Village Shalom has been recognized for the third consecutive year with the PEAK Award from the Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA). Martin Kennedy, KDOA Secretary, and David Halferty, KDOA Director of Nursing Facilities and PACE Division, visited Village Shalom’s Helzberg Campus for Jewish Living to present the 2009 PEAK Award at an assembly of the continuing-care retirement community’s staff, residents and volunteers.

PEAK (Promoting Excellent Alternatives in Kansas Nursing Homes) recognizes Kansas long-term care communities that are leading the “culture change” initiative to provide non-traditional models of resident-directed care in a true home-like environment. Village Shalom is one of only eight senior-living communities in the entire state, and the only one in Johnson County, to receive the 2009 honor.

“We are honored to be selected for three straight years,” said Matthew Lewis, President and CEO of Village Shalom, in welcoming the gathering. “To be able to implement significant changes and improvements each year is a challenge, but everyone here has done an amazing job.” He cited the many enhancements to Village Shalom’s facilities and programs over the last year, but noted that “our staff is the single most important reason we’ve been able to achieve this [award]. I’m very proud as I observe how our staff performs their job on a daily basis with such commitment and passion. That commitment is woven into everything we do throughout the organization.”

Staff members representing each Village Shalom “neighborhood” then addressed the gathering with overviews of recent advances in their respective areas to promote resident-centered care, staff empowerment and an overall sense of community. Residents Clara Cohen and Arlene Stern also spoke, expressing their satisfaction with the many amenities that make Village Shalom a comfortable place to call home.

In presenting the 2009 PEAK Award and a check for $300 from the Kansas Department on Aging, Secretary Kennedy remarked that Village Shalom is “a national example of how to advance culture change” in senior long-term care. “Around the country, a place like this is truly exceptional. The interaction between residents and staff is exceptional, and it’s apparent not only to you at Village Shalom, but also to anyone who comes in from outside. When you walk through the front door, you feel like you are part of a community.”