Staff Stories - May 13, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2020

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

Goodwin House Employees Honored with Special Awards from Ceca Foundation

Regional Organization Recognizes COVID-19 Efforts by Caregivers 

Alexandria, VA – Two Goodwin House employees were among the top honorees selected this month for Special Awards from the Ceca Foundation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Ceca Foundation announced the “Special Awards” in late March as a new series of awards designed to recognize caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of eleven employees in the DC Metro Area received the Special Awards this month.

Jennifer Bennett, the events communications coordinator at Goodwin House Alexandria, and Lisa Wallace, the corporate director of supply chain for Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI), received their awards in a special ceremony at Goodwin House Alexandria on May 11, 2020.

Since March 13, guest visitations and group events at Goodwin House Alexandria and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads – the life plan communities that are the cornerstone of Goodwin House Incorporated – have been suspended. Thus, virtual programming has taken on heightened value to keep residents engaged, connected, enriched and informed during the extensive infection precaution efforts in place. Bennett received her Special Award in recognition of her efforts to ensure reliable digital streaming of information sessions, entertainment and activities for residents.

“Jennifer comes through time and time again,” said David Baker, the administrator of operations and security director at Goodwin House Alexandria. “She does it all with a calm and collected temperament, can do-will do attitude and great respect for the well-being of residents, who are now prevented from enjoying some of the daily routines they cherish due to COVID-19.”

Wallace received her Special Award in acknowledgement of her efforts to coordinate and secure a large group purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). She facilitated the purchase and distribution of over 1.3 million face masks for Goodwin House and more than 50 senior living and health care organizations who participated in the group buy.

“When faced with this pandemic, Lisa realized that necessary personal protective equipment might be harder to get for long-term care facilities, such as Goodwin House, that are seeking to obtain it on their own” said Michele Cenzer, the director of stewardship for the Goodwin House Foundation. “Her quick thinking to arrange a large group purchase across many organizations, along with her drive and organizational skills to implement the idea, has helped to protect the health of thousands of older adults and the staff who support them.”

Bennett and Wallace each received $250 checks as part of their Special Awards. The Ceca Foundation funded the monetary prizes as part of their Awards.

“The Special Awards are given with an eye to acts of teamwork, kindness, creativity and preparation during COVID-19,” said Barbara D’Agostino, the executive director of Goodwin House Alexandria. “We are proud of Jennifer and Lisa, and grateful to the Ceca Foundation for helping us to recognize their incredible work.”

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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.