News - March 9, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Emily Chavez | 407.718.6609 | Emily.Chavez@FinnPartners.com

Goodwin Living™ Team Member Recognized as National Ceca Award Honoree

Goodwin House Alexandria Environmental Services Team Leader, Desta Mesta, is recognized by the Ceca Foundation as one of the nation’s top caregivers

Alexandria, Va. – Today, Goodwin Living™, a not-for-profit, faith-based, senior living and health care services organization in the National Capital Region, announced that team member Mesfin Desta is an honoree for the annual National Ceca Awards presented by the Ceca Foundation. Every year, honorees are selected from Ceca Foundation’s national network of healthcare partners. Desta is one of the four award recipients recognized as extraordinary caregivers.

“Mesfin exemplifies our mission to support, honor and uplifts the lives of older adults,” said Rob Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin Living. “We are grateful to have caring, trusted caregivers like Mesfin on our team to support our residents and their family members. We are excited to see his hard work and dedication recognized by the Ceca Foundation.”

Desta is the Environmental Services Team Leader at Goodwin House Alexandria (GHA). Since 2003, Desta has been a trusted team member for residents and their family members. Desta has earned the nickname “Running Man” due to his characteristically quick response to residents’ calls. He is quick to help residents with their groceries, adjusting meeting rooms or simply providing companionship and conversation. With his calm and caring demeanor, Mesfin has earned the trust of many residents and their loved ones, who often request him by name to assist during transitions between levels of living. When a resident that he was very close to was hospitalized for an extended period, Mesfin visited them in the hospital and offered his support.

“We have been humbled to recognize many amazing caregivers over the years, but Mesfin truly stands out in his dedication and passion for service. When you meet him, you know immediately that he cares genuinely for each resident of Goodwin House Alexandria as if they were his own family," said Ceca Foundation President, Nate Hamme. "People like Mesfin easily brighten someone’s day and make a world of difference in their experience. His exceptional caregiving makes him uniquely deserving of the National Ceca Award.”

“Mesfin is a true example of a hardworking and dedicated team member who makes a real difference in the lives of everyone he encounters,” said Goodwin House Alexandria Executive Director Barbara D’Agostino. “He is always willing to lend a helping hand and offer guidance to his fellow team members.”

Goodwin Living extends its congratulations and gratitude to Detsa for his exemplary caregiving. He received an engraved commemorative trophy and a cash award of $2,500, which was funded by the Ceca Foundation. Desta was also honored during a ceremony at Goodwin House Alexandria on Wednesday, February 8.

Goodwin Living also congratulates team members Amina Kanu, a CNA at Goodwin House Bailey's Crossroads, and Olivia Muro, Physical Therapist at Goodwin Rehabilitation, who were among 14 finalists recognized by the Ceca Foundation.

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About Goodwin Living™ (GoodwinLiving.org): Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities, specialized health care services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and the people who care for them, Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and those options are managed and provided by team members who represent more than 65 countries. Goodwin Living is a Washington Post Top Workplace for four consecutive years, from 2019 to 2022. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Ceca Foundation

Ceca Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Washington, DC, which partners with healthcare communities nationally of all sizes to recognize their exceptional caregivers. Ceca’s mission is to improve the human experience in healthcare by providing a highly affordable, turnkey recognition solution tailored to healthcare providers, using its innovative software, network and managed services, and cash awards. Founded by Matthew and Rosemary Lawlor in 2013, Ceca has publicly recognized more than 40,000 exceptional acts of care and almost 1,300 caregivers who have received a Ceca Award. For more information, watch a brief video and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. To schedule an interview with one of our award recipients, contact Michelle Stewart.