. C. Young, CCYoung.org, Dallas
Nurse Assistant of the Year
Linda Chatham, Crestview Retirement Community, Bryan
Linda Chatham has been a faithful nighttime employee for Crestview Retirement Community for over twenty-five years. She has worked in long-term care for thirty-seven years. She has received the Florence Nightingale award in her community twice and she had thirteen years of perfect attendance before she had to have surgery which removed her from the perfect attendance roster. She currently has four years of perfect attendance. She has received employee of the quarter on multiple occasions and was Employee of the Year in 1993.
During her thirty-seven years of working with the aged she has raised ten children and been a single parent for the past thirteen years. Her example of dedication has led her children to know the importance of hard work and attaining good jobs. Her youngest son is still in college and is a member of the National Honor Society at the major university he attends.
Mrs. Chatham lives a life of service, not just with the residents in her care, but also in the community. She is active in her church and through the years she has helped with youth activities, Sunday school, sung in the choir, etc. She has also worked on several Habitat Houses in her community.
Mrs. Chatham sets an example of excellence while providing loving care to her residents at night. Residents often compliment the care she provides and at times will state disappointment on the nights she is not there to care for them. She provides an environment of security, helping the residents to rest well. She works well with other staff and helps train new staff, stressing the importance of providing excellent care consistently. Her co-workers often comment on how much they enjoy working with her. Charge Nurses know they can count on her to provide the best care possible for all residents, not just those assigned to her. When Mrs. Chatham works there is a feeling on the unit "Mama is here, all is well."
Nurse of the Year
Deborrah Slaughter, Providence Park, Waco
Deborrah Slaughter began working for the Providence Healthcare network in 1997 as a staff nurse at St. Catherine Center, the long-term care facility. She became a charge nurse and a nurse manager and worked primarily on the Medicare unit. Her expertise in this area was gleaned from several years of experience in the acute care environment.
In 2003, St. Catherine Center became a thing of the past and a much larger and new Providence Park was born. Mrs. Slaughter received a promotion to supervisor of the third floor, a 60 bed long-term care floor. She was there for the transition from nursing home model to person centered care, and helped transform the third floor to neighborhood three. Change is never easy, but under her leadership, it seemed so.
As our administration and management team continued to keep statistics for quality assurance purposes, the same trends would continue month after month. Nursing staff turnover? Practically non existent. Resident and family complaints? Neighborhood three had them, but much less so than other floors. Pressure ulcers? You guessed it, they always had the least.
Providence Park's problematic neighborhood was number four. One of our administrators called it the "wild, wild west." Since opening, neighborhood four had been through 5 nursing supervisors. Turnover was high, and resident and family complaints were piling up. Management felt there was only one person that could pull the "wild wild west" out from this mess and that was Mrs. Slaughter. In April 2010, she rolled her sleeves up like the trooper she is and got to work; she has successfully turned around neighborhood four.
For these reasons and many more Deborrah is deserving of TAHSA's 2011 Nurse of the Year award.
Customer Service Award
Lori DeWitt, Air Force Village II, San Antonio
Lori DeWitt exemplifies the epitome of customer service. The "go to" person for every resident need, she leads a 24/7 customer service center, providing around-the-clock first response and assistance to "her" 600 residents. Mrs. DeWitt manages a transportation system that logs over 26 thousand miles per year delivering residents to medical appointments and events, and provides a Life Enrichment program that promotes resident wellness and provides the availability of in-house medical care if desired. She's a vital part of the community's marketing success, working with every new resident to personalize and renovate their new home to their specifications, and facilitate a "smooth move" to Air Force Village II. Her assistance in working current residents through the continuum of care eases stress and provides for seamless transitions. Communication and personalized customer service are the hallmarks to her success. If you ever wonder why we are in this profession, you are invited to come watch this superstar in action. You'll leave enriched.
Innovative Program of the Year
Presbyterian Communities and Services, Presbyterian Communities and Services Day Camp, Irving
Presbyterian Communities and Services Day Camp program is an excellent way to bring children and seniors together for understanding, relationship-building, and enrichment. Children quickly warm to the personalities, gifts and generosity of the residents, and vice versa. When given the opportunity and support, residents from every department - Independent Living, Assisted Living, Health Unit and Special Care, found creative ways to engage and enjoy the campers. Staff plan and execute many of the activities in conjunction with children's ministry directors and volunteers, strengthening the ties between both groups. Staff enjoyed piggy-backing some activities onto their routines, involving children hands-on in dining services, physical therapy exercises, and life enrichment activities. Residents opened doors to exciting new possibilities by sharing their skills in engineering, creative writing, hospitality, and many other interests. Volunteering takes on a whole new personality when the outside community and the community within come together in ways where both sides are able to give and receive. With a little planning and preparation, dozens of children and seniors overcame potential barriers of mobility, accessibility, and perception. Both parties found quiet friends, funny friends, artistic friends, and people with amazing stories. Children continue to stay in touch, and find ways to bring their new "grand-friends" good cheer throughout the year. Residents keep up with news about young friends they've taken a very active interest in. Presbyterian Communities and Services Day Camp is enthusiastically anticipated by all parties throughout the year. It isn't just a program; it's a life-changer.
Newsletter of the Year
Presbyterian Communities and Services, Presbyterian Communities and Services News, Irving
Philanthropist of the Year
T. Boone Pickens, Nominated by: Presbyterian Communities and Services, Dallas
In 2007 Presbyterian Communities and Services received a donation from T. Boone Pickens of $2 million - its largest donation to date. Throughout his life Mr. Pickens has achieved more firsts than most, yet has never lost sight of giving back to his community. While his name can be seen in business magazines and on the buildings of leading universities, this benefactor known for his business acumen as well as his philanthropic endeavors chose to make an important investment in a small, local retirement community, Presbyterian Communities and Services, and the impact of this funding has been profound.
Mr. Pickens has become an active supporter of Presbyterian Communities and Services' mission and made a significant difference in the lives of those served. His foundation has publically and personally challenged others to give and his foundation has leveraged their community relationships to set up partnerships between Presbyterian Communities and Services and a host of area non-profits. The impact of these relationships cannot be understated.
This philanthropist has now ensured that hundreds of retired individuals will have a comfortable place to call home for the rest of their lives. His philanthropic contributions are legendary and yet he saw the promise in a hometown retirement community and made a significant contribution that has been successfully leveraged in many different ways. His vision for seeing the potential as well as the need continues.
In 2010, Mr. Pickens announced a second major gift to Presbyterian Communities and Services. An $18.4 million gift to build a world-class, free-standing hospice that will support hospice, palliative care and bereavement services.
Mr. Pickens' leadership, entrepreneurship and philanthropy touches countless individuals and has a lasting impact on untold numbers of lives. He has lived an extraordinary life and his philanthropic giving covers a spectrum from local organizations to large nationally recognized institutions. Support of senior care is now one of his largest areas of philanthropic support.
Community Service Award
Morningside Ministries, mmLearn.org: Dementia Awareness and Education in Rural Communities, San Antonio
People with dementia and their caregivers, families and friends, very often experience significant difficulties in identifying and accepting this condition. These barriers can delay intervention and may also create considerable stress for the caregiver. The vision of mmLearn.org was to provide dementia awareness and education in the rural communities of South Texas where resources are often very limited and may even be non-existent. The Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT), a program of Second Wind Dreams, was used to simulate the dementia experience, thereby giving participants a greater understanding of this disease.
One of the key elements to providing this simulated awareness exercise was to train community nurse educators, counselors, social workers and student nurses enrolled in a community college nursing program, who could then provide this same training in their communities. With the "train-the-trainer" model over 148 individuals experienced the Virtual Dementia Tour in rural South Texas and more than 90 percent reported meaningful learning experiences in gaining insight into dementia.
Dietary Services Award
Beverly Auston, Crestview Retirement Community, Bryan
When one usually hears the word "change" it invokes emotions of uncertainty, trepidation, and even anxiety especially with employees who have longevity! Well, Beverly Auston is celebrating change as Crestview Retirement Community makes a move to a new building and a new way of thinking. She has served the community faithfully and with dedication, starting out as a CNA in 1970 - 1979 and returned in 1988 as a cook and was promoted in 1996 as the Food Service Supervisor. Change to Mrs. Auston represents growth, new opportunities and a Blessing from God. She believes change brings success, hope and security - because there is growth in all areas of one's life. She believes this to be true in our industry - we cannot hold onto the past - but must embrace the changes that will move us forward so that we can break the mold of the institutional setting and make it a home-like setting filled with hospitality and love. With this type of thinking, no wonder she is committed to the one's she serves. This can also be seen in her work ethics - as she brings integrity, honesty and commitment. As a cook, Mrs. Auston was nominated and received the employee of the quarter and employee of the year award - this is due to her work ethics and the relationship she has built between her co-workers and the residents! Residents know when she has cooked the meal or has taken the time to make a special treat like her bread pudding or cinnamon rolls! As a Supervisor, she does not ask anyone to do anything that she would not do herself and holds each employee and fellow co-workers to the same standards. She exemplifies the attributes that make a true team player. Mrs. Auston is truly a gift and a Blessing to Crestview Retirement Community. She knows no strangers and lifts a hand of compassion to all she encounters.
Publication of the Year
PineCrest Retirement Community, PineCrest Cookbook Committee, Lufkin
Housing Professional of the Year
William Starling, Air Force Village I, San Antonio
This leader, W.L. Starling, began his career with Air Force Village I as a maintenance technician in 1995. He was soon promoted to supervisor and today serves as Maintenance Director. A retired military member who spent much of his military career as a training instructor and a human resources specialist, Mr. Starling has successfully translated these talents into the ability to lead a 21-member maintenance team serving our continuing care retirement community.
Three years ago, right after Mr. Starling's promotion to director, Air Force Village began an intense construction program and along the way, we've had to ask residents to change their parking spaces; follow detours; temporarily move in and out of their apartments; give up their elevator lobbies; tolerate power and water outages; survive construction-related flooding; put up with heavy-duty noise; and constantly be vigilant to stay safe. In spite of all this, because of this gentleman's leadership; timely communications; and one-to-one, problem-solving approach, we will conclude this effort with resident support firmly intact.
Mr. Starling's firm leadership, but approachable style with his staff combined with a "folksy, down-home" manner with our residents has netted tremendous results toward improving the quality of life of the community and makes him an ideal recipient of TAHSA's 2011 Housing Professional of the Year award.
Life Enrichment Award
Lisa Whitaker, Grace Presbyterian Village, Dallas
Lisa Whitaker exemplifies servant leadership. She was instrumental in developing Grace Presbyterian Village's Special Care Residence program known as Kaleidoscope. Daily success oriented activities shine light on the colorful fragments of our residents' lives with an emphasis to improve cognition, independence, and participation. Many residents who had not been able to connect with others have been able to do so as a result of the Kaleidoscope programming.
Mrs. Whitaker is an excellent team supervisor and a role model. She directly leads a Special Care Program team, and trains other department members who work with Special Care. She was rightly chosen by her peers and the executive branch to manage a group that exists to build teams of leaders organization-wide and she directs their efforts to develop curriculum, training, and quarterly events.
Mrs. Whitaker has developed trusting and lasting relationships with families and residents at Grace Presbyterian Village. She is compassionate and devoted and frequently advocates for them after hours. She leads a support group for the community and assists individuals with practical training and advice for dealing with dementia issues.
She is committed to the elderly population. Mrs. Whitaker regularly promotes increased awareness of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. She serves by speaking, and by organizing events to raise funds for Alzheimer's research. She continues to develop her knowledge and skills by earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and by pursuing her Doctorate in Applied Gerontology.
Distinguished Service Award
Nancy Moulton, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Plano Community Home, Ft Worth
Nancy Moulton has been an integral part of Plano Community Homes for over 25 years. She has provided training, guidance, moral support, and access to funding. She has been invaluable in interpreting the quagmire of federal regulations. In fact, Mrs. Moulton has been a source of constant logic, reason and sanity for all of these many years.
Lee Ann Hubanks recalls the first time she met Mrs. Moulton "I was just finishing my Masters Degree. She came to the building where I was training and preparing to open our first building. She brought many handbooks and revision memos. She had checklists of things I had to do and remember. My head was swimming. I was terrified. She looked at me and said no matter what happens, everything will be fine and I will be there for you. I will help you and we will figure everything out together. Just don't quit. Here we are, twenty-five years later still working together after many projects and buildings."
Part of the mission at Plano Community Homes is to allow residents to age in place and remain in our organization for as long as possible. In keeping with this goal, she has fought to provide extra funding by increasing contracts, releasing funds from escrow accounts, even re-looking at regulations to see if there is more than one way to interpret those regulations to allow for out of the box, creative approaches to resident services.
Right now Mrs. Moulton is helping us save a troubled project to prevent very low income elderly residents from being displaced from their homes. She has come up with several creative ways of working with us and the city to make certain everything falls into place and quickly.
Without her training, leadership, and guidance these past twenty-five years, Plano Community Homes would not be the award winning organization they are today. Mrs. Moulton has demonstrated consistently throughout her almost 40 year career, with untold number of organizations, that she truly deserves the 2011 TAHSA Distinguished Service award.
Board Leadership Award
John Scott, Christian Care Centers, Inc., Mesquite
John Scott's love for seniors began as a young boy when he and his widowed mother became the caregivers for his home-bound grandmother. He first began his engagement with the Christian Care Centers community in 1976, when he moved his mother to Christian Care Centers Retirement Living Apartments. Beginning in 1976, and continuing until today, he has spoken monthly at devotionals for the Health Care Center residents, an unbroken chain for thirty-four years of ministering.
In 1993, Mr. Scott was asked to serve on the Christian Care Centers' Board of Trustees and has served as an Executive Committee member and Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2008. His dedication to their ministry has included fundraising and public awareness, through local churches and community events. He has been very active in encouraging volunteerism and fundraising in the 2300-member church where he has served for 19 years as the Preaching Minister.
Mr. Scott has utilized his education and experience in bereavement recovery by leading campus support groups for grieving residents and staff, leading staff training for a nurses and hospice team, speaking at an annual Grief Symposium, and leading a Minister's Boot Camp for area ministers on developing church after-care ministries. He has played a vital role in linking Christian Care Centers' senior-care ministry to area churches and ministries, resulting in greater racial and ethnic diversity on the campus. Mr. Scott's servant heart and leadership is further demonstrated by his Board involvement in Lifeline Chaplaincy and Christian Works for Children.
Award of Honor
Wayne Merrill, Baptist Memorials Ministries, San Angelo
Wayne Merrill initially served Baptist Memorials Ministries as a member of the Board of Trustees, the Board later recruited him to serve as President/CEO, and now is President Emeritus. Mr. Merrill is also the President of the 200 member Volunteer Auxiliary. In total, he has given over 25 years of service to Baptist Memorials Ministries.
Under Mr. Merrill's leadership, the financial standing of Baptist Memorials Ministries has been completely revitalized and now is recognized as the preferred healthcare and retirement living provider for the region. Mr. Merrill's tenure at Baptist Memorials Ministries has seen the successful development of a state of the art Alzheimer's facility, home health and hospice, in-house pharmacy partnership, expansion of the in-house skilled therapy services, and the development of a new subdivision and satellite retirement community in the Texas Hill Country.
Mr. Merril is responsible for Baptist Memorials Ministries' involvement and active participation in TAHSA and LeadingAge. He has served and chaired numerous committees and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAHSA and on the LeadingAge House of Delegates. Furthermore, this individual played a key role in helping TAHSA succeed in getting the Texas Legislature to approve the much needed Tort Reform and several Medicaid reimbursement increases. He was also instrumental in helping pass the state legislation that now allows retirement communities located on a contiguous campus to be exempt from property taxes.
Mr. Merrill has modeled community service and positive public relations to his staff by serving as Chairman of the American Heart Association, District Governor of Rotary, and front runner of the United Way. He has served as a mentor to his managers and many of them just call him "Dad". A favorite motto of his is "the key to success is to hire the right people and give them the room they need to do their job".
Mr. Merrill has exemplified the virtues of patience and kindness, slowness to anger, and calmness in critical situations. He has modeled a "can do" approach to both work and life that is contagious to those around him. It is for these reasons and many more that Mr. Merrill is deserving of the 2011 TAHSA Award of Honor.
Mentor of the Year
Roque' Christensen, Plano Community Home I, Plano
To describe Roque' Christensen in a few words would be to say dedicated, available, supportive and sensible. And with these characteristics, this person makes an excellent mentor and honorable recipient of the TAHSA's 2011 Mentor of the Year Award.
"Roque' has always been available for mentoring. Her teaching style is flexible and fits the style of teaching to the person," says one of her employees. This nominee never makes an employee feel inadequate by the questions asked, but works through the circumstances with the employee addressing all aspects of the situation and together developing an action plan. In fact, Mrs. Christensen's teaching is very proactive making the staff feel very prepared.
Another employee says "Roque''s car is always the last one in the parking lot when we go home for the day. She stays late to get work done and never complains." This too exhibits a characteristic of dedication and strong work ethics her staff wants to imitate.
Being a good mentor means being available and willing to listen. Mrs. Christensen always has time for employees and is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; she even answers the phone on vacation which has left a lasting impression on those supervised by her.
When suggestions are made, Mrs. Christensen listens and incorporates the ideas into things only making them new and improved. When advice is sought, Mrs. Christensen approaches it from a practical standpoint and uses common sense and reasoned approach in all situations.
Mrs. Christensen has also groomed and mentored many staff to move up to more challenging positions and continues to teach and train.
Environmental Services Award
Nelda Rivas, Querencia at Barton Creek, Austin
Nelda Rivas is a kind, caring and compassionate professional who belies her relatively brief work experience in senior living at the Querencia at Barton Creek. Assisted living and nursing residents and family members continue to rate her department in the top 10 percent for community cleanliness when compared to over 240 similar communities nationally.
Mrs. Rivas is a rare find! She displays exceptional job skills and is well versed in all environmental services matters. Her work is routinely error free and is of the highest quality. This is evidenced by her exceptional departmental scores and the achievement of the annual hospitality award. Additionally, the "first impression" assessment was rated "BEST" in class for cleanliness and overall community appearance in 2010.
Mrs. Rivas obtains positive results, while providing valuable solutions to often complex problems. Her fiscal management skills speak for themselves; less than 1.0 percent overtime utilization, remarkable departmental retention of 92 percent for over two years and the promotion of four associates, including promotions to clinical fields of expertise. Departmental accidents and injuries are nearly nonexistent with zero lost work days in 2010.
Mrs. Rivas retains a great sense of purpose and is both selfless and caring. As a department head, she routinely checks on residents to verify their well-being. She dedicates time to performing ADL's, particularly with assisted living and nursing residents. This is most often represented by assisting with the daily selection of clothing, and personal accessories. She is a coach, counselor and confidant to all who meet her presence. She contributes to community service by sponsoring and raising funds for less fortunate nursing homes and those who are under-served or in need of assistance. For her exceptional performance Mrs. Rivas is recognized as the TAHSA's 2011 Environmental Services Award winner.
Social Responsibility Award
The Village at Incarnate Word, Sister Anne Birmingham, Sister Margaret Kelly, Sister Brigida, San Antonio
Sister Anne Birmingham, Sister Margaret Kelly, and Sister Brigida Smiley realized that disabled elders, 99 percent women and Hispanic who had just a little bit of money could not qualify for state services and could not afford private services. From a beginning of providing 5,000 hours in the first year of service to today providing 50,000 hours of services, these Sisters had a vision that would allow disabled elders the dignity to make a decision to remain independent at home, if they so desired to live their final days with a familiar face, a warm hand and most important in familiar surroundings. Their belief that all deserve quality care regardless of economic means has carried through to today, 18 years after its founding. Beginning with 3 volunteer employees in 1992 to 50 employees today, not only does Sisters Care of San Antonio provide outstanding services to its clients but they employ 50 people, pay benefits to its employees and daily provide support to the team that can never be quantified in dollars but is measured in hugs, kisses and prayers. Today Sisters Care's primary focus is care to those who cannot pay. The program Project Elder Help allows elders to be a part of this home care service on a sliding scale that is determined by true need. This sliding scale program was developed by the Sisters and once on the program, the elder is on it for life, no requalification necessary.
Recently, the service area was licensed and approved by Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services to include all of Bexar County. Bexar County's population is 1,622,899. Of this number, 70,657 are age 70 to 90 years old and 18,865 seniors live in poverty. With this increased responsibility, Sisters Care has experienced a tremendous growth in the needs for services by seniors. Not only has the opportunity to reach people grown, but the addition of caregivers with direct care experience has grown. It is an exciting time for Sisters Care and The Village at Incarnate Word is pleased to say we are meeting this challenge head on.
--
It has been a rare combination of people - Sisters, clients, coworkers, and supporters who have touched Sisters Care with their contributions while leaving their mark in a special way; people, such as Todd Spann who submitted this nomination (pictured above). Todd was the Director of Sisters Care and had a larger-than-life personality whose time was tragically cut short in an accident this past December. He helped elevate the ministry and services of Sisters Care while working tirelessly to ensure that it was fully integrated as part of the Village. Now, Todd, like so many others, is watching over Sisters Care from above.
