Village Shalom has named Eddie Howard, production assistant in Rachel’s Café, as Employee of the Year for 2009. Meskerem (“Mesky”) Kenbato, laundry aide in Environmental Services, was named Rookie of the Year. The honorees were announced at Village Shalom’s annual employee recognition ceremony and holiday celebration. Howard received a $5,000 cash award; Kenbato received $1,000.
Introducing the presentation of the awards, President and CEO Matt Lewis commended all staff members for their extraordinary dedication to serving the residents of Village Shalom. “The successes of Village Shalom are the result of the things you do day in and day out. On behalf of the management team and Board of Directors, we thank you.”
He cited the advances the continuing-care retirement community has made during 2009, including the expansion of the physical therapy area and the implementation of Dakim BrainFitness computer terminals for residents to use. Village Shalom also received its third consecutive PEAK Award from the Kansas Department on Aging.
James M. Klein, Chairman of the Village Shalom Board of Directors, said, “In the holiday spirit, I want to express my thanks to the Village Shalom staff from three different perspectives. On behalf of the Board, I want the community to understand how important it is for Village Shalom to continue to receive their support. As one of many volunteers here, I understand that you actually get as much satisfaction from the experience as you are giving to others. And, as a result of my mom’s recent stay in Village Shalom’s skilled-nursing and rehabilitation area, I saw firsthand why people think this is such a special place. You have a lot to be proud of.”
Lewis then introduced Charles Helzberg, a major benefactor who established the Charles M. Helzberg Employee Recognition Fund at Village Shalom in 2000. Lewis explained that the fund “makes it possible for us to provide a meaningful monetary reward to staff members chosen as the Employee and Rookie of the Year.”
Helzberg commended all Village Shalom employees for their important efforts and dedication to resident care throughout the year. “Thank you for the unbelievable job you’re doing. The State of Kansas certainly understands it, with the third annual PEAK Award they have given you this year.
“You affect a lot of lives,” Helzberg added, mentioning not only residents and their families who directly benefit from Village Shalom, but the effect that radiates to the entire community. “You’re improving the quality of life for thousands of people. Your smiles, your kindness – that’s the environment you create every day, and we all thank you.”
Following Helzberg’s remarks, the Employee and Rookie of the Year were announced:
Eddie Howard was named Employee of the Year. A Village Shalom employee since January 2008, he has worked in numerous capacities in the Dining Services department: as a dishwasher, dining room server, cook and prep cook. “Eddie is just exemplary,” said Sharon Lab, Director of Dining Services, in making the presentation. “He gets things for people before they even ask for them. Eddie pitches in and helps everyone; he makes all our jobs easier. He really has a magnetic personality – it shows in the depth with which he cares for the residents at Village Shalom.”
Howard previously worked in cooking and food service at a daycare center in Kansas City, MO, before joining Village Shalom. Howard said he had a strong sense that he would receive the Employee of the Year designation. “I was nervous – but in my heart, I knew that I try to go beyond my job every day. I really like helping people, and I like my co-workers. We all get along well.”
Howard’s commitment to Village Shalom is evident in his family’s involvement as well. Three of his children – son Keith, 22, and daughters Ashley, 20, and Alexis, 19 – are also on the Dining Services staff at Village Shalom. Another daughter, London – age 8 – probably won’t be ready to join the team for another few years. His wife, Dawnette, works in childcare at the YMCA.
Village Shalom Employee of the Year Eddie Howard (center) is congratulated by Sharon Lab, Director of Dining Services, and Matt Lewis, President & CEO.
Meskerem Kenbato was honored as Rookie of the Year. She was chosen from a field of 12 first-year employees who had been named Rookie of the Month during 2009.
Kenbato joined Village Shalom in June 2008 in the Environmental Services department. In early 2009, she assumed the new position of laundry aide, taking on the responsibility of laundering personal clothing for residents of Village Shalom’s Weinberg Health Center (skilled nursing) neighborhood. “Mesky is really an asset to Village Shalom,” said Cynthia Moore, Director of Environmental Services. “She is pleasant and helpful, very dependable and thorough with her job responsibilities. We are very fortunate to have her as part of the Environmental Services team.”
“I’m excited,” said Kenbato of her award. Originally from Ethiopia, she moved to the United States in March 2008 to join her sister and her family. “I’m so glad to work here, especially with the residents, my co-workers, managers – everything. I like the teamwork. I didn’t expect to win. Thank you to Village Shalom!”
Meskerem “Mesky” Kenbato was named Village Shalom Rookie of the Year for 2009.