2019 Winners “Spirit of ReFocus” Outstanding Employee Award

Antoinette Bright

Antoinette, or “internet” as she is lovingly called by many of our folks, lives the
ReFocus mission each and every day.  She comes in every day ready to love and challenge our folks, and always makes their day.  The folks all try to get into her
classes and outings and, even when they are not on her roster, she always seems to find room for one more.  Antoinette has great ideas for community outings that both entertain and educate our folks and encourage them to live their best lives.
Antoinette is an excellent advocate for the folks, noticing if they are not themselves, if they need new clothing or shoes, or just need a friend.

Antoinette has a son who is on the Autism spectrum, so she has a unique perspective on what our folks may be going through.  Because of this she noticed that one of our young gentlemen has trouble making friends. Antoinette and her husband brought this young man out to dinner one night with their son to try to foster a new friendship.  Everyone had a great night and hope to do it again soon.

There are so many stories that show Antoinette’s dedication to our folks that I could write a book, but one stands out above the rest.  Anyone who has been around long enough knows that getting staff to take our folks to the pool has always been achallenge. Well,  Antoinette actually volunteered to do a swimming class and get in the pool every week with the ladies, ensuring everyone is safe and happy. On one
particular day, Antoinette forgot her bathing suit. She still took the ladies to the pool and she rolled up her pants, sat on the edge and asked the ladies to stay in front of her in the shallow end.  Well, one of the ladies began to swim toward the deep end.  Instead of shouting at her and having her return, Antoinette made a slight wardrobe change and hopped in the pool!  She made everyone’s day that day!

It is for her love, her dedication, her ability to think outside the box and many many more reasons that make Antoinette our choice for DSP of the year.

 

Benvinda Correia

Benvinda began her career at ReFocus 27 years ago as a Direct Support Professional at Parkside Residence. Benvinda became one of the best staff that Sherry and Paul Clary ever hired. Benvinda quickly became knowledgeable of all the ladies’ needs, likes,
dislikes and dreams. As Sherry and Paul moved on at ReFocus, Benvinda
accepted the position of Residential Director and now Program Coordinator.
Benvinda, though timid at first, soon became very confident in advocating for the needs and desires of the Parkside Ladies. She always strives to give them the best and happiest life possible.

Benvinda’s strong work ethic and frugal ways are well known throughout
ReFocus. Benvinda doesn’t stop; she works diligently day in and day out to
ensure the ladies are loved and well cared for. Benvinda has been very supportive,
present and attentive to several folks at the end of their lives. She ensures a safe and
loving presence for the ladies as they make their transitions to heaven.

Benvinda has taken on many challenges from new folks coming to live at Parkside, and as she says, she falls in love in the first week! Benvinda lives the Mission of ReFocus everyday and she exemplifies the Spirit of ReFocus that we celebrate with her tonight.

Thank you, Benvinda!
We love and appreciate all you do for so many at ReFocus!

 

Lisa Mejia

ReFocus is very pleased to honor Lisa Mejia with the 2019 Spirit of ReFocus Award.  Lisa has worked at ReFocus for the past twenty-five years.  Lisa’s mom was working at ReFocus and, through her mom, she met Sister Pat Farley.  Pat convinced Lisa to apply to ReFocus. Lisa applied and was hired on the spot.  She began working as a fill-in in the Supportive Living program, assisting folks to live as independently as possible.  Eventually, she became a full-time employee and, in 1999, she was promoted and became a Coordinator for the Supportive Living Program.

As a Coordinator, Lisa has coordinated services for many different individuals. She does her job very well; knows what needs to get done and she does it. She loves the folks and has wonderful
relationships with them.  Many of the folks she supports call her “Mama Lisa”.  The folks are first, and she will do anything to see that they live their best lives. She is a great advocate and makes sure the folks get the supports and things they need to have a great life. Lisa is the best at creating acommunity and celebrating all aspects of life. The folks and staff in her program eat many mealstogether, celebrate holidays, birthdays and are there for each other during the good and bad times.  Her group is always out and about exploring the community and participating in celebrations. She makes sure everyone is busy having fun and enjoying life.  Her folks feel part of a family and benefit from all the love and support that they receive.  

Lisa has a big personality.  She is outspoken, caring, hardworking, dedicated, determined and
creative. She is a great problem solver. She gets involved. She goes out of her way to help others.  Lisa not only advocates for the folks she supports, she has also assisted the folks’ families and friends in their time of need.  She has arranged funerals, brought food, furniture and clothes to those who needed them.  She has found people a place to live, reunited families and helped them to get the things they need and the supports they required.

Lisa understands, promotes and lives the mission of ReFocus. She follows the Fish Philosophy every day and has a positive attitude. She truly believes that each day is a new day and great things can happen if you work hard.

During her time at ReFocus, she has made ReFocus a better Agency because of the work that she does and the positive impact that she has had on others. Lisa, we are so grateful to have had yourstable presence in our lives for the past twenty-five years. We thank you for your commitment, love, and hard work. We love and appreciate you!