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

Celebrating Sam Tarawallie's Exceptional Contributions

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.  

Sam Tarawallie has exemplified dedication and exceptional service in numerous ways:

• Providing haircuts to all individuals since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, ensuring they maintain their best looks.
• Teaching 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.
• Assisting colleagues in giving showers to bed-bound individuals and reminding them of their tasks.
• Covering vacant shifts when needed to maintain continuous support.
• Displaying emotional intelligence, respecting leadership, and offering valuable suggestions for safety improvements.
• Utilizing his skills to assemble new equipment and repair broken items, saving money for the program.
• Advocating for individuals by reporting potential risks and personal needs.
• Taking individuals to their family members for festive occasions like birthdays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.

"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 embodies the spirit of compassionate care and dedication that CRi values," added 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 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.

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.