OGDENSBURG
– The Society of
the United Helpers gave out this year’s Margaret R. Spies Awards to three
employees who embody the qualities looked for in direct care staff: dedication
to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.
This
year’s awards went to Patrick Flagg, a Mosaic Direct Service Professional,
RiverLedge Certified Nurse Aide Clifford Casselman and Maplewood Assisted
Living Program Home Health Aid Keith Davis.
The Spies Award was created in
2000 when Ann Spies made a generous gift to the Society of the United Helpers
that created an endowment in memory of her mother, Margaret R. Spies, former
resident of RiverLedge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and longtime
Hammond school teacher. Margaret Spies appreciated hard work and the ability to
give from the heart.
Ms. Spies said, “My mother was a
wonderful, wonderful person and very social. When she came here the staff
recognized how delightful she was, and I was always very pleased with the care,
concern and love that she received. I thought something ought to be done for
the staff.”
Addressing the three award
winners, Ms. Spies said, “You are truly, truly wonderful people. [My mother]
would be very proud of the three of you, and I’m very proud.”
Mosaic program manager, Robin
Glass and RN, Sheri Sharpe introduced Mr. Flagg, who’s been with United Helpers
for nine years, and noted his compassion and personal attention he provides to
all of the people he works with.
“He always advocates for our
residents and their safety,” Ms. Glass said. “He is very person centered and
brightens the day of our residents and his peers.”
On a humorous note, Ms. Glass
said Mr. Flagg rarely calls into work.
“He told me he’s saving his sick
time for when he gets old,” she said.
Maplewood Administrator Kimberly
McFaddin introduced Mr. Davis, who’s been with United Helpers since 2008,
noting he is “a true asset to our team.”
“Keith is well liked by the
residents he serves and his peers. He rarely misses work, is flexible with his
schedule and will often stay over or come in early as needed,” Ms. McFaddin
said. “Keith strives every day to make a difference in the lives of the
residents he serves and it is always done with a smile on his face.”
Ms. McFaddin also used words
straight from the mouths of residents when describing her building’s honoree.
“He’s very friendly, kind,
hardworking, funny, thoughtful, ‘a nice boy,’” she said, adding, “Their words,
not mine.”
Adjectives and phrases used by
his peers to describe Mr. Davis include, courteous, respectful, “always willing
to lend a hand,” and “goes above and beyond in everything he does.”
Mr. Casselman, who’s been
employed by United Helpers for six years, was introduced by RiverLedge
Assistant Administrator Stacey Cannizzo.
“The residents always come first
with Cliff,” she said. “He’s an awesome worker, loyal employee and he always
goes above and beyond.”
Ms. Cannizzo noted that of the
22 nominated received from employees in her building 15 of them were for Mr.
Casselman.
In addition to having the
admiration and respect of his co-workers, Ms. Cannizzo said the Mr. Casselman
is also well-like and respected by the building’s residents.
“All of the residents love and
adore him,” she said before telling a story to relay just how dedicated he really
is.
“He walks to work everyday in
the rain, snow, and occasionally in the sun.”
Recipients of the Margret R.
Spies Awards are nominated for the honor by their administrative team and their
peers.
