Blog Feature

By: Marissa Salvesen on December 22nd, 2014

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UMH Wins 3 CALA Awards at 19th Annual Awards Program

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9798UMH is once again the proud recipient of 3 Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) Awards for 2014.

UMH’s Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community was recognized with a Best Practices Award in Managed Residential Services for their award-winning program, The Crosby Commons Express.

Their Middlewoods of Farmington community was also recognized with the Humanitarian Award, which honored Activities Director, Ginny Brown. In addition to both of the individual community awards, UMH was recognized with the 2014 CALA Media Award for their e-book resource, The ABC’s of Assisted Living.

The awards were presented at CALA’s 19th Annual Meeting and Awards Program held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on Wednesday, December 3rd.

In the photo above, Middlewoods of Farmington Activities Director, Ginny Brown (middle), poses with colleagues Mary Ann Milano (right), of Crosby Commons, and Marissa Salvesen (left) of UMH, after receiving awards at the CALA 19th Annual Awards Program.

Crosby Commons – Best Practices Award, Managed Residential Services

4683The Best Practices Award is presented to an assisted living provider who creates innovative programs or unique approaches in the area of managed residential services which exemplify excellence and are worthy of sharing with others.

Crosby Commons was recognized for its program entitled, “The Crosby Commons Express,” which featured an unforgettable New York City experience for Crosby residents, with opportunities for shopping, education, fine dining, arts, entertainment and more, in the comfort of their home. The program was organized by Activities Director, Mary Ann Milano and the entire Crosby team.

For more information about the award-winning community, please contact us at 203. 225. 5000 or visit our website at www.crosbycommons.org.

Middlewoods of Farmington – Humanitarian Award, Ginny Brown (Activities Director)

92708The Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual whose personal integrity, decency, and contributions to the elderly best exemplify the ideals of CALA’s member organizations and their missions and who serves as an inspiration to all.

Ginny Brown has worked for Middlewoods of Farmington for over 8 years. It is through her charm and persuasive powers that she has engaged the entire community in service to others with a calendar of events which benefit local homeless residents, the American Cancer Society, Operation Christmas Child, the Salvation Army, and scores of other worthy causes.

Ginny, in her humanitarian efforts, has been able to tap into the kindness and generosity that lives in people’s hearts, reminding us that it does not matter that one is old, or uses a walker or a wheelchair, or can’t get out into the greater community. Ginny has found a way to bring outreach efforts directly to our residents; helping them feel vital, connected, and find a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

For more information about the award-winning community of Middlewoods of Farmington, please contact us at 860.284.5700 or visit our website at www.middlewoodsoffarmington.org.

UMH – Media Award, The ABC’s of Assisted Living

The Media award is presented for excellence in reporting events which affect the aging. UMH’s e-book resource, The ABC’s of Assisted Living, was a collaborative effort of twenty-six different staff members, residents, and family members representing our five UMH assisted living communities and provides an introduction to the world of assisted living from “A to Z”. The book discusses the importance of Communication, supporting Independence, building Relationships, Staff Longevity, Wellness, Balance, Friendship, and more, covering multiple aspects of assisted living through each letter of the alphabet.

The guide was created for caregivers exploring senior living options for their loved ones, as well as older adults looking into the possibility of making a move to an assisted living community themselves. It was also designed for professionals working in the medical field with clients or patients who may need a bit more assistance with their daily routine or are looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle. Intended to be used as a general guide to assisted living, it contains many points to consider and reflect on, regardless of where an individual may be in their search for senior living options. For more information on senior living options at UMH or to download the e-book, click the link below.

ABC ebook blog
ABC ebook blog

About Marissa Salvesen

My journey into the world of senior living began when I started working for United Methodist Homes in 2010. Starting as an Activities Director at one of our award-winning assisted and independent living communities and then transitioning to Marketing and Promotions Manager for UMH, I now work as the Manager of Mission Development, fostering the Mission and Values of our organization. I love sharing stories about the many ways we build meaningful relationships and enrich the lives of those we serve, and am proud to be part of building UMH’s 140-year legacy of caring. Wondering what makes our communities such special places to live and work? Connect with me and find out!

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