February 17, 2021 – Although an in-person gathering was not feasible this year because of COVID-19, Blossom Hill staff and board members gathered virtually to celebrate staff milestone anniversaries that spanned from 5 to 30 years with the organization.
Executive Director Lynne Urbanski said, “I am so proud to work with all the people being honored tonight. They exemplify our mission. Their compassion to our individuals is outstanding Our individuals are not only taken care of well physically, they are loved and that is so important.”
Board and leadership team members submitted videos to pay tribute to staff members years of service. “Many board members are part of this organization not by obligation but because they are moved by personal experience with Blossom Hill,” Board of Director Steve Zuponcic, a board member since 2004, said in his video remarks. “We have witnessed firsthand the commitment and incredible hard work that this staff provides 365 days a year.”
In addition to recognizing milestone anniversaries, one staff member was awarded the 2020 Krista Plowman Award. This annual award celebrates a bellowed and inspiring staff member, Krista Plowman, who passed away in 2018. Each year, this award goes to a staff member who truly goes above and beyond what is expected of them. The winner of the 2020 award was Program Director and QDDP Ron Deverse. “Ron goes above and beyond, he’s the first one to volunteer, he sets things up. We appreciate all that he does. When he’s at work, he’s totally spot on so congratulations Ron for being the winner of this year’s Krista Plowman Award.”
Another highlight was celebrating Terran Stevenson, a DSP who has been with Blossom Hill for 30 years in 2021. Lynne Urbanski said in her video tribute to Terran, “You do so many things for us quietly, you don’t like a lot of notoriety. You don’t tell people what you do, you just do…you’re a great guy and we’re lucky to have you.”
About Blossom Hill, Inc.
Founded in 1968, Blossom Hill is a nonprofit organization that that owns and operates family-style group homes for adults with profound intellectual and physical disabilities living in the Greater Cleveland Area. Our homes provide a loving environment and personalized 24-hour care for our individuals, short-term respite care for families that need temporary care for their love ones and supported living care options. For more information, visit our website at blossom-hill.org.
