Presbyterian Village North (PVN) is pleased to announce that Joy Upton, life enrichment coordinator of PVN’s Joyce Hall, has been selected as the recipient of the Activity Professional of the Year Award by the Activity Professional Association of Greater Dallas (APAGD). Ron Kelly, executive director of Presbyterian Village North, made the announcement. Heather Ashby, director of residential and assisted living for PVN, presented the award to Upton at the organization’s general meeting this month.
“I am honored to have been selected as the recipient of this respected award,” said Upton. “It brings me great pleasure to coordinate fulfilling and balanced activities for residents at PVN’s Joyce Hall each month. This award is a true testament to the value of creating opportunities for life enrichment through social engagement. It warms my heart to see seniors in this new chapter of their lives exploring a variety of interests and events while developing friendships and making new memories. I am thankful for the support I have received from fellow team members at PVN. Without their encouragement and assistance, this would not be possible. We are a ministry of people serving people, and what a blessing that has been in my life.”
“It is truly a prestigious award, as it is voted on by our colleagues and peers in the activity profession,” said Lisa Englander, independent living life enrichment manager of Presbyterian Village North. “This is wonderful recognition for all that Joy has done for residents within our senior living community. She takes a well-rounded approach to creating and coordinating activities that suit a variety of interests. It has been an absolute pleasure working with her, learning from her and seeing the difference she is making in residents’ lives.”
The Activity Professionals Association of Greater Dallas is a resource group and professional organization for activity professionals, life enrichment coordinators and others who are involved in providing social, emotional, spiritual, physical and recreational care in a variety of environments. The organization also supports life enrichment directors by providing a variety of resources, contacts, social functions and continuing education credits which are required by state regulations.
“Joy has been serving residents at Presbyterian Village North for more than 17 years,” said Kelly. “We are grateful for her positive attitude, her dedication to enriching the lives of residents, her creative planning and the organization with which she plans activities. Activity professionals truly are the heartbeat of each and every community, and we want to show our thanks to her for helping us improve the lives of the residents we serve.”