Louth carers celebrated at awards night
Anam Chara deputy head recognised for outstanding care and positive impact
A Dundalk carer whose laughter can be heard throughout her workplace, has been honoured at the glittering My Life Staff Appreciation Night at Slane Castle.
Joanna Jakubus was honoured with the Spotlight Star Award for her work with adults with acquired brain injuries and physical sensory issues at My Life’s Anam Chara respite service in Dundalk.
My Life is a provider of HIQA-registered services for adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities in the north-east.
In the past year, the group has opened three new locations in Meath – two residential houses and one respite house for people with physical and sensory disabilities, as well as opening additional services in Louth.
Joanna, who is Deputy Head of House at Anam Chara, was honoured for being a person who consistently goes over and above their normal duties and creates a positive and inclusive work environment, consistently supporting colleagues.
“I love to laugh and I try to make everyone happy,” said Joanna. “This award means so much to me because I love my job and really appreciate my colleagues and the fantastic place I work.”
The Rising Star Award went to Alannah McMahon, who is a carer in The Avenue, Ardee.
The award recognises people who are less than two years with the service and who excel in representing My Life’s culture and values and motivating and inspiring colleagues.
“From the moment Alannah joined us in MyLife, it felt like they had always been here. She has that rare quality where you genuinely cannot imagine the team without them,” said Director of Care Barbara Murphy.
“She moved through her development with a smile, with creativity, and with an energy that lifts everyone around them.”
The My Life by Estrela Hall group of services is family owned by Michael and Tanya McCoy and the annual Staff Appreciation Night allows the group to show its thanks to the people at the heart of its unique services.
The Team of All Stars Award, the John and Vera McCoy Cup, was presented by Michael McCoy in honour of his parents to the team from Nangle House in Navan – a team that has only been formed in the past year and caters for adults with physical and sensory needs.
One theme of the night was connection – with 20-year long service awards for Lynn Fay and Tina McKenna, with 15-year awards for Elaine McGuinness and Michele Watters
There was also a heartfelt presentation to Therese Giggins from Ardee who is retiring from My Life after 19 years’ with the service.
“Therese came to work and treated everyone she worked with or supported with a wonderful decency and kindness,” said CEO, Sean McCoy
“We are a great place to work and believe in celebrating our colleagues and their professionalism. The appreciation night is one of the highlights of the year for us.
“Our colleagues are at the very heart of our care. What makes our service special is the dynamic and caring environment where colleagues support and care for each other.
“Providing care is personal and we treat those people we care for as if they were a family member. This is unique and it's what sets our services apart.
“With our continuing expansion in Louth and Meath we are actively recruiting and look forward to welcoming more new colleagues to next year’s appreciation night.”
For more information about services and careers at My Life, see mleh.ie/careers.