Nominated Business: Senior Services of Van Buren Co
Who are the owner(s) and/or principal leadership in this company? Diane Rigozzi. Executive Director
Where is it located? South Haven
Nominated by: Michelle Davis
How many people work at the company you are nominating? 30
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
SSVBC serves people age 60 and older in qualifying areas of Van Buren County. There are 8 activity sites throughout the county with the main site and offices located in South Haven. SSVBC offers a wide range of activities and sub sized lunches at all senior centers. Seniors come to view their center as a place to make new friends and enrich their lives. There is also a Care Coordination Department with staff who help seniors with needs such as food, housing, emergency utility distance, medical loan closet, assistance with paperwork and more. A volunteer force provides free medical rides, home repairs, handicap ramps, free tax assistance and more. There is no senior agency in the county that offers the comprehensive services that SSVBC does.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?They make a huge difference in the lives of seniors. By providing a hearty meal at a reduced price, offering a place for seniors to meet others, they have provided a space for friendships to grow. People who live alone have come together and created a community where they belong. Their dedication to improving the lives of seniors is the highest priority of their staff. People who have no way to get out of their homes receive a ramp, and people who have no other way to get to their medical appointments receive rides at no cost. The work done by SSVBC is invaluable.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
As a staff member, I am proud to work for an agency that has such a heart for the people they serve. The support from the Executive Director and Board Members is very apparent and encouraging. Seeing the results in people’s lives whether it’s smiles of a table of friends ar a senior center or the joy of a recipient of free ramp, satisfaction in knowing the good being done is tremendous. And we are able to have a little fun,too!
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Google or Indeed. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
The staff at SSVBC is hard-working, compassionate, and it’s obvious they all love what they do. Their love for seniors is apparent as they go the extra mile to provide engaging activities, great food, and crucial assistance to those in need. Their volunteers are amazing and love what they do. The seniors they serve are like family to them. The leadership at SSVBC ca4es about their staff and desires for them to succeed. Their support is amazing,
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
Dedicated
Compassionate
Knowledgeable
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Ability to bring people together in amazing ways
Ability to give people peace as staff helps them manage a crises (eviction, utility shut-off, illness, identity theft, food, etc)
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Executive Dir. and supervisors meet with staff, check in to see how things are going, they listen well. Having fun and laughter is welcome also. Achievements are acknowledged. S5aff member of the month is announced at inservices..
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? At monthly inservices, direction is given, and time for bonding is given. During Department time, collaboration is encouraged . An annual staff retreat, there is plenty of time for idea sharing, in-depth discussions, special activities, and team building. The retreat results in goals for the next year.
C] Keep communications open? Inservices provide the opportunity to provide good communication and teach staff about other departments. Leaders are open to ideas from staff , along with their concerns.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Just last year, our volunteer ramp team was winding down for the winter. Care Coordination made a home visit and discovered a senior who had not been out of her house in 3 years. Even though it was November and the team had already built 16 ramps during the summer and fall, and there was no lumber left, staff and volunteers went to work and built this sweet lady a ramp right away. She was thrilled and the Care Coordinator was in tears.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? Staff is acknowledged at monthly inservices. Volunteers, who are vital to the agency and the success of our programs, are honored at an annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Awards are given, all areas of service and accomplishments are acknowledged. Staff serves the volunteers a delicious meal and gifts are given. It’s a day of celebration.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? There is an annual Christmas party, along with an annual retreat at a lovely location. Gifts and fun are part of both events. Inservices include socializing time also.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? SSVBC connects with other agencies, offering a meeting space for Kiwanis and the Southwest Michigan Caregivers, providing volunteers for special events. An annual Christmas dinner is provided at no-cost in collaboration with The Moose Losge. Last year over 400 free meals were served. Local organizations use the auditorium and facilities for presentations, performances, etc. (blood drives, SHAES safety presentations, theatrical shows, and school functions ) Other agencies’ fundraising events are often supported by SSVBC. We have participated in many parades, and at local festivals to increase awareness of our services.
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Seniors with milestone birthdays are celebrated at the senior centers. Special days are acknowledged with treats, flowers, and fun activities. Support groups for widows, visually impaired people, and caregivers are offered.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
We provide approximately 60 rides a month to medical appointments for seniors at no cost. Some people have no other way to get there. Some may be going to an eye doctor and getting eyes dialated and can’t drive. The drivers provide companionship on the ride, make sure they get into the appointment safely, and back to their home safely. This service enables seniors’ ability independently.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
Benefit 1: Competitive compensation and benefits
Benefit 2: Great hours
Benefit 3: Fulfilling work
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its’ leadership, etc?
The Executive Director has worked hard to provide a great work environment for staff without compromising service to seniors. She cares very much about what staff might be dealing with in their personal lives as well. The seniors we serve so many times become friends. It’s a real blessing to work here.
