MAB Community Services Marie Jocelyn, right, won $10,000 in recognition for her outstanding work caring for residents in our residential home in Watertown.
The following information was provided by MAB Community Services:
MAB Community Services (MAB) has just honored 11 of the best direct care staff in the Adult Disability Services division with Maxo Joseph Excellence in Direct Care Awards.
Marie Jocelyn, who has served as a MAB Residential Counselor since 2009 and works at the Edenfield Avenue residence in Watertown, was unanimously nominated for a Maxo Joseph Award and one of two $10,000 cash awards for her outstanding care for the participants’ health, safety, and well-being.
These awards are part of MAB’s efforts to create a welcoming and supportive work environment. Nominated by coworkers, supervisors, and the families of the people they support, 11 team members are annually recognized at a special luncheon and receive a total of $50,000 in awards.
“I see MAB as a family,” Marie said when she accepted her award. “This is another way for me to give back. I want to accept the award for my team. This is an international house. All of us speak different languages, have different backgrounds, but we manage to respect each other professionally and with kindness.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Marie managed daily activities at the residence. Until face masks and personal protective equipment arrived, she hung plastic over entrances to the living room and kitchen and cared for a participant who was infected with the virus, which helped to keep COVID from spreading. Marie encouraged participants to Facetime with their families when they couldn’t visit in person and is extremely diligent with their medical care. She is a joyful and positive presence at Edenfield Avenue.
The Maxo Joseph Awards were created to honor the life and legacy of Maxo Joseph, a direct care team member in Adult Disability Services for nearly 20 years, who died from COVID-19. Maxo loved his work. He knew it was important, and he was an ideal residential counselor. When he wasn’t at work, he and his family members cared for his 83-year-old mom.
Jay Lupica made a transformative matching grant through the Patricia W. and Alfred E. Farah Charitable Gift Fund to launch the Maxo Joseph Awards. During this month’s Maxo Joseph Awards ceremony, Jay pledged an additional $100,000 dollar-for-dollar matching grant for the Maxo Joseph Awards, supporting MAB’s efforts to recruit, retain, and reward exceptional staff.
“We are thrilled to recognize our best staff with the Maxo Joseph Awards, for the excellent care and dedication they provide our participants,” said Barbara Salisbury, CEO of MAB Community Services. “Direct care is at the heart of all that MAB does. The quality of our work depends on the quality of our direct care staff. Creating a work environment where staff feel valued, respected, and appreciated builds loyalty.”
About MAB Community Services
MAB Community Services (MAB) specializes in creating opportunities and transforming the lives of individuals with a range of disabilities by providing the support necessary so everyone can live a full and satisfying life. Since 1903, MAB has provided an array of services that enable individuals, regardless of their disabilities, to be active participants in their lives and communities.
About MAB’s Adult Disability Services
Adult Disability Services provides residential supports, community living supports, transitional assistance, occupational therapy, and vocational services for individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and other disabilities throughout Greater Boston, Southeast Boston, and Central Massachusetts. The division operates 29 residential homes, a community-based day center, and annually supports more than 300 people who live as independently as possible in their communities. To make a difference in a meaningful career, please visit: https://www.mabcommunity.org/mab-community-careers/.
To contribute to MAB Community Services’ Maxo Joseph Awards, please visit: https://www.mabcommunity.org/donate/ and designate your donation to the Maxo Joseph Awards.