EKUA
Mends-Aidoo is Evergreen’s Equity & Inclusion Officer (EIO). It’s a relatively new position, but Ekua has quickly made a big impact on Evergreen. As EIO, she leads the Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council and is a member of the Executive Team. Ekua’s job is to help create a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture at Evergreen that aligns with and promotes our mission and core values. She makes sure these concepts are woven into the fabric of all things Evergreen, from our programs and events to our marketing and policies. “My job also includes defining and helping implement inclusive strategies for our business processes,” she said. Evergreen has always valued diversity and worked hard to create a culture of respect for staff and patients alike. Ekua notes that this will become even more important as we continue to grow, and both our staff and the patients we serve become more diverse. It will be an opportunity disguised as a challenge. “Our expansion in Jamestown and on the East Side of Buffalo brings an increased reach among a diverse patient population. It also brings an opportunity to grow and continue to provide culturally sensitive care to people who need it most.” The business world is starting to recognize diversity as a net positive and worth the effort. “Companies that embrace diversity and look for ways to become more inclusive have the potential to yield a variety of competitive advantages,” Ekua said. “The ability to effectively manage diversity is an invaluable asset in the workplace, and can improve everything from work productivity to employee retention.” Ekua notes that Evergreen doesn’t view diversity and inclusion efforts through the lens of obligation, but rather as a strategic imperative to be incorporated at all levels within our organization. “With buy in from the Executive Team, Evergreen understands the importance of making diversity and inclusion initiatives a priority.” Ekua’s work has already paid dividends. For example, the recently implented Intentional Spend policy has strengthened Evergreen’s ties with companies that share our values. “This is a first step toward our overall diversity and inclusion goals,” Ekua said. “As we continue to expand these goals, there will be more opportunities to support like-minded businesses
that value our mission.” Adopting diversity and inclusion practices as a business strategy is still a new concept. “There are no readily available metrics to help us evaluate our programming,” said Ekua. “Luckily, we have amazing Information Systems and Quality teams, who’ve helped to build a foundation for how we can measure success internally.” Ekua grew up in Syracuse, New York. “My mom’s family is from the United States and my dad is from Ghana, on the West coast of Africa.” She moved to Buffalo to attend the University at Buffalo (UB). “I studied Exercise Science as an undergrad and dissected cadavers and brains in neuroanatomy class before deciding I didn’t want to be a clinician/ physical therapist.” Since graduating from UB Ekua has pursued two master’s programs, one at D’Youville in Healthcare Services (where she met Kim Herrington) and she just completed a masters at Hilbert College in Public Administration. Prior to joining Evergreen, Ekua worked as the Community Relations/Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. She’s actively engaged in a variety of community endeavors. “I strongly believe in giving back to the community,” she said. “And, I get to sharpen my skills!” Ekua volunteers as a board member for the Health Sciences Charter School and is a former Vice President of the Allentown Association. Ekua has worked with the Foundry at Northampton to empower neighborhood residents and increase business opportunities for the East Side. She sits on the Emerging Philanthropists of Color council of the Community Foundation, and was appointed by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to the Commission on Citizen Rights and Community Relations. She was honored as one of Business First’s 30 Under Thirty (2014) as well as Capital Change’s 30 Under Thirty (2015), and was recently awarded the Brenda W. McDuffie Presidential Award of Excellence from the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, and the UB Collegiate Science and Technology Program GEM Alumni Award. Ekua’s list of activities and achievements in the community and at Evergreen seems endless. Watch for more about diversity and inclusion at Evergreen in future issues of Connections. Connections
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ur refuse removal system at Evergreen has several different “disposal streams” in play, and it’s important to know how best to utilize them to make sure things run smoothly. We have regular desk refuse, kitchen waste, mixed recycling, secure paper shredding, and biohazard/ sharps disposal. It’s essential that we use the appropriate disposal stream for all waste to make sure everything gets disposed of properly and safely. You can dispose of any typical office waste in your desk cans, with a few exceptions. First and foremost, Corporate Compliance has asked that we dispose of paper garbage in the secure shredding receptacles located in every work area. This is especially important for papers that could contain patient information of any kind. If the receptacles become full, submit a ticket and a Facilities team member will empty it. Any food or drink refuse should be disposed of in the large common area receptacles, which are emptied with greater frequency than desk cans. This will help to reduce pests, and
limit any unpleasant surprises for our team during removal. Our recycling vendor will take metal, plastic and cardboard. They’ve just started to monitor anything that isn’t truly recyclable and charge for sorting. Plastic shopping bags, packing materials, construction debris, shrink wrap and electronics are some of the things they’re most concerned with, as these items can contaminate the recycling process. Any medical waste should be disposed of in red biohazard containers, and any sharps should be placed in a secure sharps disposal container. Sharps containers, when not wall mounted, should be secure and not able to be tipped over. Only trained staff should empty biohazard bins or replace full sharps containers. At no time should any food, drink or makeup be present in the surrounding area. It risks contamination and is a very serious OSHA violation should they have cause to inspect the facility. As always, thanks from all of us on the Facilities team for helping us keep everything shipshape. Connections
Evergreen Health is participating in Buffalo Business First’s 2018 Best Places to Work in Western New York program. To compete, employees are asked to complete a short employee engagement survey. This is your opportunity to provide honest feedback about our company’s culture and your work experience. We’ll have the opportunity to view aggregate results of the survey, but your identity will be kept confidential. You’ve already received an email from Best Places to Work with the link to the survey. The survey will take about 10 minutes and needs to be completed by January 12, 2018. If for some reason you cannot find the email, please contact Christine Marrano. Last year we came in second place in our category so let’s keep up this great momentum in 2018!
Birthdays Ann Breidenstein..................January 1 Mustafa Abucar.....................January 1 Jennifer Phelps......................January 1 Linda Scalise.........................January 2 Lorraine Cullis......................January 3 Ventenese Hollins..................January 3 James Thompson...................January 5 Andon Ticco..........................January 5 Josh Matecki.........................January 6 Tamara Strong.......................January 8 Quentin Page.........................January 8 Tracy Eichelberger................January 8 Nicole D’Addario....................January 8 Christina Monroy..................January 10 Glendalisse Vargas.................January 12 Lynn Grucza..........................January 13 Richard Smiley......................January 17 Joseph Valentini....................January 17 Andrew Youngman................January 17 Jennifer Latimer....................January 18 Murray Wire..........................January 20 Ricardo Quiros......................January 21 Samantha Gaerte...................January 21 Barbara Poff..........................January 22 Jessie Dorman.......................January 22 DeAirra Burroughs-Moore..........January 23 Annette Pabon......................January 24 Jamie Major..........................January 28 Gianna Puckett......................January 30 Lindsay Kelly.........................January 31 Lindsey Soroka......................January 31 James DeGarmo....................January 31
Anniversaries Lacey Bell...................................... 1 year Lauren Siegler................................ 1 year Christopher Banks.......................... 1 year
The list of achievements by Evergreen staff continues to grow. Cong
the Leadership Buffalo Rising Leaders program in December. The Ri
small and entrepreneurial businesses, civic and community organ
Participants explored such diverse issues as poverty and hunger, c
diversity. Upon completion of the program, graduates are charged w
make Buffalo better. Steve will be working with a group from his class
like clothing and toiletries for addiction services and rehabilitation
Unsung Hero award from the Homeless Alliance of Western New Y
to the homeless poplutaion in our community. Evergreen’s Housin
gratulations to the Pride Center’s Steve Jagord, who graduated from
ising Leaders program is designed for individuals from corporations,
nizations and non-profits who are up and coming in their careers.
criminal and social justice, economic development, healthcare and
with developing a project to continue Leadership Buffalo’s mission to
s to assist Horizon Health Services, supplying them with basic needs
n patients. Congratulations also go to Julie Rapp, who received the
York. This award was in recognition of Julie’s dedication and service
ng Team was there in force to cheer her on. Kudos, Steve and Julie!
Carmela Green............................... 1 year Richmond Wills.............................. 1 year Jennifer Phelps............................... 1 year Kadie Desbordes............................. 1 year Katherine Mego.............................. 1 year Kimberly Clarke............................. 1 year Jessica Lehner................................ 1 year Deanna Bednarz............................. 1 year Rachel Parrino............................... 1 year Rachel Voelkle-Kuhlmann............... 1 year Megan Bhatti.................................. 2 years Deborah Esposito........................... 2 years Jillian Fanning................................ 2 years Stephanie Mineo............................ 2 years Garrett Dicembre........................... 2 years Tyrell King..................................... 2 years Antione Reese................................ 2 years Omari Thompson........................... 2 years Brianna Barrett.............................. 2 years Deanna Ellis................................... 3 years Carly Casali.................................... 3 years Rebekah Bongiorno........................ 3 years Heather Maloney............................ 3 years Jeffrey Santiago.............................. 3 years Grant Rogers.................................. 3 years Salvatore Sciandra.......................... 3 years Harold Colburn.............................. 3 years Lynn Grucza................................... 4 years Lavine Hatten................................. 5 years Anna Ihle....................................... 5 years Magali Maldonado.......................... 5 years Victoria De Leon............................. 7 years Andrew Kiener............................... 7 years Damian Mordecai........................... 9 years Nichole Frank................................ 9 years Andrew Mattle............................... 10 years Chery Brunetti............................... 18 years Kevin Bidtah.................................. 18 years
Congratulations Everyone!
I cook, watch makeup tutorials and tennis highlights, and work out at the gym. — Deion Simmons
P
I practice music. While this
reduces my stress, unfortunately it has the opposite effect on my neighbors. — John Carocci
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I destress by taking mindful
walks with my little buddy, Nick! — Danielle Shaw
P
I destress
with a good book on the train. — Billy Sandora-Nastyn
P
I
destress by baking. I love getting into the kitchen and turning my stress into baked goods. — Rachel Voelkle-Kuhlmann
P
I
usually take a walk, think of positive thoughts to assure my mind doesn’t go wandering. I will sing or listen to music. Sometimes to put my mind more at ease I look at pictures to reminisce and laugh. Other times I catch myself writing things down to cope as my stress gets higher. Stress happens in many different ways and could be avoided. — Magali Maldonado
P
To destress, I
love seeing live music. Singing and dancing whenever possible. Also, the occasional quiet meditation. — Jakob Willoughby
Holiday cheer was on full display at the Evergreen Lofts! Lofts staff and residents decorated doors, windows, columns and walls with fun, colorful decorations to celebrate the holiday season. Photos taken by Shirley Bruno.
High-Five Recipients from November 20 to December 13 >>
High-Five. Noun. A gesture of greeting, good-fellowship or triumph in which a person slaps the upraised palm of the hand against that of another. At Evergreen, we love to give high-fives! Here’s a list of everyone who was lucky enough to get their upraised palm slapped this past month. Well, really they just got a virtual high-five. But, that’s still pretty cool. We’ll be featuring our high-five recipients each month so be sure to slap someone’s hand, virtually, who deserves it!
Connections
A Andrew DiRienzo A Christina Turner A Christine Marrano A Cord Stone A Cristina Salcedo-Postell A Elijah Jimerson A Harold Colburn A Jorge Heredia A Joseph Pignatora A Lauren Siegler A LJ Atwall A Lynn Grucza A Nicole Coonly A Saw Min