LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that two of its communities were honored by LeadingAge Virginia—an association of not-for-profit life plan communities—during its annual awards gala held virtually on August 18.
Lakewood resident and former LifeSpire of Virginia Board of Trustees member Joe Teefey was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Stewardship Award. This award recognizes Joe for his advancement of public trust and confidence in aging services through public service, collaboration, media or other efforts to educate consumers and help them make informed choices.
Teefey has generously donated his time, talent and treasure to address health inequities in the Richmond community. He has served as a leader and volunteer for the Board of Missions, leading more than 10 tours to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in the U.S., and tours to Brazil and Panama, bringing care to those in need. During his time on the LifeSpire of Virginia board, he was instrumental in guiding recent expansion projects.
“I think the Lord gave and the Lord set an example for us to give. If you want to feel good, do something for somebody. And, if you want to feel great, do something for somebody every day,” Teefey said.
The Chesapeake Retirement Community was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Workplace Excellence Award which recognizes a community that demonstrates investment in their staff and workplace environment for the delivery of quality care and services; demonstrates innovation in workforce development practices.
LifeSpire of Virginia recently purchased a private home adjacent to The Chesapeake that is being used to assist employees who need transitional housing. The Fresh Start program provides team members with up to three months of housing while they work on a plan to become financially independent.
Many residents at The Chesapeake donated furniture and volunteered to clean and decorate—making the house a home. Additionally, LifeSpire of Virginia is offering all team members a financial wellness program called Momentum on Up, which is offered by SunTrust, now Truist.
“This program gives somebody the opportunity to look past what’s going on right now in their life, to not have to worry about a mortgage or rent, to use food vouchers to take up three meals for the next day,” said Wellness Director Damien Polewczak. “Our team members have our support. We’re going to provide them with all the resources that they need to be successful.”