Ossining, NY – Long-term St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children Employee Fred Badger was honored with New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (NYASHA)’s Long Term Care Employee of Distinction Award on Thursday, November 16, 2006.
“Fred has been with St. Mary’s for 25 years, providing recreation services to the residents as part of a strong interdisciplinary team. In his role, Fred additionally serves as a male role model for some of the residents who come from dysfunctional family units. He possesses a strong yet gentler character that demands respect from residents and staff alike,” said Mary M. Keenan, RN, MS, Director of Nursing, Director of Therapeutic Activities.
Fred is a Therapeutic Activities Specialist at St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Center for Children, a 44-bed facility in Ossining, NY. As such, he coordinates multi-disciplinary programs for the residents including music therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, martial arts, horseback riding and seasonal and religious activities.
“I love Fred because he makes me happy when he’s around,” Jessica, a St. Mary’s resident, said.
Fred is a local resident of Ossining and has many ties with the community. He also works part-time in the Ossining Parks and Recreation Program, coordinates with local banks and churches for holiday gifts for the St. Mary’s residents and coordinates program for the children of St. Mary’s with the New Castle Fire Department.
Though this award was designed for employees working with an aging population, Fred was not the first to win this award for his work with pediatrics. In 2005, Song Yi, also from St. Mary’s, was honored.
The award was created to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the front line staff working in NYAHSA member organizations. The 2006 Employee of Distinction Selection Committee consisted of Representatives from the Legislature, the Office for the Aging and other long-term care associations.
