OGDENSBURG – Staff from across the United Helpers
organization were recently honored as the company hosted its annual Summer
Awards Ceremony.
“Anyone working for United Helpers does this because they
care,” said CEO Todd R. Amo. “Even if you’re not working in direct care, you
are helping others every day when you come to work.”
While three different awards were handed out, recognizing
five different people, Mr. Amo said it’s a shame that there couldn’t be more
people honored.
“We have so many deserving people,” he said. “The fact that
you have been chosen and invited to be here today is a testament to your work
ethic and the quality of work.”
The first awards presented were the Margaret R. Spies Awards.
This award was created by the family of Mrs. Spies as way to honor her legacy
and say thank you to United Helpers for the care she received.
Mrs. Spies’ daughter, Ann presented the award, noting she
knows first-hand the impact caregivers can have on an individual.
Last year her daughter had a stroke and was having seizures.
At one point she had to be flown to a hospital in Syracuse. “They didn’t think
she was going to make it,” Mrs. Spies said.
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| Natalie Apple receives her Spies Award. |
However, her daughter proved to be a fighter, earning a
discharge from the hospital and admission to United Helpers Rehabilitation and
Senior Care in Canton.
“One day she couldn’t sit up and then the next day she must
have decided she didn’t want to be isolated anymore, so she got up and walked
to the couch. People were calling her a miracle,” she said. “I just want you to
know that each and every one of you are miracle workers.”
The Spies Award honors both a CNA and a DSP.
Earning the award from United Helpers Rehabilitation and
Senior Care was Natalie Apple, and according to Assistant Administrator Alysha
Troiano picking this year’s winner wasn’t an easy task – at least until it was.
“This year we received an overwhelming number of nominations
from all departments and even some patient families. This is a true testament
to the valuable staff we are fortunate to have serving our residents,” Mrs.
Troiano said.
As administrators were reviewing the nominations there were
two nominees who stood out. “Our decision was made a bit easier when we saw a
nomination for Natalie from the other frontrunner,” she said.
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| Justin "Judd" Steele receives his Spies Award |
Justin “Judd” Steele has been a DSP for 25 years during
which time he has not only been a top performing employee, but also trained
dozens of other DSPs, some who have even gone onto become administrators within
the United Helpers Organization.
“He has heard me say this before, but I’m going to say it
again today, ‘Judd is the reason I am still here with United Helpers today,”
said Residential Manager Team Leader Lauren Peters. “For years he has quietly
given his time, energy and heart to his work. He has offered guidance,
encouragement and most importantly, unwavering support not only to myself, but
anyone he comes in contact with.”
Two employees from the behavioral health services are
recognized each year with the Behavioral Health Heart Award. This year LMSW
Misty Thomas and RN Adam Bullock were recognized.
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| Misty Thomas receives a Behavioral Health Heart Award |
Behavioral Health Programs Administrator Breanne Snyder
noted that Mrs. Thomas not only makes an impact working with clients at the
United Helpers Behavioral Health Clinics, but she also makes an impact on the
lives of the students she works with through the in-house clinics United
Helpers has in several local school districts.
“In her nomination letter it was said that you are the kind
of colleague that brings calm and clarity to even the most challenging
situations. Your kindness and grace uplift those around you. You are selfless
and this can be seen in your drive to improve and support our behavioral health
programs,” Ms. Snyder said, speaking directly to Mrs. Thomas.
Mr. Bullock serves as an RN for the ACT Team using his
infectious personality to help people who may not often feel at ease, feel as
if they’re chatting with a lifelong friend.
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| Adam Bullock receives a Behavioral Health Heart Award |
“He truly embodies all the qualities that the Behavioral
Health Heart Award represents,” Ms. Snyder said. “Through Adams energy and
enthusiasm in his role, he sets a powerful example for other to follow. He not
only looks out for the wellbeing of the people we serve, but the staff he works
with and the overall health of the program too. He exemplifies everything you
want a mental health professional to be.”
Quality Assurance Coordinator Heather Worden was the
afternoon’s final honoree, earning the Exemplary Professional Services Award.
Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager Jason Matthie noted
that Ms. Worden has literally “grown up” within the United Helpers
organization, starting as a DSP, then becoming a supervisor and a habilitation
coordinator. She then earned her degree and moved into leadership roles, first
becoming a Program Leader before moving into her current role.
“Throughout all of those roles Heather has dedicated herself
to helping others, lending a hand, putting people first and stepping up to
volunteer when people are in need,” Mr. Matthie said. “She has a genuine care
to help others succeed.”
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| Heather Worden received this year's Exemplary Professional Services Award |
