Congratulations to our 2021 CROSS Award recipients at Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS)! In its third year, the CROSS Awards are presented to five PHS employees nominated by coworkers, residents or friends for demonstrating our CROSS values. Over the next several weeks you’ll hear their stories.
We begin with Nutrition & Culinary Director Nick Donofrio, recipient of the 2021 CROSS Award for Stewardship.
Starting as a dishwasher at EagleCrest in Roseville, MN, 13 years ago, Nick advanced through every culinary role. And during the pandemic, his loyalty and depth of knowledge added up, according to Campus Adminstrator Dani Salisbury. She credits Nick's stewardship, saying, “Nick was a large reason why we made budget.”
In response to rapidly shifting needs in the community, Nick skillfully crafted his team’s budget month after month. “I would send a revised budget based on current census,” Dani explained, “and Nick would reduce his spending in supplies and groceries accordingly.”
Upon receiving the CROSS Award for Stewardship, Nick said, “It feels good to find out I was helping the corporation by staying under budget. It meant I was helping other [PHS] communities in a challenging time.”
Check out Nick’s CROSS Award video:
Beyond managing numbers and inventory, Nick’s focus lies squarely on serving residents and his team. “Nick understands that the dollars we spend come directly from our residents,” said Dani. “Not only does he spend our dollars wisely, but he also gives of his time resource, oftentimes coming in to serve when his team is short.”
And when it comes to the delicious food he and his team serves up, Dani concludes, “I have never met anyone (especially in the culinary world) who makes sure all of his supplies and food never go to waste.”
From all of us at PHS: well done, Nick, on your good and faithful stewardship!
Do you know someone looking for more purpose in their work? Share the good news and the many opportunities to join our team at www.preshomes.org/careers.