“Joseph Julmeus is an exceptional individual whose dedication, customer service, and outstanding performance with both Shell Point and the local community makes him a truly deserving individual for this award,” said Paul Yacovitch, Facility Operations Manager. “He shows a strong dedication for the care of Shell Point’s residents, and his exemplary work ethic resulted in a supervisory position in the organization. Joseph personifies Shell Point’s Core Values of Caring, Serving, and Satisfying with every action in his role as a supervisor.”
Julmeus received this award due to his character both at work in Shell Point, and in the Haitian Community. He shows deliberate focus on balancing customer and operational needs with the business and fiscal realities of the company. For example, as Laundry Supervisor, through observation of outside contractors performing critical and specialized maintenance on key items of equipment (at a considerable cost) he learned to safely and effectively perform most of the maintenance himself. He is now solely responsible for the laundry equipment preventive maintenance program thereby saving considerable operating costs yet never sacrificing production or quality of service to residents.
Joseph’s outstanding performance and dedication to Shell Point residents is further demonstrated by duties above and beyond the scope of the day to day. During two very traumatic and perilous hurricanes, which hit Southwest Florida (Hurricanes Charlie and Wilma), Joseph was one of the employee volunteers who elected to stay on property during both storms to help support emergency operations. (Note: Shell Point has an onsite hurricane shelter and residents do not evacuate.) Additionally, Joseph is always one of the first responders to emergency situations both during and after normal business hours.
Another aspect of Joseph’s commitment to service is his involvement with the Haitian community at Shell Point, within Fort Myers, and abroad. At work, Joseph is a trusted peer who frequently acts as interpreter for other Haitian employees. He willingly helps many of the staff work through issues whenever language presents a barrier to comprehension. He is also active in the Fort Myers community and his church organizing assistance to send clothing and material items to less fortunate Haitian families locally and in Haiti. Of particular note is the fact Joseph takes weeks of personal vacation time so that he can accompany a private medical assistance team (doctor and nurses) who go to Haiti to provide free medical care and also to assist in local construction projects. Joseph was in Haiti working with one such team when the horrific earthquake in January devastated that nation.
Another aspect of Joseph’s commitment to service is his involvement with the Haitian community at Shell Point, within Fort Myers, and abroad. At work, Joseph is a trusted peer who frequently acts as interpreter for other Haitian employees. He willingly helps many of the staff work through issues whenever language presents a barrier to comprehension. He is also active in the Fort Myers community and his church organizing assistance to send clothing and material items to less fortunate Haitian families locally and in Haiti. Of particular note is the fact Joseph takes weeks of personal vacation time so that he can accompany a private medical assistance team (doctor and nurses) who go to Haiti to provide free medical care and also to assist in local construction projects. Joseph was in Haiti working with one such team when the horrific earthquake in January devastated that nation.
The Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (FAHSA) was established in 1963 as a Florida not-for-profit corporation. Its purpose is to provide leadership, advocacy, and education for retirement housing and nursing home communities that serve the needs of Florida’s retirees. FAHSA is committed to assisting its members in providing the highest quality of services possible to the residents they serve. To accomplish its purpose, the association provides up-to-date information, education, representation, group services, and networking as well as prompt, efficient service to the professional staff of its member communities.
Shell Point Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road, two miles before the Sanibel causeway. Shell Point has received national accreditation from CARF-CCAC, and is a nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry. The community offers retirement living in a resort-style environment with an 18-hole championship golf course which is open to the public, as well as recreational/fitness facilities and deep water boating access for its residents. To learn more about Shell Point, visit us at www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
