Springfield Standard

Shannon Gronniger, a worker in environmental services at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, was distinguished with a 2024 National Ceca Award, presented by the Ceca Foundation. The award recognizes healthcare professionals nationwide who exemplify extraordinary care in their roles. Colonial Springs is a facility offering skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation services, located in Buffalo, Missouri, and operated by Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, associated with Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Missouri.

The National Ceca Award, established in 2013, honors caregivers for their outstanding contribution to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals in their care. Sponsors for the 2024 awards include MemoryFox, the Ohio Health Care Association, RB Health Partners, Inc., and Smartlinx.

Gronniger earned the award due to her acts of kindness and commitment that go beyond her environmental services duties. Residents' families appreciate her care, noting she treats residents as her own family. Gronniger is known for organizing personal celebrations, spending her resources for residents' gifts and essentials, and prioritizing their safety even during severe weather.

"Shannon is one of the most exceptional caregivers I've met in nearly 30 years of working in long-term care," stated Roy Pace, administrator of Colonial Springs. Nate Hamme, president and executive director of the Ceca Foundation, acknowledged Gronniger's exemplary service, stating, "She is a shining example of the kind of caregiver we sought to recognize when Ceca was founded."

For winning the national Ceca Award, Gronniger received a $2,500 cash prize and a commemorative trophy. The award was presented by Hamme, Pace, and Tim Francka, administrative director of long-term care at CMH Foundation, alongside CMH leadership and Colonial Springs community members.

The Ceca Foundation, headquartered in Washington, DC, partners with healthcare communities to acknowledge exceptional caregiving, utilizing its innovative recognition solution. Founded in 2013 by Matthew and Rosemary Lawlor, Ceca has recognized over 51,000 acts of care and awarded nearly 1,500 caregivers.

Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, a 134-bed facility in Buffalo, Missouri, offers various services, including a 50-bed memory care unit and independent living apartments. It operates under Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, part of Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Missouri.