Jun 20, 2023

Legacy of Margaret R. Spies Remembered Each Year With Direct Care Awards


By Benny Fairchild

 Each year since 2001 an elite group of United Helpers direct care employees have been recognized with the Margaret R. Spies Award.

Mrs. Spies, a former resident of United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg, and a retired teacher from the Hammond Central School District passed in 2000 at the age of 90.

Ann Spies, a former Management Company Board of Directors member, then created the award to honor her mother and those who provide such excellent care to people in need, whether it be the elderly or developmentally disabled. 

Each year Mrs. Spies presents the awards to staff from Rehabilitation and Senior Care, as well as Behavioral Health and Life Skills.  


“My mother was the best of the best,” she said while presenting the awards in 2018. “She was treated so well by people like you who took such great care of her. I could never express enough gratitude for what all of you, not just the three being honored here today, do each and every day with such great heart and spirit.”

A plaque listing the names of each year’s winner’s is displayed at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton. The plaque was originally displayed at the former RiverLedge skilled nursing facility in Ogdensburg, where Margaret Spies resided, however following the facilities closure in 2021 the plaque was moved to Canton, where it could still be viewed by members of the direct care team. 



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