Twice a year, Advent Christian Village (ACV) recognizes employees who celebrated a milestone in their length of service, beginning at the five-year anniversary and every five years thereafter. When an employee reaches and surpasses 30 years, they are given special recognition by ACV’s president, Craig Carter. Reba Loston was one such honoree last month.
Reba is a CNA at ACV’s skilled nursing facility, Good Samaritan Center (GSC). She began her service at ACV in June 1987. At that time, the nursing home was located in the J. Ralph Smith Center at the center of Advent Christian Village where Smith Riverview apartments are now located.
Reba was hired by then Director of Nurses Barbara Bradley. When Barb, who now lives in Charlotte, NC, heard Reba was being honored for 30 years of employment, she wrote this touching tribute to her former coworker:
“Reba, I will never forget the day I hired you. Young, sassy girl such that I wondered if we would ever make it. Now, look — here we are 30 years later! I always did and still do think of you as one of our ‘stars.’ You are to be commended for the faithful, loving care that you have given our ‘special people.’
“Caring for the elderly is definitely one of your gifts that you have utilized well. I count it a privilege and joy to have had the opportunity to work with staff like you that I could count on. You were always there to help as needed, which was greatly appreciated.”
Over the years, Good Samaritan Center staff will tell you that when considering a change in process or procedure, Reba has been one of the “go-to” persons for their point of view. Administrative and direct care staff members hold such a high level of respect for her. Likewise, she is never afraid to give her opinion or to tell you if she thinks something is a bad idea.
Reba is a true advocate for both residents and staff. She invests her time into the GSC staff to develop their skills, and she often participates in in-services and training.
Most importantly, it is evident that Reba loves her residents. She is known to learn what they like, and tries to help them achieve their highest level of wellbeing through activities. This is no more evident than in the fact that she occasionally brings her Yorkie, Kiki, for one resident who had to leave her dog when she moved to GSC.
Advent Christian Village, and especially Good Samaritan Center, has benefited from 30 years of compassionate care by Reba Loston. We thank you, Reba, and the many residents you’ve served thank you.
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