Wesley Village in Shelton marks year of resilience during COVID-19

From left: Luz DeJesus, housekeeping associate, Pam O'Connor, dining associate, Maryann Porcadilla, CNA./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - On March 11, one year after COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency in Connecticut, Wesley Village senior living campus joined with Leading Age Connecticut in their public effort, #oneyearstronger, to commemorate the past year, one marked by compassion, strength, and resilience. 

'Caring Superhero' and
Joylynn-Jarrett Smith, CNA

Residents and staff came together to celebrate the strength and courage displayed throughout the year and show gratitude for the outpouring of love and support given by family members, volunteers, and the local community during the pandemic. 

Vice President of Assisted Living Services, Lori Pisani, reflected on the challenges of the past year. “A year ago, we never would have imagined the experience we had this past year, but we have stayed the course and are grateful to be stronger and more connected than ever," she said. "With the arrival of the vaccine and strong response we have had in vaccinating our residents and staff, it finally feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We feel very hopeful.”

The campus organized a variety of activities and events to commemorate the day, including a cannoli truck and opportunities for reflection. Stickers with red hearts and the words “Stronger Together” were scattered everywhere and spotted on staff and residents as they walked through the community. 

A “One Year Stronger” sign was posted at each community entrance to greet staff as they arrived for the day, along with a “We Are Stronger Because…” display which featured personal thoughts and messages of gratitude. 

“We have felt the support of those around us - residents, staff, and family members,” one card read. Another card read, “We can count on each other,” and “We appreciate every day and take one day at a time, with more gratitude.”

“We have learned so much this past year," said Debra Samorajczyk, administrator at Bishop Wicke Health Center. “We are so grateful to our fearless caregivers for their strength, resilience, perseverance, love, heroism, and dedication.”

As a humorous surprise, a “Caring Superhero” bear wandered through the campus to inspire smiles and laughter and share love and thanks. The bear paused to take individual photos, much to the delight of residents.

President and CEO of United Methodist Homes David Lawlor thanked the Wesley Village team as part of a special message commemorating this past year. 

“We’ve come to realize how important it is to support one another in good times and in bad, and how much we mean to each other,” he said. “Many thanks to our incredible team, our supportive families, our Board, and the entire UMH family. Our history will note we survived this pandemic, we became stronger as an organization, and we look forward to great days ahead.”

Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.