Academy Point Associates Honored for Compassion & Commitment to Serving Community

WALTHAM, Mass. - July 17, 2018 - PRLog -- As a lay minister, New London, Conn., resident Hector Claudio is used to serving his congregation. He is also proud to serve seniors and families as Maintenance Technician for Academy Point at Mystic, a Benchmark (www.BenchmarkSeniorLiving.com) assisted living and memory care community in Mystic, Conn. In recognition of Claudio's dedication to Academy Point residents, the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) presented him with the 2018 Outstanding Resident Service Award last week at Water's Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, Conn. Each year, CALA honors 10 associates from throughout Connecticut who go above and beyond to serve. In addition, Janie Whipple, receptionist and program assistant for Academy Point received an Honorable Mention for the award.

"Every day, Hector and Janie are committed to ensuring our residents have an exceptional living experience, and they do it with a genuine smile and caring touch," says Bonnie Pollard-Johnson, executive director of Academy Point. "Whether it's spending the extra time hanging a picture just right or volunteering to take residents to see Christmas lights on their day off, they both go out of their way to make sure our residents feel safe, respected and special."

Over the last five years, Claudio has served in a variety of capacities, quickly learning new skills and continually rising to the challenge. Last month, he worked with one of the community's chefs to prepare a special meal showcasing his Puerto Rican heritage and enabling him to connect with residents on the shared experience of family traditions and culture to create memories.

"Hector has truly been called to care, and he puts our residents first above all else," says Kathy Hooker, regional director of operations for Benchmark Senior Living. "He is honest, trustworthy and genuine in his approach to his relationships with everyone around him, authentically living Benchmark values every day. Congratulations on a well-deserved award!"

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About Benchmark
Based in Waltham, Mass., Benchmark is a leading provider of senior living services in the Northeast. Founded in 1997 by Tom Grape, Benchmark operates 56 senior living communities offering independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer's care and continuing care in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. In 2018, Benchmark was certified as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute and became the first senior living organization and only the fifth Massachusetts-based company to receive Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) designation from RetirementJobs.com. It also has been recognized as a top workplace by The Boston Globe for 10 consecutive years as well as by the Boston Business Journal, Connecticut Post, Hartford Courant and Hartford Business Journal. For more information, visit BenchmarkSeniorLiving.com.