Vi News Now Issue #7 - Employee Update

SERVANT LEADERSHIP DURING THE PANDEMIC
Darrell Baltimore, Vice President, Operations

 

Darrell Baltimore is a natural leader, one whose skills have been honed in the field. His leadership training began when he joined the army at 17. A finance specialist in the 82nd Airborne Division, he later went to the College of Charleston in South Carolina on the GI Bill and worked in high-end restaurants at night.

He worked his way up to leadership positions in different areas of the hospitality industry, including hotels and corporate dining, and ultimately senior living. “Those different roles, and leading different types of teams, helped me end up where I am today,” he said.

Baltimore began his career at Vi eight years ago as an executive director in one of the company’s former rental communities in Dallas, Texas. He was promoted to vice president of Operations in October 2019. In his current role, Darrell works directly with the executive directors and leaders in Vi’s various communities to ensure operational efficiency and compliance on all regulatory guidelines, as well as fiscal responsibility and profitability.

It helps that he’s done some or all of the work that his direct reports do. This enables him to make better decisions and solve problems more effectively. But for Baltimore, leadership is more than decision-making or strategic planning. It means being a servant to those who report to him, as they serve the residents and other employees.

Servant leadership means listening to others’ concerns, responding by providing what they need and removing any barriers that prevent them from achieving their goals. “I also think as a leader, my role is to reinforce, reassure, explain, encourage and reward,” Darrell said.

Now with 13 direct reports, Baltimore has successfully applied all of the leadership lessons he’s acquired over the years to great effect during the pandemic. He described his job as a moving target most days, but by being proactive and collaborating with community leaders, “we have been able to do a great job taking care of our residents and staff, and dealing with the uncertainties of COVID-19.”

Baltimore has had some formal education in the field, and Vi helped him earn a master's degree in long-term care, senior living aging services, from the University of North Texas. The company also subsidized his nursing home administrator licenses in several states. But most of his leadership training happened on the job, as he observed other leaders.

“Very strong leaders model the appropriate behavior and actually listen,” he explained. “Great leaders are collaborative. They take the jacket and the tie off and roll their sleeves up, go to that person washing dishes and say, ‘Hey. What is the best way for us to support you?’”

Baltimore said he’s also learned from bad leaders. Those leaders don't really have employees’ trust, and they’re rarely seen because decisions come from the top down; there is no bottom-up discussion.

“As a leader there are three things that are very important,” he said. “Empowerment, trust and respect. That goes a long way, and since we all have shared values, we all do better. We're all on the same page, reading from the same sheet of music.”

 

Ann Marie Burns	September 11
La’Keba Garcia	August 16
Linda Giardini	July 24

Vi at Bentley Village

Cathy Graves	July 21
Angelina Rodriguez	September 12

Vi at Grayhawk

Elvia Astorga	September 6
Rosa Rendon	September 29

Vi at Lakeside Village

Rolando Ferrer	September 6
September 7	September 15

TidePointe, a Vi Community

Cassandra Stevenson

July 28

30 Years of Service

Vi at Bentley Village

William Henry

July 24

35 Years of Service

Vi at Palo Alto

Ubaldo Tostado

September 2

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR ALL

 

Vi Is Stronger Because of Our Diversity and Better Because of Our Differences

Dear Vi Family Member,

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As individuals and as an organization, we must stand up against acts of intolerance and racism — as well as behaviors that promote divisiveness.

Hate, prejudice and discrimination will never be tolerated at Vi. We are a Vi family made up of dedicated and talented team members committed to improving the lives of older adults. We recognize the experiences and strengths of each individual and the diversity of experiences we each contribute. We are stronger because of our diversity and better because of our differences.

To thrive as an organization committed to being a “Great Place to Work for All,” we must lead with one of Vi’s values — respect. By respecting each and every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or socioeconomic background, we contribute to a better and more inclusive culture. The value of respect also highlights what it really means to be purpose- and values-driven — it is about how we treat one another.

We know that nurturing a “Great Place to Work for All” starts with our leaders. Last month, Vi reinforced this commitment through an educational session for all Vi Corporate leaders and cabinet members delivered by renowned diversity and inclusion leader Risha Grant. Risha teaches diversity and inclusion through the lens of humanity using terms like “B.S.,” or “Bias Synapse” as a way to explain our brain’s involvement in the processing and validation of bias. Risha left Vi leaders with:

• A thorough awareness of their own biases
• A realization of how their biases originated
• A recognition of the symptoms and results of bias
• Strategies to address internal and external biases
• A personal commitment to create one or more actionable strategies to cultivate workplace diversity and inclusion

All employees are welcome to view Risha’s educational session by using this link: Risha Grant

Additionally, to further Vi’s continued commitment toward diversity, equity and inclusion, a team composed of Corporate and Community team members led by AVP of Quality and Clinical Excellence Bridget Williams identified 501(c)(3) philanthropic organizations that align with these objectives. Each charity considered was evaluated against criteria that included:

• Organization has a 501(c)(3) designation.
• The charity’s missions and vision are clear and align with Vi’s values.
• The organization has a broad impact with targeted outcomes.
• The board of directors membership represents social, racial and community diversity.
• The organization has a good reputation.
• The organization actively participates in policy change.
• The organization has a high level of volunteerism.
• The organization demonstrates financial efficiency.
• The organization has direct donors (not just private foundations).
• The charity is reflective of the demographics of our Vi workforce.
• The charity has consistent organizational leadership.
• The organization has reach in the locations where Vi operates our communities.

Based on the committee’s evaluation, six charities were identified for consideration by all Vi employees:

• Equal Justice Initiative
• The Long-Term Care Equality Index/Sage USA
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
• My Brother’s Keeper Alliance
• The Trevor Project
• The National Urban League

Please click on the link of each charity to learn more about that organization and connect directly to the charity’s website. Vi will make a $10,000 contribution to the top three charities selected by our team members. Each employee has an opportunity to vote on the charity of their choice by clicking Vi Charity Survey. Employees will have until August 28 to contribute their voice by casting their vote. Charities selected will be announced in an upcoming issue of Vi News Now.

I am grateful for the in-depth research the committee invested in researching charities for consideration. Vi team members included Tracy Grudzielanek, Nicole Harper, Elena Iga, Misha Mann, Ahkira McPherson, Siobhan Rhea-Surraco, Carol Shaw-Burns and Jill Stonewall.

In closing, with 3,000 employees working in 10 communities and our Corporate Office, we benefit from being an inclusive company made up of individuals who look and think differently, with backgrounds from around the world. Diverse talents and opinions have contributed to our success for more than 30 years. Now more than ever, our diversity will help us weather the most challenging time in our company’s history — and likely our lives. We accomplish so much by coming together as One Vi with One Purpose to care for our residents and one another with dignity and respect.

With respect and gratitude,

Judy Whitcomb
SVP-Human Resources and Learning

 

RESIDENTS’ COMPLIMENTS AND ENCOURAGING SUPPORT

 

Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been an outpouring of appreciation for the tireless support Vi’s employees have provided our residents. We are grateful for the hundreds of compliments and gestures of kindness from our residents. We are honored to share some excerpts from their many kind words of appreciation.

Accolades on the Menu at Vi at Silverstone

“The entire Dining Service staff has been wonderful during this unusual time. We order and try to remember to remind the staff that I have a need to eliminate all dairy and nuts! On occasion I have forgotten to make this request, but I have always had a call back from Bernie, Jordyn and others to ask about substitutions. I am very grateful! Occasionally I will assume that there will be none of my diet offenders in my order…my angels on your ordering staff have saved me! Thank you all."

"Today we ordered the Chicken Chopped Salad with the white balsamic and basil dressing. The salad was very good, but the dressing was FABULOUS! Please, please, please keep it on the menu! I think it was one of the BEST. Fresh flavor, not overpowering, not too piquant for me and also not cream-based! Simple and PERFECT! It is the best new salad dressing I have had in years! It did not overpower the delicate chicken or other ingredients, and it added that fresh basil summer flavor! We are so lucky to have you and your staff! Keep up the great work and creativity. And thank your department for always going the extra step!”

Grateful for the Team at Vi at Grayhawk

“We are beyond grateful that as we enter Week 18 of stay-safe-at-home measures, you and your terrific team work at 110% every day to keep us as safe, comfortable and well-fed as if it were Week One and no one had heard of COVID burnout. Please let all employees know how much we appreciate the 'cocoon' you create for us.”

It Is Unanimous at Vi at Aventura: Excellent Food and Concise Delivery!

“I reached out to my nine Resident Relations Council members and they all had the highest approval rating with the excellent food preparation and the concise delivery of food during this crisis situation. My praises to you [Chef Christian], Monika and the entire staff. Thanks again!”

My Heroes – Vi at The Glen

“My heroes are ALL of the employees who are working at the Vi. Everything is working so smoothly because of you. We residents are lucky to have all of you no matter what department you are in. Thank you!”