Ceca proudly announces Joseph Johnson as a recipient of a 2025 National Ceca Award! Joseph is a Maintenance Mechanic of 40 years at Edenwald Senior Living—a nonprofit retirement community on the outskirts of Baltimore founded in 1881 that has continued to evolve to meet the changing lifestyle and healthcare needs of residents from active adults to experienced memory care services.
Joseph was recognized for an outstanding 40-year career serving Edenwald and 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, Johnson has provided compassionate care through kindness, respect, and consistency for decades, making him a trusted team member who helps everyone feel at home.
“In all of Joe’s interactions, he treats our residents and staff with respect, dignity, and courtesy. What I personally notice about Joe is that he always has a smile on his face whenever I see him which makes me immediately feel good. Can you imagine how our residents must feel when they see Joe!” – Excerpt 1 from Resident
“So much has changed over the nearly 40 years since Joe started his career at Edenwald. That might seem like a long time to us, but not for Joe. He just keeps showing up every day and taking pride in his role in our community. We hope Joe never leaves Edenwald!” – Excerpt 2 from Resident
Dawn Teelucksingh, Vice President of Human Resources for Edenwald commented, “We are absolutely thrilled that Joseph Johnson received the National Ceca Award. For 40 years, Joseph has gone above and beyond in his job to ensure our residents feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. His commitment and positive spirit inspire all of us every day, and this award could not have gone to a more deserving individual. We are deeply honored to see his outstanding contributions recognized on a national level.”
Nate Hamme, President and Executive Director of Ceca Foundation, commented, “We are honored to recognize Joseph for his extraordinary service and dedication to the Edenwald community for the past forty years. He is an amazing example of an individual that sits in a critical role that, while not clinical, can directly impact quality of life for all residents and families in the community.” Hamme added, “At Ceca, we are always inspired by the stories of exceptional care about support professionals like Joseph and want to honor the important roles that maintenance, housekeeping, dietary, reception and others play in our care communities.”
An award reception was held on March 20 at the Edenwald Senior Living campus where Ceca President Nate Hamme presented the award to Joseph along with leadership from Edenwald, and other staff and residents. Additionally, he received a cash award of $2,500 and an engraved commemorative trophy.
Listen to more of Joseph’s story on the Story Corps Archive website, that is chronicled in the Library of Congress.
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The 2025 National Ceca Awards are sponsored by Holleran Consulting, Know by KARE, MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc.