Meet the Family: Jake DeLucia of Crosby Commons

What makes a house a home? It's not the fancy furniture or shiny chandeliers, but the family who gathers there. This month, our "Meet the Family" spotlight highlights someone who not only is adored by residents and staff alike, but also the recipient of a 2017 Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) Award. Continue reading to learn more about Jake DeLucia...

Meet Jake DeLucia!

We are proud to announce that Jake has been awarded "Young Leader of the Year Award" at CALA's 22nd Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner. 

Jake was awarded this prestigious honor for his exemplary leadership skills, maturity, and vision that inspires residents and staff members.

"I was shocked when I found out that Jake was a high school senior. I have never met a teenager who was so caring, respectful, mature and considerate as Jake is," says Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons Senior Living Community.

Jake started in dining – perhaps that’s why he has such a deep understanding of the needs of our residents. He began filling in as a part-time receptionist to cover vacations and such, and now he is a regular part of our team.

Saying “part” is an understatement. He is a supporter, a contributor and a doer.  

Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach at Wesley Village, reflects, "One Saturday when I was manager on duty, I noticed a resident was sitting outside.  A resident who had just recently over did it in the sun. As I was getting ready to do a tour, I asked Jake if he could call an aide to check on her, etc. When I asked – he said he already did it.  Not called an aide, but went outside and put sunscreen on her, gave her water and chatted a bit. WHO DOES THAT? Jake." 

That same scenario happens all the time when Jake is on duty. He is so aware of the residents and sincerely cares about their well-being. If he sees something, he does something. 

Jake is professional and appropriate as the first impression our families and guests see upon arrival. If Jake is on duty when we have an event or a tour coming in, we don’t have to cue him; he will greet everyone, welcome them to our community, offer them a beverage, whatever it takes to make them feel welcome and comfortable.

Jake has tenderly composed 5 hard cover picture books complete with residents, family members and employees of Crosby Commons. The residents are loving the books that have been placed throughout the community for all to enjoy, not just because they love seeing their pictures, but because, their beloved JAKE has made them.

Jake exemplifies UMH core values:

Respect for everyone, especially our residents. He handles himself in the most professional way, yet always shows his understanding, compassion and concern.

Spirituality through his warmth, sincerity and kindness.

Excellence through his professionalism, pride in his work and presence, and work ethic.

Collaboration through his willingness to help without being asked and his consistent contributions to making Crosby Commons a wonderful home for our residents.

Stewardship through his example. He is an example for all of us to follow.

Jake will be leaving in January to attend college in Florida. He will be sincerely missed by residents, family and staff. He is one of those people who truly made a difference in all of our lives. Jake is destined for greatness and deserves our acknowledgment and praise.

Congratulations, Jake!

Along with Jake, Christian Negron of Middlewoods of Newington, another assisted and independent living community affiliated with UMH, was awarded the 2017 Humanitarian Award by CALA. Read more on his nomination here.