Reliable Home Care in Grand Rapids – West Michigan

Women's Resource Center Huntington Pillar Awards honor workplaces that value women

By Kaitlin Shawgo | The Grand Rapids Press

March 08, 2010, 7:53AM

Octavian Cantilli | The Grand Rapids Press

Bobbi Wilson, left, is a community liaison and mentor and Paula Montes-Garcia is a home health aid at AngelCare Health Care Inc. AngelCare is one of three organizations that received an award for empowering women in the workplace.

GRAND RAPIDS -- As Paula Montes-Garcia helped an elderly man move and stretch his legs, he gave her a compliment that made her realize she'd found her calling.

"You have a very good touch, thank you," he said.

Two years ago, Montes-Garcia was referred by the Grand Rapids Women's Resource Center for a job at AngelCare Inc. Home Health Care.

She was a single mother and rode the bus to clients' houses.

Montes-Garcia, 21, now owns a car and is working to get into the Grand Rapids Community College nursing program. She's thinking about training to be a physical therapist.

AngelCare is one of three employers to be honored by the Women's Resource Center for supporting their women employees.

A March 17 luncheon will recognize the three Huntington Pillar Award recipients: Grand Valley State University, the law firm Varnum Riddering Schmidt & Howlett and AngelCare.

Joyce Lovse, owner and founder of the Grand Rapids-based AngelCare, said employees are trained in skills such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to work with Alzheimer's patients.

The company also loans money to employees who need help with car repair, since having transportation is essential for them to reach their clients. There are also monthly employee appreciation days.

GVSU is being recognized for programs such as Work Life and its Women's Center that helps women succeed in their careers. Work Life links college employees with resources and referrals for services including child care, parenting, divorce, and financial and legal services.

Varnum, based in downtown Grand Rapids, was recognized for its flexible scheduling program that allows partners and attorneys to continue their career paths while working a reduced schedule.

AngelCare is proud to be one of the honorees for the 2010 Pillar Awards from the Women's Resource Center.  This award is given to three companies per year and celebrates employers who empower women in the workplace.  AngelCare proudly joins Grand Valley State University and Varnum law in this prestigious recognition.  Congratulations GVSU and Varnum!

Event recap and photo gallery provided by the Grand Rapids Social Diary.