Lean on me

“You just call on me brother, when you need a hand 

We all need somebody to lean on 

I just might have a problem that you’ll understand 

We all need somebody to lean on”

Margie Scheers has been a social services assistant at the Pavilion at St. Luke Village in Hazleton, Pennsylvania for four and a half years. During that time, she has been a shoulder to lean on. If you ask her what motivates her to come to work each day, she replies with no hesitation, “my residents, of course!” She loves to socialize with the patients, and through simple conversation, she is able to help them problem-solve.

Margie shared an example of a time when she was able to assist a patient using  her keen listening skills. The patient shared her challenging life story which included no work history and a now-deceased husband who had not treated her well. Margie was able to glean from the conversation that this woman might be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits. Margie brought the resident to the Social Security office, and sure enough, they learned that the resident was eligible for widow benefits! It was due to Margie’s compassionate listening skills that the woman received the benefits due to her.

Amanda Turner, the activities director at the Pavilion, nominated Margie for the CHIRPs spotlight because she “goes above and beyond for the residents at the Pavilion every single day! She shows up to work with a smile on her face and a positive attitude, especially now during the stressful time with COVID19.” In her own words, Margie said she “brings her best face to work each day because the residents deserve it.”

The CHIRPs spotlight nomination says so much about Margie,  “She demonstrates much patience and truly cares for each resident. She enjoys conversation with residents and pays very close attention to details and their stories. She works quickly to resolve any issue residents or family members may have and helps put one’s fears and concerns at ease. She has a good rapport with people in the community and she makes sure a resident’s transition back into their home or community is smooth. It shows through and through. She is first to help co-workers and her teamwork skills are out of this world.”

Margie, you are a treasure, and we are thankful that so many of our residents and families have had the pleasure of “leaning on you”.