Congratulations to Sam Tarawallie, CRi's First CECA Award Winner!

We are delighted to announce Sam Tarawallie as the first recipient of the CECA Award! Sam received his award and $250 prize at SummerFest, on Saturday June 8 at CRi. This dynamic rewards program, launched in partnership with the CECA Foundation, is designed to celebrate and recognize the exceptional care, achievements, and successes of CRi's dedicated team members.

Celebrating Sam Tarawallie's Dedication to CRi

"We are thrilled about our partnership with the CECA Foundation and the launch of the CECA Award," said Tania Hammock, Chief Clinical Officer at CRi. "This program highlights our commitment to recognizing and celebrating the exceptional dedication and care our staff members, like Sam, demonstrate every day.”

Sam Tarawallie provides exceptional service to our individuals. Sam is always sure to report potential risks, attend to personal needs, and offer valuable suggestions to improve the safety of individuals.

An advocate for individuals, Sam displays high emotional intelligence and consistently goes above and beyond for those he cares for. He takes individuals to their family members for festive occasions like birthdays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. And, since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, Sam has provided haircuts to all individuals, ensuring they maintain their best looks.

Sam is a team player. He teaches new and existing staff the necessary support skills for high-intensity needs, ensuring the safety of individuals with visual impairments, those who are bed-bound, and non-ambulatory. He also:

• Assists colleagues in giving showers to bed-bound individuals.
• Reminds his team of their tasks.
• Covers vacant shifts when needed to maintain continuous support.
• Respects leadership and his coworkers.
• Utilizes his skills to assemble new equipment.
• Repairs broken items, saving money for the program.

“Sam embodies the spirit of compassionate care and dedication that CRi values," said Tania Hammock. "We are incredibly proud to honor him as our first CECA Award winner.”

Congratulations, Sam. We are so proud to have you as a member of our team!

Gratitude to All Our Nominated Staff

CRi would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our nominated staff members. Your dedication and hard work are the backbone of our organization, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do to support our community.

Join Us in Celebrating Our Caregivers

Nominations for the CECA Award can be submitted online at cecaaward.org/Guest/CRi, via a QR code, or through a nomination form available at the front desk or Human Resources Department. The award includes a quarterly $250 prize for outstanding service, and nominators receive a $50 bonus if their nominee wins.

For More Information

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

About the CECA Foundation

Founded in 2013 by the Matthew and Rosemary Lawlor family, the CECA Foundation celebrates caregiver excellence, inspired by the outstanding care provided to Matt Lawlor’s mother. The foundation honors healthcare workers who demonstrate exceptional compassion and dedication, aiming to inspire others through recognition and appreciation.