Home Caregiver Recognitions
Our Case Managers meet to choose a Caregiver for Angel of the Month. A Case Manager will generally nominate someone with an explanation as to why this person is chosen. The Caregiver is notified that they have been selected and comes in to the office for a full celebration. This person is honored with treats, a certificate, gift card and the Case Manager that selected them will read a full write-up about why they were chosen. The Caregiver is interviewed and then featured in the monthly newsletter as well as on Facebook. Visiting Angels Newton/Canton has the most amazing team of people to care for our Clients. Our Caregivers work tirelessly with their Case Managers to ensure top quality care.
Angel of the Month
ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Williams Ejimonyeabala
April 2022
We are privileged to award Williams Ejimonyeabala Angel of the Month for April 2022. Williams joined Visiting Angels Newton/Canton in February 2021. Upon his hire, our case management team noted his outstanding work ethic, expertise, and willingness to jump right in and accept cases.
Williams has cared for fifteen clients since joining our team. This month alone, he has been assisting four of them, working with three of our case managers, Elizabeth Quagraine, Patrick Murray, and Traci McCarthy. Each client has their own particular needs and health care challenges; Williams provides help with daily living activities, transportation, bathing, grooming, and ambulation. “I love people in general,” Williams said. “But I have great empathy for the elderly. I see my clients as family members who require my care and do what I can to elevate their comfort and well-being. All of the experience I have gained through the years as a professional caregiver has helped me support my family and community at an elevated level.” Williams takes pride in the assistance he provides. Williams’ client’s wife complimented his skillful attention. Williams told us, “I have gained my client’s trust, and he now allows me to groom and shave him. His wife shared that her husband’s behavior and attitude have improved so much since I have been helping him.”
Grace Quaye, our July 2021 Angel of the Month, referred Williams to our agency. “I have had a very good experience with Visiting Angels Newton/Canton,” Williams shared.” I was fortunate enough to attend last years’ Caregiver Appreciation Celebration, where I met the owners, Karen and Larry, other caregivers, and many of the office staff. It was nice to see how the company showed its gratitude for us and our efforts. The people at this agency work together as a team which is impressive. I had negative experiences with another home care agency that does not consider the compatibility factor between client and caregiver. They also did not communicate well by not asking what works for their caregiver. Visiting Angels is very professional and organized. The case managers make sure we are prepared and meet the clients before taking cases. They consistently follow up to make sure we are satisfied – it is evident that they really care about us. Elizabeth is a wonderful person with such a big heart. Once she sees how good you are at your job, she will never let you go! I have recently begun working with Patrick and Traci over the past few months. Both case managers are kind, thoughtful, and sincere. I have enjoyed working with each case manager.”
A Devoted Angel
Case Manager Elizabeth Quadraine speaks highly of Williams. “Williams is truly selfless, extremely professional, and communicates exceptionally well,” Elizabeth said. “I had an emergency call-out recently and contacted Williams as he was coming off another shift. I asked him to fill in for us. He went home to wash up and change and immediately attended to our client. Williams is always willing to help out when he can, and no challenge is too complicated (and no dog too big!) On top of this, all of the clients I have sent Williams to have adored him, and their families are always impressed. Thank you, Williams, for all that you do. You are a prime example of a true Angel.”
Case Manager Patrick Murray also expressed his appreciation. “I’ve had several cases with Williams,” Patrick said. “I have been consistently impressed with his dedication to making his clients feel heard and comfortable. I met Williams for a caregiver introduction about a month ago, and I was amazed at how quickly he could establish rapport with the client and his spouse. These seniors were in a vulnerable position, welcoming an outsider into their home to care for them. However, Williams did everything in his power to make them feel at ease. It was clear that the client trusted Williams right away because he has such a warm and welcoming personality. His smile and laugh are so infectious; you just can’t help but feel good when you speak with him! His dedication to this work is admirable. Our clients speak highly of him, and we are lucky to have him as part of our team. Thanks, Williams, for all you do!”
Professional Background
Williams began his career in his home country of Nigeria. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from the University of Port Harcourt and taught classes there while completing his master’s in Education. Williams left Nigeria for California before coming to Massachusetts in 1998, where his family lived. He considered putting his studies to work with a career in education, but he decided to pivot and go into the human services field. Williams worked as a residential counselor for the May Institute, Vinfen, and Bay Cove Human Services, all agencies that assist adolescents and adults with disabilities or special needs. In 1999, he obtained a position as a residential counselor for the state of Massachusetts, where he continues to work with our caregiver Grace Quaye. Williams procured his Medical Assistant and Certified Nurse Assistant certifications through the Red Cross eighteen years ago and obtained his Home Health Aide certificate through the Caribbean Foundation of Boston.
Early on in his career, Williams began taking his prerequisite classes in nursing at Bunker Hill Community College. He later chose to focus on supporting his wife, who he encouraged to attend Quincy College for her nursing degree. She has been a registered nurse since 2011, thanks in part to his support.
Words of Wisdom
Williams’ advice to new caregivers joining the Visiting Angels Newton/Canton team is as follows: “You must love your job. If you do, you will use that love to get along with your client, and they will trust you and show their appreciation for your efforts. It is important to work with your clients and learn their needs from their families, which will help you figure out best practices and routines. You will not succeed in helping your clients if you are focused on the money – you must truly love caring for others. And, my last piece of advice is to think of ways to teach your client new methods to function successfully through their limitations. It will be greatly satisfying for you and your client.”
A Remarkable Honor
Williams was bestowed with a remarkable accomplishment in December 2021. He returned to Nigeria, where he was promoted to High Chief of the Amaimo Ancient Kingdom. This is one of the highest honors offered by the seven villages. Williams presented gifts to the attendees at his celebration. As part of his ceremony, he was given a traditional walking staff, a hand fan, special beads to wear around his neck and wrist, and a magnificent chalice. Williams told us, “I took an oath to represent my community through this special honor using my wisdom and honesty. It is a great responsibility and privilege that I hold dear to my heart.”
On a Personal Note
Williams has two sons and four daughters. His eighteen-year-old daughter is preparing to attend college to pursue a degree in pediatric care. His guilty pleasure is watching sports, especially international football (soccer), American football (Go, Patriots!), and he enjoys cheering on all types of sports and competitions. Williams’ favorite activity is a large monthly feast with family and friends. He loves to attend celebrations and parties and meet new people. Williams is the Vice Chairman of the Ikemba Association of New England and has attended the Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan for over twenty years.
With Tremendous Gratitude
Williams, we are grateful to have you as a member of the Visiting Angels Newton/Canton family and honored to award you as Angel of the Month for April 2022. We recognize you as a rising star in our agency because of your character, work ethic, positivity, compassion, and professionalism. We look forward to working with you for years to come.
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Rody Fils-Aime
March 2022
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Mical Coriolan
February 2022
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Mirla Joseph
January 2022
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Gladys Monday
December 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Suze Philippe
November 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Jacqueline Nwosu
October 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Christine Sylfrin
September 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Mary Depradine
August 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Grace Quaye
July 2021
newton-GraceQuaye_AOM_JULY2021.pdf
ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Colbert Pierre
June 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Garlyne Renois & Ernestina Arthur
May 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH TEAM | Dawn Burrell, Stella Spencer, Rebecca Namatovu, Adiaba Bofia, Silvana Caruso & Carline Bijou
April 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Aminah Nakafeero
March 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Judith Pierre-Louis
February 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Renette Glaure
January 2021
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ANGEL OF THE MONTH 2020 Awardees
ANGEL OF THE MONTH 2019 Awardees
ANGEL OF THE MONTH 2018 Awardees
Special Recognitions
Timeless Gratitude to Alice Kimani
No, this is not a new award we’re giving, but a special commendation to Alice Kimani, who gave live-in care to one of our clients. One night in November 2016, she was awakened by the smell of smoke. There was a fire in the garage, which quickly spread to the rest of the house - but not before Alice successfully evacuated the senior whom she was caring for, as well as the adult son. The house was burned to the ground, fed by a full tank of heating oil. Two cars in the driveway, one of them Alice’s, were melted. But thanks to Alice’s heroism, nobody was injured, except for the senior’s pet cat, which unfortunately perished. Alice, we think that you are wonderful!
Tama Lewis – Massachusetts Home Care Alliance 2009 Aide of the Year
The HCA has 150 member agencies employing over 19,000 home health aides, and one of our very own was chosen as the 2009 Home Care Star Award Aide of the Year. Tama embodies the essence of what every family wants in a home care aide: skill, good judgment, compassion, integrity, kindness, reliability, good humor, caring, wisdom, dedication, warmth and respect in dealing with seniors. She has been with Visiting Angels for five years, but like all our caregivers, she came to us with years of experience in giving care to seniors.
For four years she was the lead caregiver to a man named Joe, who had no family or friends to help in his declining years. Although he had Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, with Tama's care he was able to remain at home, where he wanted to be. When she came on the case, his health was declining rapidly despite ongoing medical attention. Soon Joe's deteriorating health began to improve as Tama made sure that he got a healthy diet and took his medications. His home got cleaner, and his appearance improved. Eventually Tama was joined by other caregivers, but she remained the lead person of the team that organized his life, did the shopping, got him to medical appointments, cleaned his house, prepared meals and kept him clean. With help from Tama and the rest of our team, Joe attended his Masons meetings, continued his treasured Saturday evening buffet at the Marriott, and visited places where he had spent his youth. When he developed pancreatic cancer, he died at home with Tama by his side. She was the closest thing to family that he had.
At Visiting Angels of Newton & Canton, we are proud of our reputation with our many referral sources and clients who note the excellence of our services and the quality of the people that we employ. That reputation rests on providing home care with men and women like Tama Lewis since 2004. As deserving as she is of the award, Visiting Angels has many other caregivers who are just as dedicated, give just as much of themselves, and who deserve their own awards. We salute Tama and all of the fine caregivers who work for us and allow seniors the joy of remaining at home where they want to be.
Visiting Angels Newton/Canton is an award-winning accredited home care agency that provides elder care services in Brookline, Newton, Needham, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Canton, Westwood, Dedham, Watertown, Natick, Wellesley, Stoughton, Roslindale, Norwood and nearby areas. If you aspire to be the best caregiver you can be, contact us at 617-795-2727 or fill out the form on our home care careers page.
If you are looking for the best home care services in the Newton/Canton area, contact us at 617-795-2727 or click the button below to tell us about your case. We're ready to help you!
Serving Brookline, Canton, Dedham, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Stoughton, Watertown, Wellesley and Westwood
Visiting Angels NEWTON/CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS
383 Elliot St. #100ENewton, MA 02464
Phone: 617-795-2727
Fax: 617-244-0260