The Pennsylvania Hall of Fame of Champions of Older Workers, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, has honored Surrey Services for Seniors with a 2018 Outstanding Employer Award.

The award recognizes the Devon-based nonprofit’s efforts to employ and value older workers.

Bob Madonna, Surrey’s President and CEO, Christina Wagoner, Surrey’s Senior Director of Finance and Human Resources, and Ana Casillas, Human Resources Specialist, were on hand at a recent banquet in Hershey to accept the award from Gov. Tom Wolf.

“Older adults are a great asset for businesses and communities because of their experience, knowledge, and work ethic,” reads a statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. “The department is proud to acknowledge employers who bring skill and diversity to their workplace by hiring and using the talents of older Pennsylvanians.”

For more than 37 years, Surrey has consistently hired older adults as part of its “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” philosophy. Surrey works with employees to accommodate their needs outside the workplace. Sixty-eight of its 79 staff members are ages 55 and older and work part time. Most of these workers are attracted to part-time positions due to family responsibilities, lifestyle choices, health, or financial considerations. Surrey works with each employee to set up an optimal schedule that may include full days, half days, or hourly assignments.

Innovative retraining is fostered by Surrey leadership. In 2018, Surrey staff began training in the Aging Mastery program developed by the National Council on Aging in Washington. Surrey staff also participated in computer, caregiving, and leadership training last year.

Furthermore, Surrey has supported benefit plans that help its employees in the long term. This year, Surrey will roll out a 401(k) plan that will provide employees a company contribution of three percent of the employee’s compensation.

“Surrey’s mission guides everything we do,” said Madonna. “Hiring mature workers, particularly in home care services and transportation, is successful because of the rapport that naturally occurs among people who have life experiences in common.”

Surrey has additional locations in Broomall, Havertown, Media, and East Goshen.

Click here to learn more about Surrey Services for Seniors.

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