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Environmental Services worker earns national caregiving award
Nonprofit Ceca Foundation recognizes senior care professional for unyielding dedication and selflessness
Shannon Gronniger, a member of the environmental services team at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, has been honored with a 2024 National Ceca Award from Ceca Foundation (Ceca), a national nonprofit that celebrates exceptional caregivers in healthcare and senior care settings.
Colonial Springs is a skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation facility located in Buffalo, Missouri. It is owned and operated by Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, part of Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Bolivar, Missouri.
Established in 2013, the National Ceca Award recognizes healthcare professionals from across the country who demonstrate extraordinary acts of care that promote well-being and quality of life for those in their care. The 2024 awards are sponsored by MemoryFox, the Ohio Health Care Association, RB Health Partners, Inc. and Smartlinx.
Gronniger was recognized for her selfless acts of kindness and devotion, embodying the true spirit of caregiving through compassion that extends far beyond the responsibilities of her job role in environmental services.
Family members of a resident shared they are comforted knowing Gronniger treats their loved one like her own. She regularly plans special celebrations and often spends her own money on gifts and supplies for residents, and ensures that each resident feels valued and loved.
Even during inclement weather, Gronniger has chosen to remain at the facility rather than go home, putting residents’ safety and comfort first. Her unwavering commitment to residents has previously earned her the CMH Tulip Award and now national recognition from Ceca Foundation.
“Shannon is one of the most exceptional caregivers I’ve met in nearly 30 years of working in long-term care,” said Roy Pace, administrator of Colonial Springs. “She’s described by co-workers as a diamond in the rough and a true blessing to all who know her. Her spirit shines through in her work every day.”
Nate Hamme, president and executive director of Ceca Foundation, praised Gronniger for exceeding expectations and serving as a role model in the caregiving community.
“It is an honor to recognize Shannon for her dedication and caregiving spirit that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Hamme said. “She is a shining example of the kind of caregiver we sought to recognize when Ceca was founded—someone who puts those they care for first and goes above and beyond what is in her job description. The positive impact she has on Colonial Springs is undeniable.”
As a national Ceca Award honoree, Gronniger received a $2,500 cash prize and an engraved commemorative trophy.
The award was presented in person by Hamme and Pace, along with Tim Francka, administrative director of long-term care at CMH Foundation, CMH leadership and members of the Colonial Springs community.
About Ceca
Ceca Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, DC, which partners with healthcare communities nationally of all sizes to recognize their exceptional caregivers. Ceca’s mission is to improve the human experience in healthcare by providing a highly affordable, turnkey recognition solution tailored to healthcare providers, using its innovative software, network, managed services, and cash awards. Founded by Matthew and Rosemary Lawlor in 2013, Ceca has publicly recognized more than 51,000 exceptional acts of care and nearly 1,500 caregivers have received a Ceca Award. To date, Ceca has awarded over $550,000 to deserving caregivers. For more information, watch a brief video and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. To schedule an interview with one of our award recipients, contact Michelle Stewart.
About Colonial Springs Healthcare Center
Colonial Springs Healthcare Center is a 134-bed skilled nursing center in Buffalo, Missouri. It includes a 50-bed memory care unit, with 16 beds designated for high-functioning memory care, serving individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The facility also offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services and operates independent living apartments nearby. It is owned and operated by Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, part of Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Missouri. More information is available at citizensmemorial.com.
Shannon Gronniger
