Giving Hearts

The Plymouth Harbor Foundation’s Impact on Employees

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Located at 700 John Ringling Boulevard on Sarasota Bay, Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay opened its church-sponsored, not-for-profit “community of distinction for older adults” in 1966 as the culmination of the dream of The Reverend Dr. John Whitney MacNeil, a Congregational minister. He envisioned an inclusive, progressive interfaith community based on shared values: trust, open communication, integrity, honesty, innovation, and the highest quality. Today this Life Plan Community offers customized independent living residences, home care, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapy services, which attracts residents from throughout the world who have gone on to make significant contributions to Sarasota culture. employees

To help keep Plymouth Harbor a lively community and a place of gracious living—and to assist with the generous philanthropy of its many supporters—The Plymouth Harbor Foundation was created in 2012. Since then, members of the resident population, their families, trustees, employees, and philanthropists have given over $10 million to keep Plymouth Harbor as a premiere destination for those who seek a positive aging experience. employees

“It gives me great pleasure to work together with our donors to improve life for those we care for and about,” says Becky Pazkowski, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy. “It is remarkable the impact we can make as a Foundation.” employees

One of the avenues for those impacts is through their own employees. Thanks to the generosity of their donors, The Plymouth Harbor Foundation has been awarding annual scholarships to deserving employees and their family members. In 2018 alone, they awarded seventeen scholarships totaling more than $31,000. employees

One award went to Hayden Menzies, the 12-year-old daughter of an employee in the Dining Services Department who aspires to learn the saxophone and the trombone. She received $1,500 for lessons at Sam Ash Music. employees

Another student who received support was Jessica Taylor, daughter of Cindy Taylor in the Home Care department. Jessica was attending State College of Florida with the idea of pursuing a career in the pharmacy industry. About the financial support she received, she says, “The gift I was awarded allowed me to continue to pursue my dream and continue my education . . . but it has also allowed me financial peace of mind.” employees

Dayle Cortes—the son of a nurse in the Smith Care Center—also received a scholarship so he could continue his studies at the University of Florida’s Innovation Academy with the goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur one day. “This scholarship has helped me gain valuable insight at the University of Florida. My knowledge has expanded and I have grown as an individual. I am honored to be chosen as one of the recipients for this scholarship.” employees

The Plymouth Harbor Foundation doesn’t just support educational opportunities for employees and their families—they also help out in times of crisis. As their 2017 Impact Report explains, “We understand . . . that no matter how much you plan, unforeseen financial setbacks just happen. In these trying times, the Employee Hardship Fund is a resource our employees can turn to.”

Plymouth Harbor employee Dinah Stamp, who has worked for Plymouth Harbor for 36+ years, regularly contributes to this particular fund. “I believe when an employee receives assistance from the Employee Hardship Fund,” she explains, “it provides not only monetary support, but also emotional support knowing that Plymouth Harbor has reached out at a time in need.”

In 2015, Plymouth Harbor introduced a new employee wellness program called OnBoard. Created to help promote the value of overall health and wellness, it expanded current offerings, programs, and benefits to help educate, motivate, and reduce employee stress. The wellness team also launched Insights, a catered monthly luncheon that features a Plymouth Harbor resident (or resident couple) who shares stories from their career, education, or hobby. Of course, these events are a wonderful way for employees to get to know residents better, but it also helps foster a mutual, caring bond that is the hallmark of this special community. That type of wellness is sometimes better than what you can find in a workout room. employees

“It’s no secret that our residents, employees, and board members have some of the most thoughtful minds and most giving hearts,” adds Becky Pazkowski. “The community of Sarasota is touched and affected by these acts within the walls of Plymouth Harbor and beyond. From lending a hand in our Smith Care Center to volunteering with local community organizations, Sarasota is a better place because of these individuals that we are proud to call our own.” employees

For more information
about The Plymouth Harbor Foundation, please visit
plymouthharbor.org/philanthropy or call 941.365.2600.