East Ridge at Cutler Bay, the area’s only not-for-profit life plan community, recently recognized 21 team members during the annual Milestone Awards Celebration.
A special honor went to Shelley Bell for 30 years of service working in the Food and Beverage Department. Two 25 year awards were given to Ethlyn Davis, an East Ridge home health certified nursing assistant (CNA) and Stephanie Davis, in the Food and Beverage Department. Other awards were for 5, 10 and 15 years of service.
Dignitaries on hand for the special event included Michael Gallagher, CEO and president, SantaFe HealthCare and CEO SantaFe HealthCare Affiliates, and Troy Hart, president,SantaFe Senior Living. SantaFe Senior Living is the community’s nonprofit sponsor. Members of the corporate advisory board in attendance included Jody Crossland and East Ridge resident Dr. Carolyn Garwood.
In total, the associates represented 235 years of service to the life plan community and their responsibilities ranged from working for East Ridge’s independent living to assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.
“Our associates come to East Ridge with a purpose and they have chosen a unique profession in serving seniors,” said executive director Ken Cormier in congratulating the recipients receiving their milestone awards. “When residents select East Ridge, they are deciding to live where our associates will care for them for the rest of their lives. These are more than jobs. Someone working in senior living is fulfilling the mission of the community to care for seniors. They make the difference and we celebrate each person and what they do”.
In addition to the Milestone Awards Celebration, East Ridge offers a scholarship program for employees. Several of the milestone honorees are scholarship recipients, using the scholarships to further their education in nursing.
For example, Udaipaul “Paul” Persuad, who received a 10-year award, started at East Ridge as a CNA in skilled nursing. While working, he attended school to become a licensed practice nurse and continued schooling to become a registered nurse.
East Ridge is located at 19301 SW 87 Ave. in Cutler Bay. To learn more about the life plan community or to schedule a personal tour, call 305-256-3564 or visit www.EastRidgeatCutlerBay.com.
