Congratulations to peopleCare’s 2024 Values Award Winners

peopleCare Communities would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 39 recipients of this year’s 2024 Values Awards. These outstanding employees were nominated by their peers for exemplifying our Values and going above and beyond to exceed the expectations of our residents, families, partners and other team members.

Many were nominated in more than one category, by both residents and their colleagues. Many received more than one nomination. All are deserving of our highest and most sincere accolades and appreciation. Click here to see photos and a few words from each of the winners’ nominations.

Brent and Heather Gingerich are third-generation family owners of peopleCare and so appreciative of how our dedicated team members embrace the Values that are the foundation on which peopleCare has flourished and grown over the last 56 years.

“By living our values, you are leaders within your homes and set the bar for quality, care and compassion. The standard to which each of you hold yourselves is what sets you apart, and in turn it is what sets peopleCare apart. You collectively create that “unique and special feeling” that people speak about when they enter a peopleCare home. We are a great organization because of you, and for that we are profoundly thankful.”

As a values-based organization, peopleCare makes it a priority to acknowledge and celebrate employees who set a standard of excellence in our homes as they bring our Values of People, Professionalism, Excellence, Integrity and Growth to life in our homes.

Every year, our Values Awards program is embraced with great enthusiasm by our teams. For 2024, we received a whopping 160 peer nominations from across the organization, including our long-term care homes, retirement home and leadership support office. That’s a phenomenal 31% increase over last year and once again the highest number ever.

Kyle Donovan is Vice President at Seasons Dietitian Network, one of peopleCare’s valued partners and a member of the evaluation committee that helps select our Award winners. He says the stories of how each nominee lives peopleCare’s Values in caring for residents and supporting their coworkers is nothing short of inspirational.

“I can’t get over the quantity, and more importantly the quality of nominations. What incredible growth since the start of this initiative,” says Donovan, noting the job was that much harder for the committee this year. “There are so many deserving nominees!”

Special thanks to all committee members, including peopleCare payroll supervisor Eva Nielson, peopleCare Medical Director Dr. Tracey Hughes, Medical Mart’s Rudy Cantu, ProResp Inc.’s Kelly Munoz, and John Arvanitis from Arvan Rehab Group.

This year’s winners once again ranged from dietary staff to rec team, personal support and clinical leaders to maintenance staff.  A few winners have been with peopleCare only a short time. Several have been with the organization for over 40 years! All were celebrated individually in each home with their fellow team members, residents, and families, and invited to a special Values Awards luncheon at the Puddicombe House in New Hamburg, complete with speeches, gifts, delicious food, and a champagne toast.

“Thank you very much for a wonderful afternoon celebrating peopleCare’s finest. (Winner) Mekdes has not stopped smiling since we left,” said Heather Gray, General Manager at peopleCare Oakcrossing Retirement Living. “I am truly grateful to work for a company who takes time to honor people for who they are and their limitless potential.”

Second-generation peopleCare founders Mary and O’Derald Gingerich were also on hand with peopleCare’s senior team and leaders at this year’s luncheon to welcome and recognize our 2024 winners and said it was wonderful to see our key Values have endured as the foundation of peopleCare for close to six decades. “We couldn’t be more proud.”

Once again, we extend a heartfelt congratulations to all of our 2024 Award Winners and all nominees. Thank you for being a shining example of values-based leadership, stepping up in ways that transform and create wonderful experiences in our homes each and every day.