The Western New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (WNYAHSA) recently honored 70 employees and volunteers who have shown exemplary work in the senior care profession at Samuel's Grande Manor including two local students.
Six scholarship awards were presented to employees of WNYAHSA member facilities. The stipends are given to help continue their education in the field of long-term health care.
Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Shannon Cole of Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing, Gerry. Cole is attending SUNY Fredonia to earn her bachelor's degree in social work. She is a resident of Stockton.
Tara Brawdy, who is employed by TLC Health Network, Irving, and is a student of Excelsior College. She resides in Gowanda.
The Janet Engasser $1,500 scholarship was given to Nicole Eckert of Brothers of Mercy Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clarence. She attends the University at Buffalo's nursing program. Eckert is from Alden.
Additional scholarships were presented to the following:
Mariya Baranov, an employee at Bristol Village, Clarence Center, and a student at Niagara County Community College. Baranov is a North Tonawanda resident.
Melissa Bowen, who is employed by Brothers of Mercy. She attends Genesee Community College and resides in Batavia.
Sarah Munn, who also works for Brothers of Mercy and attends Trocaire College. She is an Alden resident.
Edward J. Gray, president of Schofield Residence and chief executive officer of Schofield Home Health Care Services, received the Meritorious Service Award, WNYAHSA's highest honor. He began his career in long-term care at Schofield 38 years ago. Throughout the years, he has overseen the organization's expansion of its community-based services, including Schofield's Long Term Home Health Care Program and the creation of the largest adult day health care program in upstate New York.
The Special Program Award was given to Brothers of Mercy for its "Photorama" program. This activity offers residents, staff and family members an opportunity to laugh together being photographed, reminiscent of the instant photo booths from decades past. Honorable mentions for this award included Beechwood Homes for "Glory Days," a senior prom celebration, and Lockport Presbyterian Home for "Around the Year Holiday Decor," a year-round window decorating activity.
WNYAHSA represents more than 60 not-for-profit facilities for seniors and adults throughout Western New York. These facilities provide nursing home care, assisted living, rehabilitation care, home health care, independent living and associated community services.
