Employee Recognition at SPLC

From providing support to seniors to keeping our buildings running smoothly and managing our organization’s administrative tasks, there is a team of dedicated professionals with various skills who all go above and beyond for the SPLC community.

This week, SPLC is acknowledging the hard work of all of its employees with a virtual Employee Appreciation event. During this event, 16 employees will be recognized for their length of service to SPLC. Topping the list with 15 years of work for SPLC is Marc Beauchemin of Information Technology Services and Jing Zhao from the Assisted Living Services program.

“I’m thankful for the hard-work of all SPLC colleagues. These have been especially challenging days and all SPLC staff have had to make changes and adapt quickly to this ever-changing situation,” said Diane Duncan, SPLC Executive Director. “I’m always impressed by your dedication and passion for helping seniors in our community.”

Jing Zhao

Jing is a personal support worker (PSW) who visits seniors in their homes. Sometimes she’s helping a senior to shower, preparing meals, or reminding them to take their medication. An important part of her work is providing emotional support – she tries to get to know the seniors she visits so that she is familiar with their habits and what they like. Many of the seniors she visits are living with dementia and it’s important for her to know how to help them in meaningful ways.

“You need patience and skill and basic knowledge to know how to work with seniors and people with early stage dementia. I just want to help them make their day a little easier,” Jing said. “I really enjoy my work. I’ve been here for so many years and even on my vacation days, I still think about what’s happening here.”

At the start of the pandemic, many of the seniors receiving personal support services temporarily suspended their services. Now seniors see SPLC staff like Jing taking extra precautions with masks and hygiene, and they are feeling more comfortable to have PSWs visit again.

Jonathan Ramkissoon

Jonathan Ramkissoon, SPLC’s Security Team Leader, is one of 10 staff members being recognized for five years of service with SPLC.

A typical day for Jonathan includes walking around the SPLC buildings, being attentive and diligent for safety or security concerns – especially now while pandemic measures are in place. Jonathan and his team have the important task of maintaining security within the buildings including making sure that visitors come through the correct doors and wear masks.

Sometimes, Jonathan says, the security team may help someone get medical attention, or do miscellaneous things like helping a senior with their TV if they don’t understand their cable and can’t get it to work. “A lot of staff, other security and custodians, help out like this too. Working with seniors, we want to help them out,” Jonathan said. “I enjoy helping people and serving the people here.”

He especially enjoys interacting with the seniors. “A lot of them are still young at heart. There is a lot of smiles and laughter.”

Years of Service Recognitions

SPLC thanks all of its colleagues for their hard-work in helping our community to remain a vibrant place for seniors and staff. Here are the names of 16 individuals who are celebrating milestone anniversaries in the first half of 2020 – we will have more anniversaries to celebrate at the end of the year!

15 years of service