Aspire of WNY’s Environment & Safety (E&S) Team sure have been keeping busy lately! Visitors and residents have been pleasantly surprised when they arrive to see the fruits of the E&S Team’s labor. The team has been committed to refreshing the landscaping at many of our facilities across the entire footprint, including the Center for Learning (CFL), 7 Community Drive, and our Audubon facility.
It was “excellent timing” explained Lee Kellaway, Associate Director of Commercial Maintenance. With the weather transitioning from summer to autumn, it made sense to think about refreshing the landscaping. And now that the E&S Team is fully staffed with hard-working and knowledgeable individuals that even include an individual supported by Aspire of WNY as well as a horticulturalist, they are more than ready and willing to tackle all the tasks that go into keeping Aspire of WNY looking its best!
“It all starts from the outside!” Lee proudly declares when asked why it was so important that the team complete such a large project. When drivers pass by any Aspire of WNY building, we want them to understand that we take just as excellent care of the inside of our facilities and everyone inside their walls. The landscaping reflects our commitment to compassionate support.
And it’s “so much more than just mowing lawns” Lee proclaims. With a full team, they are truly able to demonstrate what they’re capable of. In addition to the routine landscaping work, they added seasonal touches such as pumpkins and gourds, decorative cornstalks, mums bursting with color, and even some spooky Halloween surprises! Even more impressive is the fact that the team didn’t just provide the labor to get the work done, they were part of the whole process from start to finish, including the design work. Every project they take on is truly a collaborative effort.
The team’s efforts certainly haven’t gone unnoticed. Lee said that his team’s hard work has had a HUGE impact here at Aspire of WNY; so many faces have lit up in delight when noticing the refreshing touches for the first time, and there aren’t enough words to describe how happy everyone has been to see the exciting changes.
But it’s about something deeper than that, Lee explains. “We want to do more than just put a smile on everyone’s faces. Many of these facilities are personal homes and it’s important to feel pride in your residence.”
In addition to feeling pride, Lee and his crew work hard so residents, visitors, and staff of Aspire of WNY also feel safe. It isn’t just about beautification, upkeep and maintenance are equally important. There are strict guidelines that they must understand and adhere to that ensure the safety of everyone. Each season brings its own unique set of qualities and challenges, from heavy spring-time rains, fallen branches during heavy winds, and especially the snow that accompanies the upcoming winter season. The end of the year ushers in the team’s most challenging time of year. All lots and sidewalks must be cleaned out not only first thing in the morning, but prior to shift changes throughout the day and evening as well.
“It’s all teamwork no matter what we do, and it all shows in the end process” Lee states. From the seasonal touches and beautiful plantings to the heavy lifting tasks like plowing and mowing, Aspire of WNY’s E&S team does it all together, learning from and leaning on each other to accomplish any task that comes their way.
