Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) Honors Victory Centre of Bartlett’s Dave Dickinson as its 2010 Hero

Dave Dickinson, the Executive Director of Victory Centre of Bartlett and Plainfield, IL, resident, was chosen by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) as its 2010 Hero. The award, sponsored by the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally operated assisted living communities for seniors, recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage and leadership and who rise above their daily duties to improve the lives of assisted living residents. Dickinson earned the honor not for one single heroic act of courage but for acting courageously every day, starting at 5 a.m. when he hand-delivers newspapers to residents’ doorsteps. Dickinson’s early-bird routine goes above and beyond the call of duty in the name of pleasing residents. Through his actions Dave inspires the evening staff members who he meets along his route to do the same.

This is just one of many examples of why Dickinson is an ALFA hero and a hero in the minds of his employer, staff, residents and their families. “As an Executive Director of a Pathway Senior Living community, Dave has indeed demonstrated these and many other qualities to ensure our residents have positive, memorable customer experiences each and every day,” said Maria Oliva, Chief People Officer for Pathway Senior Living.

The leader of a senior living community that serves over 200 residents with 104 independent and 104 affordable assisted living apartments, Dickinson’s guiding direction to his empowered staff never waivers. It is written on their employment application, the number one responsibility on their job description and the subject of every 7 AM stand-up meeting. It has nothing to do with the obvious operational aspects of their jobs—preparing meals, operating a clean residence or providing high-quality clinical care and support. For Dave, that is the base-line expectation. For Dave and his staff, their real job is to repeatedly answer the question: “How can I make a positive, memorable customer experience today?”

Dickinson walks the talk about creating positive memorable experiences for customers at his community, inspiring staff and residents with his kindness and fortitude. When a housekeeper’s father lay dying in Mexico, Dickinson took up a collection for travel expenses, packed meals and sent her on a road trip. When a team member was going to elope, Dickinson rallied her co-workers to organize an on-site wedding complete with decorations, tiered cake and a hundred doting “grandparents.” When a resident with limited mobility and discretionary income expressed an interest in swimming, Dickinson’s team found free transportation and arranged reduced rates at a local swimming pool. And, when a resident’s beloved bird died, staff immediately asked “WWDD” (What would Dave do?) and arranged for a burial outside the resident’s window by her favorite tree.

Dickinson accepted his award at ALFA’s national conference on May 25, 2010. There, his peers within the assisted living industry recognized him as the 2010 Hero, but to those who live and work at Victory Centre of Bartlett, Dickinson has been an every day hero for as long as they’ve known him.
Victory Centre of Bartlett, located at 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL, is owned and operated by Pathway Senior Living. In partnership with various not-for-profit partners, Pathway creates and operates vibrant, healthy, residential communities and supportive programs for seniors. For more information please call 847-768-5100 or visit www.PathwaySL.com.