News - July 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2020

Contact: Martie Serna | 202-518-6493 | Martha.Serna@finnpartners.com

Ceca Foundation Honors Goodwin House Employees with May and June Special Awards   

Goodwin House Employees Honored Three Consecutive Months for Superior Caregiving

Alexandria, VA – Two Goodwin House employees received a Special Award from the Ceca Foundation over the months of May and June. Based in Washington, D.C., the Ceca Foundation announced the “Special Awards” in late March to offer special recognition to caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Goodwin House employees have now been among the honorees for three months in a row.

Edna Burantuo, a nurse at Goodwin House, Bailey’s Crossroads (GHBC) received her Special Award in May 2020. The Ceca Foundation honored her [link to press release] “for providing moments of joy to residents and their families during this pandemic, such as helping a resident set up video conferencing accounts on his new device and teaching him how to set up virtual visits with his family.”

Burantuo’s nomination came from a GHBC resident who shared the story of how she helped a resident of the Health Care Center (HCC) – the nursing level of care in Goodwin House Life Plan Communities. The HCC resident had been given an electronic device in order to participate in video calls with their family, but had no idea how to set up and use the device. Burantuo not only helped the resident set up the device, she also took the time to set up a virtual visit with their family members.

“Edna truly lives the Goodwin House mission,” said Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads Executive Director Justin Carwile. “She is always doing her upmost to support, honor and uplift the lives of the older adults in her care. We are grateful for her service and her presence on the Goodwin House team.”

Henrietta Acquah-Akoto, Nurse Supervisor at Goodwin House Alexandria (GHA) received her Special Award in June 2020. She was nominated by coworker Mat Phan, a RN in the Clinic at GHA.

“Henrietta worked through Omnicare policy restrictions to make sure a patient, whose fever had spiked, got a full prescription of antibiotics filled over a weekend,” said Phan. “She also made sure a patient’s lab test was sent out properly and timely, despite restrictions on lab pickup during the COVID crisis.”

Ceca Foundation [link to press release] honored Acquah-Akoto “for her diligence, professionalism, collaborative skills, and accountability on a number of occasions. She was able to work through changing regulations put in place during the pandemic in order to provide the great care patients deserve, despite any obstacles.”

“I am proud to work with a colleague and registered nurse such as Henrietta,” said Goodwin House Alexandria Executive Director Barbara D’Agostino. “She exemplifies everything for which we strive, thinking outside of the box to ‘make it happen.’ She will always go the extra mile for our residents.”

Burantuo and Acquah-Akoto each received $250 checks as part of their Special Awards, which are funded by the Ceca Foundation.

Goodwin House extends its congratulations and gratitude to Burantuo and Acquah-Akoto for their exemplary caregiving. Their dedicated service to our mission and residents are wonderful examples of what makes Goodwin House a “family”. Through its partnership with the Ceca Foundation, Goodwin House is delighted to take part in the special recognition of caregivers on the frontline of COVID-19.

About Ceca Foundation: The Ceca Foundation is a nonprofit organization that partners with more than 50 healthcare communities throughout the D.C. Metro Area to recognize their outstanding staff. Ceca Award candidates are nominated by their peers, patients, residents and families for their exemplary caregiver values and exceptional acts of care.

About Goodwin House Incorporated: Celebrating more than 50 years of providing exceptional service to older adults, Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) is a not-for-profit, Virginia-based corporation affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Today, the strength of GHI begins with its clear statements of mission, vision and values, the stability and integrity of its boards and executive leadership and its reputation as a trusted partner and innovator in reimagining aging.

The growing family of GHI senior living communities and services owned and operated across Northern Virginia includes: two Life Plan Communities—Goodwin House Alexandria in Alexandria’s West End and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church, Fairfax County; an innovative continuing care at home program—Goodwin House at Home; and a portfolio of healthcare services and partnerships delivering Palliative Care, Home Health, Rehabilitation and Wellness, Primary Care and Hospice. GHI also is the management agent for The Lewinsville Retirement Residences, Inc. serving low-income older adults in McLean and Great Falls, Virginia. GHI advances its mission through the Goodwin House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting foundation that provides financial support to current and future residents in need and to fund programs dedicated to promoting well-being and vibrant living as we age.

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