The Village of St. Edward voted a “Best of the Best”

For The Village of St. Edward (VSE), being named a NorthCoast 99 Award winner is about much more than earning a place on a prestigious list. It is a reflection of the people who come to work each day with a shared commitment to caring for others—and for one another.

The annual NorthCoast 99 Award recognizes the 99 highest-ranking workplaces in Northeast Ohio for attracting, developing and retaining top talent. For the VSE, the recognition is especially meaningful because it validates an organizational culture built around teamwork, compassion and unified purpose.

Fostering a Culture of Caring

“For us, winning this award is validation of all that we do as an organization each and every day,” says Chief Human Resources Office Renee Hunek. “It shows that The Village of St. Edward invests in its people, supports their well-being, and creates an environment where top performers can be successful and be happy while they work.”

She’s pleased to share the results of a recent anonymous employee engagement survey were exceptionally positive, with more than 90% of employees indicating they would recommend others seeking employment and that The Village is a good place to work. 

All About Relationships

That teamwork is something receptionist Jeanine Romito experiences every day at the Fairlawn VSE campus, where she has worked for two years.

From her post at the central desk, Jeanine is often the first voice and face a resident or family member hears or sees. Her responsibilities range from answering phones and directing calls to helping residents place lunch and dinner orders, assisting coworkers and greeting families touring the campus.

She has also become something of a navigator for residents and families, helping them find the right person or department and making sure questions and needs are addressed.

“The central desk is like Grand Central Station,” she says, laughing.

But for Jeanine, the job is about more than logistics. It’s about relationships.

“The favorite part of my day is interacting with residents,” she says. “They are like my own special grandmas and grandpas.”

Seeing Things from Both Sides

Jeanine came to the Village after 15 years working in corporate human resources. Senior care was a new field for her, but one where she had already experienced a lasting impression.

Several years ago, her father, Tim Maselli, was a resident here while recovering from several heart surgeries.

“I will never forget the compassion my family experienced during that difficult time,” she says. “After seeing the care he received on a daily basis, it made me want to be a part of the culture.”

She got to know employees during her visits, and when the opportunity to join the staff came up, from a personal perspective she knew the organization was a great fit for her values.

“I saw it from both sides,” she says. 

Putting Collaboration First

Today, she says the same compassion is evident not only in the care residents receive, but also in the way employees work together.

“I believe the biggest reason we deserve this award is the engagement and the love that employees have for their residents and each other,” she says. “We collaborate as a family and a team, and everyone can sense that when they walk through the doors.”

That culture of care extends beyond the front design and into the daily life of the campuses in Fairlawn, Green and Wadsworth, which are surrounded by opportunities for social connection, recreation and spiritual enrichment. Activities include bingo, Bible study, happy hours and special events throughout the year, including VillageFest, a corn roast, car shows and upcoming holiday celebrations that bring residents, families and staff together.

“Our goal is to create an environment where residents can continue enjoying the interests and relationships that have always mattered to them,” says Chief Marketing Officer Megan Bright. “Our community members lead independent and super social lives here, where their personal interests are encouraged and catered to.”

She adds that as a nonprofit, their mission is to focus on people, not profits.

“Every event, celebration and program is designed to add to our residents’ lives, never driven by a bottom line,” she says. 

Faith is another defining element at The Village. Catholic mass is held in each of the campus chapels several times a week, along with many other nondenominational services and Bible study groups.

For families considering senior living, Jeanine recommends they take a tour and see for themselves.

“If I had another senior family member who needed a place to live, this would be my number one choice,” she says. 

And perhaps that is the most fitting measure of a workplace recognized for attracting and retaining top talent: employees who aren’t simply doing a job but also believe deeply in the mission behind it.

The Village of St. Edward is a non-profit organization. Through the Benevolence Program, residents will never be asked to leave if they run out of funds. To take a virtual visit, go to VSECommunities.org.

The Village of St. Edward

• COMING SOON: 49 Brimfield Ridge Circle, Kent, 234-466-0703
• 3125 Smith Road, Fairlawn, 330-668-2828 
• 3813 Fortuna Drive, Green, 234-294-0010
• 880 Main Street, Wadsworth, 234-217-8735

VSECommunities.org