Bridgett Dallas, lifestyle services director at The Bridge at Ooltewah, won parent company Century Park Associates’ annual customer service award, Going the Extra Mile.
The honor was bestowed during Century Park’s Annual Management Meeting on May 10, held this year at the company’s headquarters in Cleveland.
Ms. Dallas received a cash prize. She was chosen from among Century Park’s more than 40 communities as the company-wide winner.
Ms. Dallas, who has been with the community since it opened in 2013, was nominated for her personal relationships with residents, knowing their likes and dislikes individually and taking time to pray with them.
She also takes new associates under her wing and helps them get involved with residents, even if their jobs do not normally include a lot of resident interaction.
As an activity director, Ms. Dallas coordinated a week of Olympic-style activities during the Winter Olympics so that residents could participate and compete in scaled-down versions of the athletic contests, including curling. She even found a pool table for sale online when her residents expressed that they would enjoy having one in the community. She arranged for its purchase and delivery.
“That’s Bridgett – if there is something her folks want, she is determined to get it done,” said Jenny Graham, director of operations for Century Park Associates.
Ms. Dallas is also involved with Quilts of Valor, an organization that presents quilts to veterans. She ensures that all veterans in the community, both residents and associates, are recognized for their service.
“It takes a lot of extra coordination and planning to ensure no one is left out during the quilt presentation ceremonies we have had for the last two years,” said Justin Tipp, maintenance director.
“It’s an honor and privilege to spend time with our residents every day,” Ms. Dallas said. “Their participation in activities greatly adds value to my life by watching them thrive daily. Growing up, my two most favorite people were my grandparents, and I lost them at an early age. I so enjoy being around this age group – it’s like having grandparents again. They put a smile on my face, and it means a lot to me knowing that someone has seen that I truly love and care about these residents.”
Ms. Dallas added that her whole team works well together to help the residents lead fulfilling lives.
Century Park’s Going the Extra Mile program rewards associates for extraordinary acts of kindness. Monthly awards are presented in Century Park communities nationwide based on nominations from fellow associates, family members, residents and guests. Each community then chooses an annual winner, from which three regional winners and an overall winner are selected.
The Bridge at Ooltewah is located at 5901 Snow Hill Road. For more information, call 423-760-8540.