Wednesday, September 7, 2011

South Carolina Senior Care Executive Wins Award



Congratulations to Dr. Jimmie Williamson, Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO) for Agapé Senior, on being the recipient of the “Gary Willis Leadership Award,” sponsored by the American Hospital Association(AHA) and the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA).

The program was founded to honor the contributions of Gary Willis, an ASHHRA board member, who passed away in 2010 after a battle with stomach cancer. Gary believed that human resources and workforce development build the partnerships that are essential for operating large quality health care systems. The award recognizes human resource leaders that have made outstanding operational contributions to their organizations.

Dr. Williamson won the award for his successful implementation of a state-wide, health-care related apprenticeship program specifically designed for certified nursing assistants working for Agapé Senior. The success of this program required a partnership and collaboration between the Workforce Investment Board, the South Carolina Technical College System, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Dr. Williamson was able to make this collaboration and program a reality.

The award will be presented in Phoenix, Arizona, during a reception hosted by ASHHRA on September 10, 2011.

This is a great honor and recognition for Dr. Williamson and for AgapéSenior.

West Columbia South Carolina – Agape Senior

Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve. Call us at 800-411- 2427. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia

AskAgape Senior Resource Center

Monday, March 21, 2011

South Carolina Senior Provider Wins 2011 Innovation Award

“Good business leaders create vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive to its completion.”
Jack Welch

South Carolina Agape Senior Wins Innovation Award

Try to imagine a single mother working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It is hard work, she is doing her best to support her family, and then she learns her employer has an educational program that will allow her to advance in her current position. Now imagine the employer benefitting by being able to provide the best-trained employee for the senior residents in its care. Finally, look at the high probability that the trained employee will retain her position with the company and will continue as a productive, tax-paying citizen. She might even go on to obtain a nursing degree because she realizes education is the key to advancement.

The above scenario is exactly what has been created through a partnership between Agape University, the South Carolina technical college system, and Apprenticeship Carolina. This is not a program that is waiting to be implemented. In fact, on January 27, 2011, the first graduating class of 21 students obtained certification for completing the required 100 hours of training. Agape Senior staged a virtual graduation at its headquarters in West Columbia; 12 locations throughout the state were represented by live video and audio, allowing the entire class to participate in the ceremony.

Because the CNA certification program ultimately will result in better care and in increased knowledge about dementia and other senior care issues, the Aging Services of South Carolina, formerly SC Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging, has awarded Agape Senior its “Innovation of the Year Award” for 2011. Scott Middleton, CEO of Agape Senior, Theresa Younis, COO of Agape Senior, and Dr. Jimmie Williamson, CHCO of Agape Senior, will attend the awards banquet in Savannah, GA, to accept the award.

West Columbia South Carolina – Agape Senior

Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve. Call us at 800-411- 2427

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Agape University and Apprenticeship South Carolina Create Brighter Future for Health Care Workers

Agape Senior partnered with the South Carolina Technical College system and Apprenticeship Carolina to accomplish the first health-care related, registered apprenticeship program in the state of South Carolina. This statewide apprenticeship program is an example of the valuable contribution cooperation between businesses and our technical colleges makes to our state.

In 2006, when the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce envisioned a statewide apprentice program, it contacted the S.C. Technical College System to create it. While the concept is simple, execution requires the coordination of a variety of groups, with the technical colleges at the hub. South Carolina businesses contend the state’s workforce lacks the skills needed for today’s job market. This skills gap is a big factor in an unemployment rate hovering around 12%. Assisting workers gain desirable job skills increases their prospects for finding a job and makes South Carolina more attractive to prospective employers. Companies, like Agape, that participate in the apprenticeship program train the individuals they need and receive a tax break of $1,000 per apprentice per year for up to four years.

Anita Bowers, C.N.A. Coordinator with Agape Hospice of the Lowcountry, was one of the 21 certified nursing assistants employed by Agape Hospice to have completed the requisite 100+ hours of instruction, earning the designation as a graduate of Apprenticeship South Carolina and Agape University. In addition to learning about various body systems and functions, the students completed the dementia Dialogs training program, exposing them to specialized training in Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Disorders.

These students are now recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as having completed a registered apprenticeship program. This certification assures that they have been well-trained by combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training. "Having completed these courses on their own time, these students have demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond and are now some of Agape’s most well-trained employees. We are proud of their accomplishments," stated G. Scott Middleton, CEO of Agape Senior. A "virtual" graduation for these students is being planned for January 27, 2011.

In 2009 Anita Bowers, C.N.A., completed a preparation course offered by Agape Hospice and successfully met the requirements for certification as a Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant. The certification was issued to Ms. Bowers by The National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nursing after she passed the examination in March of that year. Anita “Sissy” Blewer Bowers lives in the Sniders Cross Roads area and is a 1996 graduate of Ruffin High School. In 2005 Anita’s dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and died January 2006. Her experience caring for him is the reason Anita chose a career in health care. She enrolled at the Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center in Walterboro and received her certification as nursing assistant in 2006. Anita says “That $500 was money well spent. It was the best investment I ever made.”

Her first job in health care was in long term care working in the Victory House Veterans’ Home in Walterboro. She took leave to take care of her mother after she had a hip replacement, but when her mother completed her therapy Anita returned to work as a certified nursing assistant for John Harter Nursing Home in Fairfax. She joined Agape Hospice in November of 2007. In March of 2009 she traveled to Savannah and successfully completed a computerized examination and received national certification as Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant. She is currently investigating a career development path to be a licensed nurse.

Through the apprenticeship program Agape Hospice is improving the skill set of our employees for improved delivery of care and services. The employees are gaining job skills that position them for higher wages and a brighter career path. The apprenticeship program also keeps talented workers in South Carolina.


Beaufort /Hilton Head - Hospice Services – Agape Hospice

Agape Hospice serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties is committed to end of life care. Contact Agape Hospice of the Lowcountry at 843.645.2290