Ceca Foundation

04/15/2026

We are incredibly humbled and honored to recognize Rashonda (or "Rowe" as she's know to her beloved residents in the The Virginia Home community) for one of a handful of prestigious 2025 National Ceca Awards! Ceca's President Nate Hamme was thrilled to be able to attend the celebration recently and present the award in person.

Rashonda is the kind of caregiver we strive to recognize every day. The kind who shows up with their full self and has an undeniable positive impact on those in the care community. It is evident in the way her residents and teammates speak so highly of her! Congratulations Rashonda!!!

We owe a special thanks to our generous sponsors who supported the 2025 National Ceca Awards this year: Holleran, Know by KARE, RB Health Partners, Inc., Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association and Pennsylvania Health Care Association.

03/30/2026

Meet one of our 2025 National Ceca Award Recipients 🏆 Margaret George a Recreation/Music Therapist Supervisor at Missouri Veterans Home-Cape Girardeau, part of Missouri Veterans Commission.

Margaret exemplifies the heart of service through her unwavering, compassionate care of the Veterans she serves. She brings warmth, dignity, and respect to every interaction, consistently going beyond her duties to ensure Veterans feel honored and valued. Margaret selflessly gives her time to create joyful experiences and meaningful moments for Veterans outside the walls of the facility through adventures like casino outings, a special meal at a favorite restaurant, fishing trips, concerts and more. Her devotion was especially evident during an Honor Tour to Washington, D.C., where she worked tirelessly to meet every Veteran’s needs without complaint. Calm, determined, and deeply compassionate, Margaret is far more than a caregiver—she is a trusted advocate, steady presence, and true champion for those who served. Read Margaret's story on our website at https://cecafoundation.org/national-awards/

Our Celebrating America's Care Force Initiative and 2025 National Ceca Awards are generously supported by Holleran, Know by KARE, MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc..

03/27/2026

Meet one of our 2025 National Ceca Award Recipients 🏆 Joseph Johnson a Maintenance Mechanic at Senior Living in Towson, Maryland.

Joseph is being recognized for an outstanding 40-year career serving the residents and staff at Edenwald. He is known for his joyful presence, unwavering reliability, and service-first attitude that enriches daily life for residents, families, staff, and visitors. He is always authentic in his interactions and builds genuine connections, knows residents by name and life story, and creates a welcoming environment that leaves lasting impressions—often cited by prospective residents during tours. Though not a caregiver by title, Joseph has provided compassionate care through kindness, respect, and consistency for decades. A trusted team member and cultural ambassador, he exemplifies Edenwald’s values and helps everyone feel truly at home. Read Joseph's story on our website at https://cecafoundation.org/national-awards/

Our Celebrating America's Care Force Initiative and 2025 National Ceca Awards are generously supported by Holleran, Know by KARE MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc.

03/26/2026

Meet one of our 2025 National Ceca Award Recipients 🏆 Rashonda Rowe a Certified Nursing Assistant at The Virginia Home in Richmond, VA.

Rashonda is recognized for her compassionate and dedicated care to the residents in their IDD community. She is highly respected by residents, families, and coworkers and is known for her strong work ethic, dependability, and warm, friendly nature. She takes great pride in residents’ care and appearance, offering thoughtful attention that enhances their dignity and quality of life. A trusted team player and advocate, she works independently while guiding and encouraging others. Residents and families praise her empathy and attentiveness, often noting the comfort and confidence she provides. Rashonda truly embodies caregiving as a calling, bringing positivity, compassion, and excellence to all she serves. Read Rashonda's story on our website at https://cecafoundation.org/national-awards/

Our Celebrating America's Care Force Initiative and 2025 National Ceca Awards are generously supported by Holleran, Know by KARE, MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc.

03/25/2026

Meet one of our 2025 National Ceca Award Recipients 🏆 Heather Hileman an LPN Shift Lead at Providence Place Senior Living of Dover, Pennsylvania.

Heather was recognized for consistently going above and beyond to improve the lives of residents and support her coworkers. One of many examples was when she designed and sewed custom chair-side bags so residents in wheelchairs could easily carry personal items around—a gift they truly cherish. She begins every day with a warm smile and is always ready to help, whether with care, paperwork, problem-solving, or simply being there when needed. Heather leads with compassion, stepping in without being asked to support her team and free up time for resident care. Her thoughtfulness shines through personal gestures, like creating a handmade quilt for a grieving resident, bringing comfort, dignity, and joy when it mattered most. Read Heather's story on our website at https://cecafoundation.org/national-awards/

Our Celebrating America's Care Force Initiative and 2025 National Ceca Awards are generously supported by Holleran, Know by KARE, MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc.

03/23/2026

Meet one of our 2025 National Ceca Award Recipients 🏆 Melinda Dennis-Wheatley a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at IntegraCare’s Candle Light Cove community in Easton, Maryland.

She was recognized for being a caregiver whose quiet presence speaks volumes. Melinda goes beyond meeting physical needs, tending to residents’ emotional and spiritual wellbeing with gentleness, patience, and deep compassion. Her calm demeanor and thoughtful care create safety, trust, and comfort for residents across memory care and assisted living. Melinda consistently puts residents first and goes above and beyond for families, coworkers, and her team. She approaches every situation with positivity, integrity, and grace, willingly stepping in wherever she’s needed. A reliable, generous team player, she welcomes new employees and gives her best every day. Melinda’s impact is profound, and she is truly a gem in the Candle Light Cove community. Read Melinda's story on our website at https://cecafoundation.org/national-awards/

Our Celebrating America's Care Force Initiative and 2025 National Ceca Awards are generously supported by Holleran, Know by KARE, MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc..

12/17/2025

Have you had an exceptional care experience in the last year? Do you know an amazing care worker who has cared for you or a loved one recently? If so, we encourage you to show them gratitude this holiday season by sharing your story: http://cecafoundation.org/careforce. Our goal this year is to collect 1,000 stories of gratitude!

As part of the effort, Ceca will be selecting recipients to receive national awards up to $2,500 to honor the skilled nursing, senior living, and other professionals who care for us and our loved ones every day. A special thanks goes out to our initiative sponsors Holleran, MemoryFox, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association & RB Health Partners, Inc.

11/01/2025

November is National Gratitude Month, a theme that fully embodies our daily mission. Ceca is a nonprofit dedicated to lifting up the inspiring stories of exceptional care workers and to recognizing and rewarding them for their actions that improve the human experience in healthcare and long-term care communities across the country. In the video, Ceca's co-founders, Matthew and Rosemary Lawlor, detail why they started the Ceca Award, and our partner communities and award recipients talk about the first-hand experience they have with the program. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/UME4yd-TvXg

Ceca Foundation is a nonprofit focused on lifting up the insipiring stories of exceptional care workers and recognizing and rewarding them for acts of care t...

10/27/2025

We'd like to say a big 'thank you' to Holleran for being our newest sponsor for Ceca's Celebrating America's Care Force, an important initiative that uses inspirational storytelling to highlight the invaluable contributions of care workers across the continuum of care! We are thrilled to have them join our 2025 efforts and upcoming National Ceca Awards.

Does your organization have an interest in supporting our nation's valuable care workers? Want to see some of our amazing stories from last year? Find out more about sponsorship at https://cecafoundation.org/sponsor-cacf-initiative/

09/09/2025

📣 Exciting News! Please join Ceca's Board Chair and Co-Founder, Matthew P. Lawlor, and President and Executive Director, Nathan Hamme, in welcoming Shawn Scott and Martie Moore, MAOM, RN, CPHQ to our Board of Directors. 🎉

✅ Shawn Scott recently retired as VP of Business Development at Medline Industries, was instrumental in the creation of of “LTC Solutions,” and has served as a long-time leader in the industry with organizations like American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living.

✅ Martie Moore has over 35+ years in healthcare leadership, championing patient & resident safety, quality improvement, and innovative leadership, while also being the co-author of The Leadership Sandwich.

Nate commented, "We are honored to have Shawn and Martie on our Board of Directors--some of the best and brightest the care sector has to offer. With their election comes a renewed commitment to improving the quality of care for patients, residents and families; honoring the exceptional efforts of care workers around the country; and advancing the operational excellence goals of Ceca's provider partners."

Both bring unmatched experience and a passion for recognizing exceptional caregivers—the heart of our mission at Ceca Foundation. 💙 The two will join Ceca's other esteemed Directors: Mourine Evans, Michael Gordon, Paul Paul Grenaldo, Rosemary Lawlor and Michael Wylie.

We’re excited for the impact they’ll help us make in this important work!

Read the full press release:https://cecafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/New-Board-Members-Press-Release-Moore-Scott-FINAL-090925.pdf