CHEER honors direct care workers
At a recent holiday meal and awards ceremony, CHEER Inc. honored the direct care workers Personal Assistance Services Agency. During 2018, CHEER aides provided nearly 100,000 service hours to senior citizens in Sussex County.
The Direct Care Worker of the Fall 2018 Quarter award went to Phyllis Collick of Milton. Servicing CHEER customers for 20 years, Collick received accolades from the daughter of one of her clients, who said Collick is not only a caregiver, but a friend to her mother. “Phyllis goes above and beyond her regular duties in good times and in bad,” she said, noting that Collick takes her position with CHEER very seriously and provides the utmost care to her mother.
Receiving the Direct Care Worker of the Quarter award for Summer 2018 was Laura Pusey of Seaford, who has been with CHEER for 22 years. Clients refer to her as very kind and quiet, and having a wonderful personality.
Paulette Jones of Seaford was recognized for working the most service hours by a full-time direct care worker. Jones has been with CHEER for 15 years and during the past fiscal year, she provided 2,408.5 hours to CHEER seniors.
Receiving the Most Service Hours award by a part-time direct care worker was Colby Murray of Georgetown. Employed by CHEER for almost two years, Murray has juggled school time and work time to provide 1,527 hours to CHEER seniors.
Five-year milestone employment recognition went to: 25 years, Karla Oney, Seaford; 20 years, Phyllis Collick, Milton; five years, Heather Beutler, Lincoln; Vickie Chandler, Millsboro; Louella Curtis, Laurel; Lashonda Stanley, Bridgeville; and Mary Lou Ewell, Georgetown.
The following direct care workers were recognized for referring customers to CHEER’s program. Karla Oney of Seaford recognized that an elderly gentleman was in need of help and assisted him in getting service. Kelsey Smith of Harrington started a casual chat with a person in the drugstore about CHEER services, and now CHEER cares for their loved one five days a week. Also, Brenda Schafer of Millsboro referred a special lady to CHEER who is now receiving 35 hours of service a week.
CHEER also recognized the retirement of Alice Fitchett of Seaford who has been one of CHEER’s valued direct care workers for 21 years of service. She was thanked for her commitment and will be truly missed.
The CHEER Personal Assistance Services Agency is staffed by trained, bonded and insured professionals who provide care and companionship for seniors in Sussex County. For more information for anyone interested in being part of this team, call 302-515-3044.
Anyone needing services for their senior loved-one may call 302-854-9555.
