Village Care's Stewart wins statewide award

Related Media

No description.

ALBANY, NY (06/05/2009)(readMedia)-- Throughout its history, the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging has sought to recognize professionals who have contributed to the field of aging or continuing care through leadership, dedication and innovation.

This year's winner is Kenneth-K.J. Stewart, director of case management programs for Village Care of New York.

Ken comes to the field by an unusual route - he was a priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for two decades. When archdiocesan mandates conflicted with his moral sense regarding people with HIV/AIDS, Ken left the priesthood. He became assistant director for VCNY's case management program in 2002 and to director in 2005. His passion, intelligence and humor keep his staff highly motivated and the executive team mindful of the needs and vulnerabilities of the people they serve.

Ken's dedicated initiatives to helping those in need have developed into policies and programs, and his integrity, professionalism and leadership are recognized not just within his organization, but by the New York Department of Health and the New York City Human Resources Administration, among others.

Everyone who interacts with Ken becomes familiar with his trademark sense of humor. He's tremendously witty, yes, but it goes beyond that; he uses his humor to motivate, to create energy, to teach and to help keep things in perspective.

He's also selfless. He was asked not long ago to make budget cuts in his programs, and when changes didn't yield enough, he offered to cut his own salary to make up the difference. Similarly, when one important support group lost its funding, Ken made a personal financial contribution to keep it going.

His dedication to those served by Village Care is matched by his extraordinary staff development efforts. This quote from one of his staff members says it all:

"Singlehandedly, he has raised the level of professionalism for the case management staff, just by rewarding our accomplishments, believing in us and being a tireless promoter of our services. With humor and reverence as his major tools, he helps us to better understand ourselves and become more effective providers."

Because of his tireless work, personal sacrifice and the good humor he brings to everyone he encounters, Ken Stewart is NYAHSA's 2009 Professional of the Year.

Founded in 1961, the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) represents nearly 600 not-for-profit and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.

-30-