It may be slightly premature, but I’m excited for spring and all that it entails. I am thankful for the longer days and warmer weather that signal the end of our pandemic winter.
Through winter, our offices remained open to essential visitors only. By wearing masks, distancing, and diligently washing hands, we are also able to host orientations and trainings. We will continue to work very hard to find, hire, and support our qualified and caring employees. As I said to our Leadership Team, “How can we tell our employees know how much we care about them, and how valuable they are to us?” We know that one important way is simply to say it, a lot. Because we mean it, a lot.
One of my favorite ways to recognize our employees is at our annual milestone event. Our 4th Annual Caregiver Milestone Reception is scheduled for Thursday, March 25th, 2021. As we create our list of employees celebrating five-year milestones from 5 to 35, we will know how many potential guests we will have. This will determine if we are able to have an in-person event, a virtual event, or both. Stay tuned! Relive last year’s event here. If you are a 5+ year milestone honoree, we will be contacting you for a brief interview and to get your jacket size if you are at your 15+, five-year mark.
Another major winter achievement was to host our first COVID-19 Vaccine clinics. We were able to vaccinate 84 people, and then to vaccinate 100% of those returning for their second dose. This is a major achievement! I hope that Cooperative can host future clinics for our employees who are ready for their vaccinations. While I don’t have those dates yet, you can sign-up through the STL health department here, and the St. Clare, Illinois health department here. Not ready? Consider learning more about what is happening with the COVID-19 vaccines in Missouri and in Illinois.
We also nominated three amazing individuals for Missouri Association of Home Care (“MAHC”) Awards. Our three healthcare superheroes, including quotes from their nomination forms, are:
Administrative Staff Award Nominee: “Barb Riggins because she is so nice, supportive and kind to our staff. She always takes the time to help others and is a great listener to our staff. She maintains a positive attitude, and I enjoy working with her.”
Volunteer Award Nominee: “MaryAnn Kohut because of her hard work and dedication, along with her daughter KerryAnn. They spent many hours cutting and sewing masks for our staff, for which they are very grateful.”
Pioneer Leadership Award Nominee: “Sandra Stith of the Department of Health and Senior Home Care is retiring this month after 31 years. She’s been in charge of the “Money Follows the Person Program” for the area. This program helps seniors return home after long-term stays in nursing homes, and it has helped countless Cooperative Home Care clients.”
Congratulations Barb, Mary Ann, and Sandra!
As winter thaws, I predict a hope-filled spring. Let’s celebrate together!
