The sixth Joseph and Eleanor Wolff Excellence in Care Giving Award was presented December 11, 2009, at Village Shalom to Peggy Lewis, Health Center program coordinator. Lewis joined Village Shalom staff in February 2008, where she is involved in planning and coordinating programs and activities for residents.

Tami Middleton, Director of Human Resources for Village Shalom, introduced the presentation, offering thanks to the Wolff family for making the award possible. “Eleanor Wolff was a Village Shalom resident for six years,” she explained, “and after her death, her sons established the Joseph and Eleanor Wolff Excellence in Care Giving Award to show their appreciation for the extraordinary kindness and wonderful care she received.” The award is given twice annually to an employee who provides direct care to residents in Village Shalom’s skilled nursing areas. Candidates for the Wolff Award are nominated by co-workers, Village Shalom residents and their family members.

In presenting the award, Eileen Miller, Village Shalom Director of Resident Programs, cited comments made in letters nominating Peggy for the honor:  “She takes an active role in her team, she mentors new staff, goes ‘above and beyond’ in her family and resident interactions, and enriches the lives of others by sharing her talent for art and music, and by giving the residents the opportunity to express and discover their own talents.

“Peggy is a great example of an employee who lives the mission of Village Shalom,” Miller added. “She tries, day in and day out, to make the lives of our residents truly shine, and for that I am truly proud to work with her.”

Eileen Miller, Director of Resident Programs at Village Shalom (left), presents the sixth semi-annual Wolff Care Giving Award to Peggy Lewis, program coordinator for residents of Village Shalom’s skilled-nursing neighborhood.

Lewis received a check for $750 and a recognition pin. Her name has been added to a plaque that is prominently displayed at Village Shalom.