PVM was recognized in a big way at the 2016 LeadingAge Michigan Awards Gala! Lynette Sanday of The Village of East Harbor received the Caring Spirit Award; and VP & Executive Director for The Village of East Harbor received the Leadership In ACTION Award. The program description stated:

CARING SPIRIT
Lynette Sanday

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan—The Village of East Harbor

Lynette has been a nurse at The Village of East Harbor for over 14 years. She started at the skilled nursing facility and now works as the Charge Nurse in the Memory Care Unit.

Lynette is a strong and dedicated nurse who gives 110 percent advocating and working to achieve and deliver the best quality care possible for the residents. She consistently provides compassionate care excelling in all she does for the residents on a daily basis. She is passionate about her job. Lynette cares deeply for her residents and embraces their families. She treats them like her own family, always making sure they are comfortable, happy and have everything they need.

Her supervisors have received countless letters, emails and verbal exchanges from family members expressing how instrumental Lynette is in their loved one’s care and how much they appreciate everything she does. She makes a difference in residents’ lives every single day. She is a true definition of a caring and compassionate nurse.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
David Miller

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan—The Village of East Harbor

David’s career in senior services began with his very first job at the Village of Redford working his way through high school and college. For the past 30 years, David has made serving seniors his life’s mission. Under his dedicated and compassionate leadership, The Village of East Harbor has been a flagship senior living community as part of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. Even during the recession, The Village of East Harbor remained profitable and successful. He is passionate about the seniors he serves. According to Dave, “the residents are my boss, this is their home, and I am here because of them.” He has created a culture centered on caring while still managing to maintain a very successful facility. He promotes a well-balanced life with both the residents and the employees. He knows everyone by name and joins in whether it is helping a family navigate the LTC process or celebrating a resident or staff member. He takes time to talk to everyone and listen to what they have to say. You rarely see Dave down, rather quite the opposite, his positive attitude, laughter, and sense of humor are contagious.

Dave is genuinely concerned about his team. His enthusiasm, quick wit, dedication, and Open Door policy installs confidence in his team that he is there for them and always has their back. David is an inspiring leader. He has the ability to bring out the best in everyone who works for and with him. He empowers his team to meet goals, seek solutions, and achieve great results. He allows them freedom to do what needs to be done to provide the best senior living services for the residents. He always gives credit to his team and does not take credit himself.

When challenged, he leads his team enthusiastically and with optimism. David can resolve conflicts in the work place with diplomacy leaving all involved walking away with dignity, and inspiration to be and do better.

A great leader displays confidence, empathy, passion, and honesty. Qualities, those who know David, would not hesitate to use to describe him. He epitomizes the notion of service excellence in all he does. He is a compassionate and intelligent leader. He is a man of action who leads by example and makes no excuses. We are honored to celebrate Dave’s thirtieth anniversary with Presbyterian Villages of Michigan.

Also, PVM made a full sweep with honorable mentions: Ellen byrne, Executive Director of The Village of Westland, receive honorable mention for the Mentor Award. Don Pailen, PVM volunteer for The Legacy Corps also received honorable mention in the Individual Volunteer of the Year category. The Legacy Corps program received honorable mention for the Group Volunteer of the Year category.