New Community held a luncheon for its administrative staff members on Administrative Professionals Day, which was April 24, at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark.
Director of Human Resources Benjamin Galvez said New Community employs about 20 individuals in administrative roles, which are critical to helping the organization fulfill its mission.
“We want to make sure that we give our gratitude to you today because, to me, you are the staff that keeps the wheels turning,” he said.
Director of Mission Frances Teabout told a story about two shoe salesmen who visited a remote country to see if it would be a good location to sell products. The first salesman said there was no potential because the people didn’t wear shoes, but the second salesman said there was a great deal of potential because everyone needed shoes. She said there are similarities between that story and what New Community does because it serves individuals with needs and challenges.
“These people have value. Their lives matter. And we are here to address the needs of those people,” she said. “And so the challenge for all of us is to be like the second salesman who recognizes the need and the potential.”
Teabout said it might not always be easy to look past some of the issues, but she knows the employees in administrative roles do that often.
“On behalf of New Community, I say thank you to all of you for being like the second salesperson, recognizing the potential and meeting the needs of our clients, our residents, our children and our seniors,” she said.
The employees enjoyed lunch and the company of their colleagues at the event. They received ShopRite gift cards as a token of appreciation.
