CELEBRATING an impressive 200 years of combined dedicated service, Calvary Home Care honoured 12 current and former employees for their contributions at a special event hosted at the organisation’s Service Centre on Thursday, October 31.
Among those honoured was Judy Emmett, a support worker who has found great joy in helping people to stay living at home throughout her 25 years of stalwart service.
Reflecting on her fulfilling career, Judy said, “I’ve really enjoyed my work; it’s very rewarding. I enjoy helping people and keeping them in their own homes, and they appreciate the help we give.”
Sharing a poignant story about how her journey began Judy said, “When I moved here, a neighbour’s mother was helping to look after three children. I offered to help look after one of the children who had a disability. My neighbour kept suggesting I work for the local support provider, which later became Calvary.
“That’s how I got started. Now things have come full circle, and I am looking after that boy’s grandmother.
“I’m very lucky all my clients have been beautiful. If I can make them happy, then I’m happy.”
Emphasising the importance of recognising its dedicated and hardworking staff, service manager Scott Bohun said, “I’m really proud of all the team. They do an amazing job to provide quality, compassionate care and support that helps vulnerable people in our community maintain their independence and quality of life and remain living in their homes.
“We have about 120 support workers, 16 office team members and support 1300 clients with a wide range of needs in Greater Shepparton through to Echuca, Yarrawonga, Nathalia and down to Seymour.
“It doesn’t matter whether the team is providing domestic care, personal care, social support, or respite care, whether they’re doing the shopping, helping with garden and home maitenance, or doing home modifications, they do it with pride and compassion.”
This year’s milestone recipients included:
25 years – Judy Emmett, support worker
20 years – Donna Griffiths, intake officer Diana Arnold, support worker advisor
15 years – Jacalyn White, disability support worker
10 years – Sarah Thorne, client service coordinator; Val Gollashaj, support worker
5 years – Kristy Stopps and Paz Willcox (support workers)
Several long-service staff who retired in recent years also attended the celebrations including former support workers Joy Norman (23 years) and Marilyn De Silva (11 years)
The event also marked the achievements of four local newcomers to the team, who received their Certificate III in Individual Support after completing a year of study and on-the-job learning as part of their traineeships.
To find out more about Calvary Home Care head to: https://www.calvarycare.org.au/home-care/
