Cyndi Floyd shares her legislative visit experience at Senator Dennis Jones’ office.

Marlys and I went and visited Senator Dennis’ Jones office the other day and it was a very positive experience.  I had never done one of these visits and was not looking forward to it, just one of those "I've never done this before" nervous challenges.  We had an appointment with his assistant, Doris Burns, because the senator was out of town.

Mrs. Burns was very welcoming and was aware of the Ombudsman Program.  She had lots of good questions and took notes. She already had a good impression of the program, but was surprised at how much we do. She gave us plenty of time and I felt that I was able to give her quite a bit of positive input about the importance of the program.  One of the points I stressed was that we are the voice for the resident, a role not filled by any other agency.  I also discussed the importance of the program’s autonomy.  I felt that I was heard and that she would pass on my points.  I left her with a copy of our 2009-2010 Annual Report.

Having visited a legislator's office for the first time and finding that it was a privilege and a pleasure will make it much easier to make my next visit with my Representative, Larry Ahern. I hope that the other council members will see their legislators, too, and give a positive and professional face to the program.

Ann Proie, Southwest Florida District Ombudsman Manager, recognizes Steve Fescella for his recruitment and advocating efforts.

Steve served as chair of the Recruitment and Retention committee and has shown exceptional leadership in this role.  He researched various organizations for possible volunteers and made it possible for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program’s volunteer needs to be posted in the Senior Blue Book.  He works tirelessly to recruit volunteers for the Collier County area by speaking at and attending local senior events.

His actions speak of his dedication to recruit more volunteers for the program.  He also displays a strong ability at making a new trainee feel confident and comfortable in their role as a volunteer.  Thank you Steve, for your volunteer outreach efforts, volunteer mentorship, and tireless pursuit of justice for long-term care residents.

Mike Phillips, Northwest Florida District Ombudsman Manager, shares dedication of three outstanding volunteers and nominates them for the Shining Star recognition.

The Northwest Florida Long-Term Ombudsman Council’s jurisdiction spans 100 miles east to west and is currently serviced by three active ombudsmen who will go anywhere at any time to alleviate and resolve the concerns of residents in long-term care facilities.  Never have I experienced a group of volunteers with such a passion and dedication for the elderly.  And, how can I praise one and not all three when each draws his strength and commitment from the shared values and mission of the Council to which they have pledged themselves?

Anne Manning currently serves the Council as its Chair, a function she has performed many times in her 12-year tenure.  Even with the personal hardships she is experiencing, she refuses to give up and continues to provide the Council with her wisdom and grace and residents with her tenacious (but always disarmingly friendly) determination to resolve and correct facility practices that impinge on their rights.  She is the epitome of self-giving.

Jim Evans, in his nearly 11 years of service, has always been a pillar of strength and wisdom for the Northwest Council.  His huge heart has a permanent place in it reserved for the elderly.  In spite of the oil spill that wreaked havoc on his business ventures in the area last year, Jim still found time to reach out and help the elderly – lending his voice, his clear reasoning, his extensive knowledge, and his passionate persuasion to their cause.  He is the quintessential humble servant.

Ray Sykes has served on the Council for nearly four years and in addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as a representative on the State Council, Ray completed over 1/3 of the Council’s assessments in 2010 and was asking if there was more he could do to help out because of our shortage of ombudsmen.  Intelligent, soft-spoken and filled with compassion, Ray meticulously investigates the residents’ complaints as if they were his own and doesn’t quit until a suitable resolution is found.  Couldn’t find a gentler and caring man than Ray.

Without a doubt because of the effort and dedication of these three volunteers, long-term care residents in Northwest Florida are getting their voices heard.