The relationships make the difference

Venessa Rivera has been impacting the lives of Country Meadows’ residents and fellow co-workers for 17 years. Starting as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Rivera has enjoyed many opportunities. “I started as a PCA, then I have worked as a Medication Associate (MA), Connections Club Coordinator, Wellness Secretary and now I am the Office Manager,” Rivera said.

When Rivera applied to become a PCA, she had no previous personal care experience. “I didn’t have any experience other than growing up close to my grandparents,” she said. “I received all of the training I needed to perform my job on the Allentown campus.”

Country Meadows hasn’t just provided Rivera the training and experience to get to where she is today. It also has provided her with a second family. “I love coming to work every single day. I feel that Country Meadows is like my second family. I have built relationships with residents and co-workers alike,” she said.

Rivera’s favorite part of working at Country Meadows has been all of her experiences thus far. “I love the experience I have developed throughout the years, but first and foremost the residents and co-workers. They make my day. I have had so many wonderful experiences with them,” Rivera said.

Rivera also has shared her family with Country Meadows. “My daughter worked at the Allentown campus as a Dining Associate until she left for school. My other daughter will be applying as soon as she is 16. I hope she enjoys it as much as I have,” she said.

Not only does Rivera share her family with the residents and co-workers at Allentown’s campus, but also she shares her heritage. “Some of our co-workers are bilingual and I am able to assist them by answering or rephrasing questions in Spanish for better understanding. There are also residents who speak Spanish and will ask me questions on how to say certain words for clarity,” she said. “I believe this helps to create a balanced and diverse environment and also a more cohesive family setting here at Country Meadows.”

In her 17 years with Country Meadows, she feels she has truly found her calling. “I wanted a job that gave me a purpose by helping others. Working for Country Meadows definitely has fulfilled that need. I knew my calling was working with the elderly population.”