CRi Announces Partnership with CECA Foundation to Honor Exceptional Caregivers with CECA Award

Chantilly, Virginia - May 2024 - CRi, a leading organization dedicated to supporting adults with disabilities and mental health needs, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the CECA Foundation to launch the CECA Award. This rewards program is designed to celebrate and recognize the exceptional care, achievements, and successes of CRi's dedicated team members.

Ceca Foundation (pronounced see´-ka) was established in 2013 to “Celebrate caregiver” excellence by the Matthew and Rosemary Lawlor family. The Lawlors were inspired by the exceptional care Matt’s mother, Mary Lawlor, enjoyed in her later years, and by what they witnessed as volunteers at care facilities for the physically and developmentally disabled.

It became clear to the Lawlors that outside of friends and family, those who had the biggest impact on their mother’s quality of life were the nurses, housekeepers, porters and other healthcare staff who were part of her day-to-day world. These staff members provided excellent skilled care, and more importantly, they offered compassion and companionship. This experience had a profound impact on Matt and Rosemary. They wanted a way to honor these special caregivers, and highlight meaningful acts of kindness in a way that would inspire other staff members to do the same.

The Lawlors set about to develop the Ceca Award Program. Matt got it started, modeling the program after a staff-inspired recognition program with a public company that he founded and headed for 20 years. Rosemary used her experience and contacts with a hospital board, and with several community programs which focused on serving the sick, poor and aged. Their sons pitched-in with technology and human resources know-how. Together they designed the Ceca Award Program as a way for healthcare communities to honor their exceptional clinical and support staff members (Source: cecafoundation.org).

The CECA Award, named after the CECA Foundation, is open to all CRi team members, including both clinical (such as nurses, DSPs, Qs, behavioral therapists, etc.) and non-clinical staff (including the admin, maintenance, and IT teams, etc.). It aims to highlight those who go above and beyond in serving the community and making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals supported by CRi.

"We are excited about our partnership with the CECA Foundation and the launch of the CECA Award," said Tania Hammock, Chief Clinical Officer at CRi. "This program underscores our commitment to recognizing and celebrating the exceptional dedication and care demonstrated by our staff members every day."

To nominate a team member for the CECA Award, individuals can visit cecaaward.org/Guest/CRi to share their story and nomination online, scan the QR code with their mobile device to access the nomination form directly, or fill out a nomination form and turn it in to the front desk or Human Resources Department.

The CECA Award not only provides public recognition for outstanding staff members but also includes a quarterly $250 award as a token of appreciation for their exceptional service. Additionally, if a person you nominate wins a quarterly award, you will receive a $50 bonus for your referral.

"At CRi, caring for our community is our top priority, and we believe in celebrating the caregivers who make a difference every day," added Hammock. "Your feedback and nominations help us recognize and honor those who truly embody our mission of compassionate care."

For more information about the CECA Award program and nominations, please contact Tania at thammock@mycri.org.

About CRi: CRi is dedicated to providing personalized resources to adults with disabilities and mental health needs. With a focus on compassionate care and community support, CRi strives to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.