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Best Places to Work Honoree 2022

Organization Name: Harbor Point at Centerville a Benchmark Senior Living Memory Care Community
Address: 22 Richardson Road Centerville Ma
Website: https://www.benchmarkseniorliving.com/senior-living/ma/centerville/harbor-point-at-centerville/
Phone: (508) 778-2311
Contact Email: kfontana@benchmarkquality.com
Describe in detail the culture of the company and a recent experience supporting that.

The strength of Harbor Point relies on our tenured, committed, competent, and reliable staff. Our commitment to one another inspires a sense of duty and pride that is evident in the services we provide to our residents and families regardless of what transpires in the world around us. Despite the many challenges and risks, the pandemic brought to Harbor Point and the long-term care community, our staff was unfazed. There was no task too tall, or risk too great that prevented our team from reporting to work to provide services to our residents. Harbor Point did not require the use of outside agency hours to fill shifts left vacant, a testament to the staff and their commitment to our residents. Despite the happenings outside of Harbor Pointe, our associates left their worries behind to focus and care for our residents.
Our company, Benchmark Senior Living, recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Harbor Point of Centerville was the first community of Benchmark and proudly specializes in memory care. At our annual gala this year, Harbor Point (one of more than 65 Benchmark communities in New England) was the recipient of the "One Company Fund Award." This award "honors the community best exemplifying the fund's vision of an associate-supported organization that does the right thing by taking care of one another and modeling how we are better together."

Has the company/organization offered rewards or incentives for great customer service or a positive employee attitude?

Harbor Point loves to celebrate and appreciate our staff! Our leadership team is acutely aware that our resident care and satisfaction directly correspond with the care and satisfaction of our employees. Below are just a few of the ways we encourage and reward our associates.
Gratitude Grams- This is our official "thank you" note and is given to each other in appreciation. These are posted in our compass room (our staff's well-deserved dedicated break area complete with the ever popular snack shack, filled with free snacks) for all staff to see. Every gram given during the month is entered into a drawing with the winner receiving a gift of around $50.00.
Service Champion-This is given monthly to an associate who has gone above and beyond, nominated by managers and peers. The winner receives recognition in our community and a $100.00 gift card.
Caught in the act- This is given when an associate contributes and/or adheres to ensuring a safe environment. This also is given for demonstrating compassion, showing empathy, anticipating resident needs, and asking for or providing assistance to a peer.
Compassionate Caregiver- This award is among the favorites at Harbor Point as the recipient is nominated by a family member.

Does the organization offer training for levels of advancement? Is there room for growth?
Harbor Point considers initial as well as ongoing training to be a critical component of the success of our community. All associates at Harbor Point have access to training that reflects the modality that is most effective for them. We believe that removing barriers to education, promotional opportunities, and training provides a higher level of job satisfaction and engagement. We find that adult learners do not always learn the same way our associates do that have recently graduated and we are willing to meet each of our associates where they are. Dementia Live is a training taken by all associates at Harbor Point. Special equipment is donned such as headphones, gloves, and limited vision glasses that offer a look into what the experience of living with dementia is like. Dementia live is also offered to community partners, families, and groups who feel as though they would benefit from walking in the shoes of our residents. Empathy and compassion are two hallmarks of Harbor Point and is evident throughout our community.
Does this organization promote from within, or hire outside when looking for employees?
70% of our management team (inclusive of lead aides, administration, dining services, plant, and operation) have been promoted within Harbor Point. We work with our staff so we are aware of their trajectory and how we can assist and facilitate ensuring they are on track to grow to the extent they wish. We want employees at Harbor Point to understand through our time and investment in their future that we want them to be successful. Harbor Point offers tuition reimbursement and has several associates who have become nurses while employed with us.
Provide an example of how this organization has recently gone above and beyond for an employee, team or client/customer.

The One Company Fund is dedicated as an emergency financial resource that our associates may apply for in a time of financial hardship or need. This is offered as a "grant" which does not require repayment. We raise money for this fund through a variety of means, most notably team-building activities, and raffles. Below is from one of our associates.
"My mom passed away very unexpectedly. She had lived her life to the fullest, so there was no money for services. I was not able to afford anything for her and was grieving. I didn't know where to turn until I was told that our One Company Fund would help. My Executive Director helped me fill out the paperwork. The One Company Fund covered my Moms expenses and I am so grateful."

Communication is key, how effective is the organization at communication with their employees and/or client/customer? *
"Call to Care" is our own private Facebook page where we are able to communicate and engage our staff at all times. There is a level of familiarity and personal connection that transpires through this platform which captures our successes, winners of various drawings, but also important announcements. Anonymous associate surveys are an important way to ensure we are hearing our associates. In 2021 Harbor Point conducted a staff survey that was completed with a 100% response rate. One of the indicators in the survey we are especially proud of was that 98% of respondents agreed that "People celebrate special events." To us, that means we are listening, and we are effectively communicating to our associates that they are important.
In what ways does the organization give back to their community? Please provide an example.
Harbor Point has a program called "Helping Hands" which is a collaboration between associates and residents that keep us engaged and integrated within towns on Cape Cod that are meaningful. Additionally, the organizations we partner with represent the interests of our residents and associates. A few helping hands we have offered include making and bringing dog biscuits to the MSPCA, sending care packages to our Troops, bringing lobster rolls to the fire department as a token of gratitude, folding clothes at the baby center, and hosting a successful coat drive for our local shelter. As a collective community, the employees, residents, and our resident's families are committed to giving back.
Are you actively hiring/recruiting outside your organization?
Yes

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