OGDENSBURG – The Society of the United Helpers recently awarded the Margaret R. Spies Awards recognizing exceptional members of the United Helpers direct care team.

Certified nurse aides, community resident aides, home health aides, and personal care attendants are among those considered for recognition. This year’s recipients were: Bryan C. Stevenson, Mosaic; Teresa M. Hooper, Maplewood Campus; Marie C. Woods, RiverLedge Campus; and Barbara J. Mack, RiverLedge Residence.

In December of 2000, Ann Spies made a generous gift to the Society of the United Helpers, creating an endowment in memory of her mother, Margaret Spies, former resident of the United Helpers Nursing Home and longtime Hammond school teacher. Margaret Spies appreciated hard work and the ability to give from the heart. Each year, one person is selected to receive the award from each of the United Helpers Nursing Homes, United Helpers Care, Inc. and the United Helpers Adult Home. Candidates are evaluated on several criteria, including: flexibility, attendance, willingness and ability to teach and mentor others, attitude, and a host of other qualities. To earn the. Spies Awards, candidates are nominated by their administrative team and their peers.

Stevenson, a medication certified community resident aide for Mosaic, is noted for consistent, upbeat and respectful manner and for his special attention to residents’ likes and dislikes. He was nominated by a very large portion of his team for the award and is cited for his reliability and “can-do” attitude. Miller has been with the United Helpers organization since 1994.

Hooper, a task aide, and now certified nurse aide for the Maplewood Campus, is recognized for her dependability, bubbly and jovial manner. Her peers cite her consistent, positive attitude and compassion for others as strong suits. Hooper has worked for the United Helpers organization since 2010.

Woods, a certified nurse aide for RiverLedge Campus since 2010, is noted for her work ethic, pride in her work, team spirit, and compassion toward her residents. She was strongly recommended by her peers who cited her commitment to her residents and dedication. In addition to her duties as a CNA, Woods is pursuing a degree as a registered nurse.

Mack, personal care attendant and employee since 2009 of the RiverLedge Residence, was nominated and noted by her peers and residents for her care and compassion for others. She is recognized for consistently having and sharing a positive attitude.

“You are heroes,” said Ann Spies. “The work you do each day is so very important to your residents and their families. I cannot express that enough. My mother was a special lady. In addition to being an exceptional wife and mother, she was a dedicated teacher and very passionate about her community. She appreciated hard work and the ability to give from the heart. I present these awards in honor of my mother and I honor you all for the work that you do.”

United Helpers, Inc employs more than 390 certified nurse aides, community resident aides and personal care attendants and provides free certified nurse aide training courses to more than a hundred individuals each year.

“These awards are very prestigious in that they are given for exemplary customer service and dedication to those we serve,” said Edward E. Hirt, Director of Human Resources, United Helpers. “A day does not pass where I think about our direct care team members and the contributions they offer to the United Helpers organization. Your importance is immeasurable and your level of commitment is recognized every day. On behalf of your teammates, our residents and family members, we thank you and applaud your special efforts.”

Award recipients are, from left, front, Bryan C. Stevenson, MCRA; Marie C. Woods, CNA; Teresa M. Hooper, CNA; Barbara J. Mack; PCA; back, Rebecca W. Reynolds, RiverLedge administrator; Mosaic Administrator Michele M. Montroy; Assistant Administrator Colleen S. Aldridge; Ann Spies, Administrator Kimberly A. McFaddin, and Timothy J. Parsons, Assistant Administrator.

For more information regarding the United Helpers’ sponsored certified nurse aide courses or for a complete listing of available positions, visit www.unitedhelpers.org.