May 2025

 

Announcing the 2024 National Ceca Awards

Ceca proudly announces the recipients of our 11th Annual National Ceca Awards. This prestigious honor celebrates four extraordinary caregivers from across the country, selected from Ceca’s network of care partners and public nominations submitted through our "Celebrating America's Care Force" Initiative. A special thank you goes out to our 2024 Initiative sponsors: MemoryFox, Ohio Health Care Association, RB Health Partners Inc., and Smartlinx.


This year’s National Ceca Award Honorees have demonstrated exceptional acts of care promoting well-being and quality of life for those in their care community. The four award recipients received a cash award of $2,500 and an engraved trophy. Festive celebrations were held at each location where Ceca's President, Nate Hamme, presented the awards in conjunction with leadership from the organization, team members they work with and those they care for.

Roberta Kuhl, Social Worker

West Virginia Caring in Arthurdale, West Virginia

Roberta was recognized for the way she treats her patients like family, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and cared for, even in their most vulnerable moments. Last Thanksgiving, she took time away from her own family to personally deliver meals to patients who would have otherwise spent the holiday alone. One colleague said, “To Roberta, these small acts of love are just a part of what she does every day. But for those patients, it meant the world. This is just one example of the countless ways Roberta goes above and beyond for her patients. She doesn’t just work for them; she works with them, walking alongside them through their hardest moments, always offering a kind word or a hand to hold.” Read Roberta’s story.

 

Richard Williams, Physical Therapy Assistant

Brookwood Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation in Homestead, Florida

Richard was recognized for his unyielding dedication to residents and skillful enthusiasm in his work. Known for his exceptional people skills, enthusiasm and positive attitude, Richard consistently goes above and beyond for residents and their families. His impact is evident in the heartfelt testimonials from residents, with one resident expressing deep gratitude for Richard’s care and encouragement that helped him regain strength and confidence in his own abilities again. Richard’s reputation extends beyond his direct work—family members eagerly request his assistance for their loved ones. His kindness, expertise, and dedication make all the difference in the lives of those he serves. Read Richard’s story.

Eva Ebner, Resident Caregiver

Generations Senior Living of Strongsville, Ohio

Eva was recognized for her resilience, love, and unwavering dedication. She has won the hearts of residents, families, and staff and become more like family than just a care worker. Residents speak of her kindness, attentiveness, and the joy she brings to their lives. Whether it’s remembering how a resident likes their eggs, holding their hand through difficult moments, or creating personalized artwork for them, Eva goes above and beyond. Eva came to Generations Senior Living with very little healthcare experience but with a heart full of compassion, and while she has faced immense hardships, her story is a testament to her strength and the profound impact she has on the Generations community. Read Eva’s story.

Shannon Gronniger, Environmental Services

Colonial Springs Healthcare Center in Buffalo, Missouri

Shannon was recognized for her selfless acts of kindness and devotion, embodying the true spirit of caregiving through compassion that extends far beyond the responsibilities of her job role in environmental services. Family members of a resident shared they are comforted knowing Shannon treats their loved one like her own. She regularly plans special celebrations and often spends her own money on gifts and supplies for residents, and ensures that each resident feels valued and loved. Even during inclement weather, she has chosen to remain at the facility rather than go home, putting residents’ safety and comfort first. Read Shannon’s story.

Thank You to Our 2024 Initiative Sponsors!

Thank You to Our Donors!

Celebrating Caregivers Through Your Generous Support

With your help, Ceca has recognized nearly 51,000 exceptional acts of care and awarded more than $550,000 to extraordinary caregivers. Your donations put smiles—and sometimes tears—of gratitude on care workers' faces!


We are incredibly grateful for the support of our founders, the Lawlor Family, and other philanthropic organizations such as Dalio Philanthropies, The Edward & Della Thome Memorial Foundation, The Forster Family Foundation, the Pottruck Fund and TisBest Philanthropy.


We also want to acknowledge a number of donors that have continued to support our mission over the years, including Thomas & Catherine Altmeyer, Ronald Artinian, Ron & Ann Bergamesca, CM Bowers, Marcel & Donald Desrosiers, Maury Devine, Michael Gordon, Bob Griendling & Karla Leavelle, Alanna Hamme, Joel & Susanna Hamme, Michael & Kathryn Hanley, Elizabeth Linsert, James & Jane Moore, Peter Schlossberg and Lori Stewart.

 

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