Circle of Care’s Spotlight Awards were established to showcase and honour the contributions of our dedicated employees. Throughout November, nominations for these awards were gathered from Circle of Care supervisors and management. The Senior Management team then cast their votes, and we’re delighted to unveil the well-deserved winners listed below.
2023 Recipient of the Eileen Morgan Award for Customer Service
Divine, Administrative Assistant
Divine was nominated for the Eileen Morgan Award for Customer Service because she exudes hospitality in her role at reception. She greets all with a smile and extends herself to help with whatever might be going on. She juggles several things at any given time with competence and calm.
Divine has a pulse on what’s going on in the office, and she takes the time to check in, offer support and make time to assist where she can. Her positivity and ability to contribute is felt in the reception area and throughout the office. Our Personal Support Workers no doubt feel that warm and welcoming hospitality every time they arrive.
“When there was a medical emergency with a staff member, Divine alerted the proper supports right away and provided great care to the individual,” said Allison, Talent Acquisition & Retention Manager. “She was calm, action-oriented and caring.”
About the Award
Eileen Morgan began her career at Circle of Care in 1984 as a Home Service Worker. She excelled in her role by being patient, understanding and a good listener. Eileen always focused on customer service and going above and beyond the call of duty. When Eileen passed away in 2009, Circle of Care decided to honour her memory by creating an award that exemplifies customer service.
The Eileen Morgan Award is presented to a non-union staff member who exemplifies customer service. This award supports our values of exceptional client-centered care, excellence, accountability, collaboration, equity and innovation.
2023 Recipient of the Yvonne Greaves Award for PSW Leadership
Odeth, Personal Support Worker
Odeth was nominated for the Yvonne Greaves Award for PSW Leadership because she is compassionate, caring, and a hard working individual who is dedicated to her clients and profession. She is also a strong advocate for her peers. She provides them with the support they need, and knows when to encourage them to involve management when matters need to be escalated.
Odeth was involved in several PSW Performance discussions and workplace investigations this year. She always had a positive attitude and comes prepared for all of the meetings.
Odeth takes the time to listen to her peers and asks thoughtful questions to get a deeper understanding of the issue at hand. She shares her knowledge and experience, and coaches her peers on the proper processes and procedures.
“Odeth demonstrates leadership everyday through her roles as PSW, Union Steward, and as a member of our Joint Health and Safety Committee. She brings forward feedback and concerns from her peers and puts forward ideas and suggestions on how to resolve their concerns to the Union and Management teams,” said Vivian, Interim Human Resources Manager.
About the Award
Yvonne worked for Circle of Care for 37 years as a beloved PSW. She was adored and respected by her clients and her peers, serving as Chief Union Steward and a member of our Joint Health and Safety Committee. She held high standards for care and compassion, serving as a role model for a generation of PSWs. Being a proud PSW was a core part of Yvonne’s identity. Yvonne once said “People think PSWs are just men and women that go in and do a little bit of chores. It isn’t so, especially with more complex care patients coming into the community. We feed them, change them, make sure they are comfortable, remind them of their medications. I love people. I’m really, truly a people person. I go in professionally with a kind heart, ready to serve, even if it’s for one day.”
The Yvonne Greaves Award is given to a Personal Support Worker who displays leadership in their role. They are someone that their peers can look up to as a role model. They are willing to contribute to the success of the organization by going above and beyond, which could include being an excellent union steward, or a fantastic contributing member to a committee or project. No matter what they do, this person is always willing to go the extra mile at work.
2023 Recipient of the Circle of Care Award for Home Care Excellence
Arlene, Personal Support Worker
Arlene was nominated for the Circle of Care Award for Home Care Excellence in recognition of her outstanding dedication and commitment to our organization and the clients we serve. Arlene consistently demonstrates qualities that makes her an exceptional member of our team. Arlene is not only hardworking but also exceptionally punctual, which has a significant positive impact on our operations. Her reliability is a testament to her dedication to providing the best possible care to our clients. Moreover, Arlene consistently receives praise from our clients for the exceptional care and compassion care she provides. Clients often express their gratitude for Arlene’s kindness, attentiveness, and unwavering commitment to their well-being. Arlene’s hard work, punctuality, willingness to assist during staff shortages, and consistently positive feedback from clients have had a significant and positive impact on our organization and the lives of the clients we serve.
“What truly distinguishes Arlene is her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty,” explains Muna, Client Services Professional Practice Lead. “When we are short-staffed, Arlene is always the first to lend a helping hand, ensuring that the care and support provided to our clients remain uninterrupted and of the highest quality. Her selflessness and teamwork are truly commendable. “
About the Award
Circle of Care PSWs and Homemakers play an important role in allowing our clients to remain happy and independent at home. Beyond just their list of duties, these employees provide companionship, a listening ear, and dependable stability to many of our clients.
The Circle of Care Award for Home Care Excellence is given to a PSW/Homemaker who displays commitment and dedication to their role assisting clients in their homes. They are excellent at their job, considerate and compassionate towards clients, and are a role model that other PSWs/Homemakers can look up to.
