Team members often choose to work with seniors because they have hearts of gold. At Elder Care Alliance, special employees who strive to enhance residents’ quality of life every day receive the Heart of Gold Award.
The award, established in 2002, is presented each year to one employee from each community. Winners exemplify the values of Elder Care Alliance through their work and service to residents.
Fellow employees, managers, residents and family members can nominate team members for the award. A committee of employees representing all the departments in each community selects the winner.
Elder Care Alliance Chief Executive Officer Adriene Iverson presents the award — a “heart of gold” — to each winner at annual events. In addition to the commemorative heart, winners receive a $500 cash award and they are profiled in the “Heart of the Matter” employee newsletter.
Please meet our four Heart of Gold Award winners for 2017.
Juana Madrigal, Mercy Retirement & Care Center
In August, Juana Madrigal was honored as the Heart of Gold Award winner for Mercy Retirement & Care Center. Juana has worked as a Resident Assistant with Mercy since 2003 and was nominated by her peers and managers, along with many resident family members.
Juana’s honor was announced along with a number of Milestone Anniversary honorees who have been with the community between two and 30 years. Along with Adriene, Resident Care Director Jennifer Duenas and Executive Director Tamra Schmutzler were on hand for the award presentation.
Jose Manuel Melendez, AlmaVia of Camarillo
Jose Manuel Melendez also was announced in August as the 2017 Heart of Gold Winner for AlmaVia of Camarillo. Adriene was joined in presenting the award by Executive Director Matthew Hathway.
Jose is a dining server in Culinary Services. With a little over two years of service, Jose has demonstrated the characteristics befitting a Heart of Gold winner. He always has a smile on his face as he works, and one of his nominations described how he always listens carefully and in a courteous manner to residents and their family members and friends, along with other team members.
Gladys Salgado, AlmaVia of San Rafael
In September, AlmaVia of San Rafael’s Gladys Salgado was honored with the Heart of Gold Award. Gladys has been with the community for a little over two years and has quickly become a valued team member.
She rapidly moved from a position as Resident Assistant to Med Tech, and she was promoted recently to the new position of Resident Care Coordinator. Gladys’ colleagues recognize her as a hard worker and exceptional team player. Executive Director Wendy Cornejo was on hand along with Adriene for the award presentation at AlmaVia of San Rafael.
Nery Ramirez, AlmaVia of San Francisco
Nominations for AlmaVia of San Francisco winner Nery Ramirez noted her smile and willingness to assist residents, family members and other employees. With five years of experience, Resident Assistant Nery is dedicated to excellence for herself and her co-workers.
She forms strong, emotional bonds with everyone she sees on a daily basis, and she is always available to lend a hand to another team member or a resident. Nery received her award in October and was joined by AlmaVia of San Francisco Executive Director Pamela Hamilton and Adriene.
Elder Care Alliance is proud to honor these hard-working, devoted team members as our Heart of Gold Award winners for 2017.
