LeadingAge PA announces 2020 Distinguished Service award winners
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (May 26, 2020) - LeadingAge PA is thrilled to announce the 2020 Distinguished Service Award winners! Established in 1973, the Distinguished Service Awards honor the exemplary contributions of individuals or groups from member organizations who are enhancing the aging services field through their involvement, innovation, leadership, or advocacy.
The awards encompass eight categories: Paul P. Haas Distinguished Achievement Award, Leader of the Year, Manager of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Caregiver of the Year - Licensed, Caregiver of the Year - Direct Care, and Staff Member of the Year.
Paul P. Haas Distinguished Achievement Award: Paul M. Winkler, President and CEO, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network
LeadingAge PA's most prestigious award is presented to a distinguished individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, service, and commitment to the Association and across the state to positively impact and advance the field of aging services. Among his many contributions throughout his 40 years of service and leadership to seniors, Paul Winkler, president and CEO of Presbyterian SeniorCare, has served on numerous boards and committees--including the LeadingAge PA board of directors, advocated for seniors with dementia and individuals with disabilities, and established collaborations between senior service providers. As a result of his leadership, foresight, and dedication, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network continues to be recognized as a leader and innovator in the field of long-term care.
Leader of the Year: Marcia Waters, Executive Director, SpiriTrust Lutheran - The Village at Utz Terrace
This LeadingAge PA award recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in management or governance accountability, is proactive in quality of care to residents, and has played a pivotal role in overall operations leading to organizational success. Throughout Marcia Waters' 11 years as an executive director, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in her leadership role by developing future senior service leaders, leading anti-ageism campaigns, and guiding her team in uncertain times of crisis. Waters has continually shown her commitment to aging services and to those who are entrusted to her care, while recognizing the importance of lifelong learning and the development of emerging leaders.
Manager of the Year: Doug Dosch, Grounds Supervisor, Brethren Village
This award is presented to an outstanding mentor who has nurtured, coached, counseled, and encouraged others in order to help them develop personally and professionally as an individual and/or as part of a team. Doug Dosch embodies the spirit that exemplifies the Manager of the Year as an outstanding role model. He has shown steadfast commitment above and beyond the call of duty to Brethren Village. Dosch demonstrated his ability to harness and foster team development to meet organizational goals and reinforce commitment while promoting and encouraging his team members' career development. His passion for mentoring and coaching his staff enhanced and enriched their roles within the organization.
Innovation of the Year: Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center, Menno Haven
LeadingAge PA's Distinguished Service Award for Innovation of the Year recognizes a program or service that is a model of innovation and excellence that contributes significantly to the quality of life of individuals served. This year's winner, Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center, was designed specifically on whole-person healing by providing a world-class recovery environment through technically sophisticated therapy opportunities. The new Rehabilitation Center at Menno Haven advances the culture of Menno Haven following a series of acquisitions and a repositioning. This innovation was also the first skilled nursing facility in the world to achieve the Well Building Certification as they incorporated design elements intended to promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of guests.
Volunteer of the Year - Individual or Group: Annabelle Saylor, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries - Frey Village and Marion R. Gerhart, Willow Valley Communities
This award recognizes an individual or group that has enhanced the quality of life of seniors through volunteer work for the benefit of the residents, member organizations and/or greater community. For 2020, LeadingAge PA has awarded both Annabelle Saylor, a 19-year volunteer at Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries' Frey Village, and Marion R. Gerhart, a volunteer at Willow Valley Communities for the past 32 years, with the Volunteer of the Year award..
Saylor has volunteered at Frey Village since 2001 and clocked in over 2,000 hours of service. She shares her musical talents with residents weekly and supports the Village's fundraiser group by gathering and selling jewelry. Through her dedicated years of service, she has enhanced and improved the lives of many aging adults. Be it through fulfilling song requests for the "Weekly Hymn Sing Service and Tea," or helping plan parties and events, Saylor radiates Diakon's mission to love others through acts of service.
Gerhart has been the librarian for Willow Valley Communities' Manor community for 32 years. She has organized fundraisers, purchased bestsellers, sorted donated books, and maintained the lending process. Her dedication is appreciated by the residents, team members, and guests at Manor as they enjoy a first-class library. Although the library is run and funded by residents, Gerhart has managed that responsibility for years. It is evident that because of her dedication and care, those around her have benefited from her labor of love.
Caregiver of the Year - Licensed: Emmanuel Njamfon, Licensed Practical Nurse, Phoebe Ministries - Phoebe Allentown
The Licensed Caregiver of the Year award recognizes a licensed staff member who provides excellent clinical care to their residents, while demonstrating leadership and a commitment to the field of long-term care nursing. Emmanuel Njamfon, LPN, is known as an approachable, knowledgeable, and compassionate member of the nursing department at Phoebe Allentown. Since he became a licensed practical nurse, he has quickly built a reputation as someone who creates meaningful, lasting relationships with residents and families. The impact of Njamfon's professional and personal relationships not only aid Phoebe's residents--who he cares for daily, but also his coworkers who model his kindness.
Caregiver of the Year - Direct Care: Wilamenia (Wila) Rosa, Certified Nursing Assistant, Landis Homes
The Direct Caregiver of the Year award recognizes a caregiver who serves as a model of commitment to compassionate care. LeadingAge PA is pleased to honor Wilamenia (Wila) Rosa, CNA and household facilitator for Landis Homes, with the 2020 award. The hallmark of Rosa's work is her steadfast commitment to the elders she serves. Since she began her service 20 years ago in skilled care, she has mentored other nursing assistants and worked closely with the LPN / RN team leader to honor residents' lives. Rosa's dedication to providing exceptional service is evident as she consistently puts the needs of those she serves above her own. Organizing an employee gift basket to donate to Landis Homes' Fellowship Day, listening to resident struggles, and being proactive in team meetings are just some of the reasons Rosa is recognized for this award.
Staff Member of the Year: Sharon Bender, Housekeeper, Phoebe Ministries - Phoebe Allentown
This Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual who has exhibited excellence within their role, and enhanced a member organization through exceptional service to staff, residents, and families. Aside from being an extraordinary housekeeper, Sharon Bender is seen as an advocate, a friend, and a caring listener at Phoebe Allentown. Bender has mentored countless employees with a person-centered approach and compassionate attitude throughout her career. Her motivation to share joy, compassion, and respect for the hundreds of residents is an inspiration to everyone she encounters. Whether it's beautifying a resident's room, helping coordinate activities, or volunteering during her lunch break, her caring spirit shines through.
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About LeadingAge PA:
LeadingAge PA is a trade association representing more than 360 nonprofit senior housing, health care, and community services across the commonwealth. These providers serve more than 75,000 older Pennsylvanians and employ over 50,000 dedicated caregivers on a daily basis. Services our members offer include Life Plan Communities / Continuing Care Retirement Communities, skilled nursing communities, assisted living residences, personal care homes, and affordable senior housing. LeadingAge PA advocates on behalf of our members at the state and local levels to influence positive change and affect a healthy vision for the delivery of quality, affordable, and ethical care for Pennsylvania's seniors. For more information about LeadingAge PA and our envisioned future of senior services, visit www.leadingagepa.org.
Media Contact:
Christina Carden
Senior Director, Communications
ccarden@leadingagepa.org
717-790-3947