News
Press Release: Edenwald Employee of 40 years Earns 2025 National Ceca Award
Maintenance Mechanic Earns National Award for Extraordinary Service and Lifelong Career
National Nonprofit Honors Outstanding Care Professionals
TOWSON, MD March 20, 2026 – Ceca Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to recognizing and supporting healthcare workers and senior living professionals, proudly announces Joseph Johnson, a Maintenance Mechanic of 40-years at Edenwald Senior Living— a nonprofit retirement community on the outskirts of Baltimore founded in 1881 that has continued to evolve to meet the changing lifestyle and healthcare needs of residents from active adults to experienced memory care services—as recipient of a 2025 National Ceca Award.
Now in its 12th year, this prestigious honor celebrates extraordinary caregivers from across the country for demonstrating exceptional acts of care that promote well-being and quality of life for those in their care. The six 2025 National Ceca Awards are sponsored by Holleran Consulting, Know by KARE, MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc.
Johnson is being recognized for an outstanding 40-year career serving Edenwald and is known for his joyful presence, unwavering reliability, and service-first attitude that enriches daily life for residents, families, staff, and visitors. He is always authentic in his interactions and builds genuine connections, knows residents by name and life story, and creates a welcoming environment that leaves lasting impressions—often cited by prospective residents during tours. Though not a caregiver by title, Johnson has provided compassionate care through kindness, respect, and consistency for decades, making him a trusted team member who helps everyone feel at home.
Dawn Teelucksingh, Vice President of Human Resources for Edenwald commented, “We are absolutely thrilled that Joseph Johnson received the National Ceca Award. For 40 years, Joseph has gone above and beyond in his job to ensure our residents feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. His commitment and positive spirit inspire all of us every day, and this award could not have gone to a more deserving individual. We are deeply honored to see his outstanding contributions recognized on a national level.”
An award reception will take place on Friday, March 20 starting at 1:00 PM ET at the Edenwald Senior Living campus located at 800 Southerly Road, Towson, MD 21286. As a National Ceca Award Recipient, Johnson will receive a cash award of $2,500 and an engraved commemorative trophy. Ceca President Nate Hamme will present the award along with Edenwald Senior Living leadership, staff and residents.
Nate Hamme, President and Executive Director of Ceca Foundation, commented, “We are honored to recognize Joseph for his extraordinary service and dedication to the Edenwald community for the past forty years. He is an amazing example of an individual that sits in a critical role that, while not clinical, can directly impact quality of life for all residents and families in the community.” Hamme added, “At Ceca, we are always inspired by the stories of exceptional care about support professionals like Joseph and want to honor the important roles that maintenance, housekeeping, dietary, reception and others play in our care communities.”
About Ceca
Ceca is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Washington, DC, which partners with care communities nationally of all sizes to recognize exceptional caregivers. Ceca’s mission is to improve the human experience in healthcare by providing a highly affordable, turnkey recognition solution tailored to care providers, using its innovative software, network, managed services, and cash awards. Founded by Matthew and Rosemary Lawlor in 2013, Ceca has publicly recognized over 55,000 exceptional acts of care and more than 1,700 caregivers have received a Ceca Award. To date, Ceca has awarded nearly $615,000 to deserving caregivers. For more information, watch a brief video and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. To schedule an interview with one of our award recipients, contact Michelle Stewart.
About Edenwald Senior Living
Edenwald is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit LifePlan senior living community established in Towson, Maryland in 1985 and recognized for its resident-empowered culture, exceptional amenities, and full continuum of care. Its mission is to create a caring community inspiring people to thrive and live lives of significance. Edenwald’s unique partnership with neighboring Goucher College makes it Maryland’s first college enriched senior living community, offering residents distinctive opportunities for lifelong learning and cultural engagement. For more information, please visit our website at www.edenwald.org or follow-us on Instagram and Facebook.
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