×

Heritage Honors Management Company Employee

Left, Don Robbins with David Smeltzer, Heritage Ministries president and CEO, honoring Robbins as the 2018 Employee of the Year for Heritage Management Company. Submitted photo

GERRY — Heritage Ministries honored their 2018 Employee of the Year for the Heritage Management Company in Gerry.

Don Robbins was presented with a special award for his achievement. Robbins is a maintenance assistant and has worked in the Heritage maintenance department since 2013.

Nominated by his colleagues for the award, Robbins exemplifies Heritage’s core values, which state that they strive for the following: respect for human dignity; excellence in everything they do; acceptance of every person; compassion for all; and honesty above all else.

His co-workers said of him in his nominations, “He is known as the go-to guy on campus and is always there to help. He has a positive attitude towards residents and staff. Don will often stop and listen to concerns or complaints from both and if he is bothered he never shows it. He is very attentive to detail. If a problem arises with a resident, he will not hesitate to jump in, or if unable, make sure the right employee is there to help.”

Rebecca LaBaron, campus administrator at The Homestead, said, “Maintenance employees of a retirement community tend to be the eyes and ears of the community and are aware when anything is out of routine. Don has expressed concern for residents when he has noticed a subtle change. This could make all the difference as people age in place. He is respectful of the residents’ homes and truly gets to know everyone. He is very dependable, easy going, and well liked but most importantly, trusted by staff and residents. I don’t recall a time that he has ever said ‘no;’ he will find a way to make it happen no matter how big or how small the request. When Don points out a problem he also provides a solution which, as Administrator, I find extremely helpful as we try to balance an ever changing environment. Don is a tremendous asset to the maintenance department and we are excited to recognize him for his dedication.”

Heritage Ministries was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry to six locations in New York, with additional affiliations in the states of Washington, Illinois and Pennsylvania. As a nonprofit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members and serving more than 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. The Homestead Stables provides intergenerational equestrian opportunities as well as boarding, training, and lessons. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses, allowing for intergenerational programs. For more information on Heritage Ministries, visit heritage1886.org.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today