With varying skillsets and expertise, this year’s honorees have collectively served older adults in Montreal and the greater community rounding out a century of care and devotion.
Debbie Ungar, Supervisor of Home Care Services, is part of this esteemed group approaching 37 years at the Centre this July,” I just love my job and the Cummings Centre,” beams Debbie,” My role is not just a job to me- I feel part of the greater community supporting our seniors.” Debbie remembers coming into Cummings with her late grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, and learning of the resilience of not only survivors but all the seniors she encountered,” Everyone has an important life story, and I knew I wanted to be able to work in an environment where I was able to help”.
Every day is still new for Debbie working in tandem with multiple staff members and clients, “I am continually learning and growing at Cummings,” says Debbie.
When Kinesiologist Maria Fragapane, Program Manager Wellness Centre and Adapted Gym, arrived at Cummings in 1993 as an intern, she never imagined she would still be here 33 years later, “I feel my work has purpose helping seniors through a multitude of challenges working to recover from a stroke or facing a difficult diagnosis such as Parkinson’s amongst others,” says Maria. Following a full assessment addressing each new client’s needs, Maria and her team rally around each participant. “We motivate each individual while building relationships and guiding them through the heaviness of an illness,” stresses Maria.
Even after decades at the Centre, Maria is fueled by the greatness of the participants she works with. Our members benefit from our help and expertise -it never gets old but remains completely gratifying. We make a difference in the lives of people at the Centre in a way I truly believe they can’t find anywhere else.
When Kinesiologist Maria Fragapane, Program Manager Wellness Centre and Adapted Gym, arrived at Cummings in 1993 as an intern, she never imagined she would still be here 33 years later, “I feel my work has purpose helping seniors through a multitude of challenges working to recover from a stroke or facing a difficult diagnosis such as Parkinson’s amongst others,” says Maria. Following a full assessment addressing each new client’s needs, Maria and her team rally around each participant. “We motivate each individual while building relationships and guiding them through the heaviness of an illness,” stresses Maria. Even after decades at the Centre, Maria is fueled by the greatness of the participants she works with. Our members benefit from our help and expertise -it never gets old but remains completely gratifying. We make a difference in the lives of people at the Centre in a way I truly believe they can’t find anywhere else.
In collaboration with Maria, as Team Lead designing and running Zoom fitness classes, Annette Vezina has always felt connected to the mission and values of the Cummings Centre for 32 years, “We are all aligned to help keep older adults strong whatever their various needs are,” points out Annette,” Working at Cummings has consistently given me the opportunity to grow professionally and innovate to better service our members.” Previously working in person at the Centre developing and leading a myriad of exercise classes from aerobic and strength training to balance, mobility and chair exercise, Annette and the Wellness team pivoted quickly through the Covid Pandemic to online classes.
She has continued to innovate Zoom classes, a preferred option for many members, “I am positively challenged and motivated by our members to improve my classes meeting the evolving needs of our seniors and I continue to be amazed and inspired by the motivation and engagement that our online participants demonstrate day after day.” says Annette.
Director of Volunteer Services Lynn Gordon feels deeply grateful for the opportunities she has had over the past 25 years at the Cummings Centre. A professional social worker, Lynn views volunteerism as one of the community’s greatest strengths- one that aligns closely with her personal values. Volunteering for community organizations has always been a huge part of my life “I feel truly fortunate to work with so many dedicated volunteers whose commitment and generosity continually inspire me,” says Lynn. Indeed, Lynn and her dedicated staff of four coordinate the work of over 650 volunteers ranging from their early teenage years to over 100 years of age.
“As a truly volunteer-run organization, I am continually energized by our incredible volunteer corps. We are committed to finding the right fit for each individual, and we never take for granted that they choose to come here and share their time, compassion, and energy. They are remarkable people doing remarkable things through their volunteer engagement at the Cummings Centre.”
Director of Volunteer Services Lynn Gordon feels deeply grateful for the opportunities she has had over the past 25 years at the Cummings Centre. A professional social worker, Lynn views volunteerism as one of the community’s greatest strengths- one that aligns closely with her personal values. Volunteering for community organizations has always been a huge part of my life “I feel truly fortunate to work with so many dedicated volunteers whose commitment and generosity continually inspire me,” says Lynn. Indeed, Lynn and her dedicated staff of four coordinate the work of over 650 volunteers ranging from their early teenage years to over 100 years of age. “As a truly volunteer-run organization, I am continually energized by our incredible volunteer corps. We are committed to finding the right fit for each individual, and we never take for granted that they choose to come here and share their time, compassion, and energy. They are remarkable people doing remarkable things through their volunteer engagement at the Cummings Centre.”
“I feel honoured to continue to work alongside these remarkable women. This has been a second home to us. It’s been incredible to be part of the evolution and see the incredible changes at the Centre.” Adds Ashok Patel, Payroll Coordinator.
Just as the theme of this year’s International Woman’s Day is Give and Gain, these four dedicated professionals agree that they do gain each and every day in their roles at the Cummings Centre. Working at the Centre has allowed for the development of deep personal relationships through collaboration, support and mentorship “We are continually encouraged to take on new challenges giving each of us the opportunity to grow professionally and personally,” says Lynn, “I think I can speak for each of us that the rewards of working with seniors truly allows us to give and gain tremendously-we feel empowered.”