The Society of the United Helpers Honors Direct Care Staff

 From left, RiverLedge Certified Nurse Aide Desiree Bartlett, Maplewood Certified Nurse Aide Lori Chilton, Ann Spies, who created the award in memory of her mother, and Mosaic Direct Service Professional Sue Thoms.  

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 Sue Thoms, a Mosaic Direct Service Professional, RiverLedge Certified Nurse Aide Desiree Bartlett and Maplewood Assisted Living Program Home Health Aide Lori Chilton.

The Spies Award was created in 2001 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 to honor this wonderful staff.”

Addressing the three award winners, Ms. Spies said, “I am very touched by the stories of these three winners. It is obvious that you truly deserve to be honored. Congratulations and thank you for what you do. It truly matters.”

Mosaic program manager, Michelle McGaw and LPN, Sheri Sharpe introduced Sue Thoms, who’s been with Mosaic for three years, and noted her compassion, dedication and reliability.  

“Sue is always willing to step up to the plate,” Ms. McGaw said. “She has covered many shifts and volunteered to travel with residents that have required a hospital stay in Burlington. She is loved and by her residents and by her coworkers.”

Maplewood Administrator Kimberly McFaddin and Director of Nursing Lenette Deloney introduced Lori Chilton, who’s been with United Helpers for one year, noting she her modesty and humility.

“Lori has unlimited patience and a unique ability to calm and soothe,” Ms. McFaddin said. “She treats residents like members of her own family, taking care to note their favorite coat and what makes them comfortable. She is completely dedicated to her residents and I am so glad to have her on our team.”

Ms. Deloney noted that Ms. Chilton’s career path was not that of a traditional health care worker.

“Lori used to work in construction,” she said. “Her hands are softer now, but they have the strength to guide and support her residents and are strong enough to hold her team together. She is an asset to our team.”

Adjectives and phrases used by her peers to describe Ms. Chilton include, gentle, flexible, and “always willing to pitch in.”

Desiree Bartlett, who’s been employed by United Helpers for six years, was introduced by RiverLedge Administrator Tim Parsons.

“Desiree will greet you with a smile and a positive ‘can do’ attitude,” he said. “She puts others first and is always ready to go out of her way to help anyone.”

Ms. Bartlett was lauded by her coworkers for her warmth and cheerfulness, as well as her strong values and ethics. “She loves her residents completely,” Parsons added.

Recipients of the Margret R. Spies Awards are nominated for the honor by their administrative team and their peers.