KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Margie Veis, executive director of Oakmont of Santa Clarita, detailed the purpose of the “Oakmont Family Fund” and the various ways in which both residents and staff members can contribute during a recent interview with KHTS AM-1220.
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“Oakmont is very unique in that the Gallaher family has set up an Oakmont Family Fund,” said Veis. “It’s a fund for all the associates that work at Oakmont, and so Oakmont of Santa Clarita has their own fund.”
The fund was put in place to support staff members who are, for whatever reason, under financial stress.
“For example, we had a staff member who got a flat tire (and) needed a new tire,” explained Veis. “It was expensive, (so he) asked for some assistance… We were able to give the the money to buy that tire so that they could fix their car (and) be at work.”
Related: Oakmont Of Santa Clarita Encourages Grandchildren To Learn Their Grandparents’ History
Funds are raised in a variety of ways, but only require the resident or staff member to contribute $1 at a time.
For example, an Oakmont of Santa Clarita staff member, Jane, recently went on a vacation to visit her extended family in Africa, and when she returned, an event was planned where — for $1 — residents and staff members could watch a slideshow of the trip.
“It let the residents get to know Jane as a person,” she said. “There were pictures of her kids, her parents, of her extended family in Africa, so it really helps to break down that barrier of staff and resident.”
Witnessing the bonds that have formed between staff members through the formation of the Oakmont Family Fund has been interesting for Veis, and she noted the residents have responded to the program well.
“I think it sends a message that we value every associate, that we want them to be focused on their jobs, but we want them to be in a good place in their personal life,” said Veis. “It’s been a really neat journey to see how not only the residents have formed this community, but the staff as well, and then seeing the residents wanting to help.”
The main goal is to get staff members excited about coming to work, while raising awareness about certain topics and providing memorable experiences for their residents.
“It was really amazing to see how we have come together,” said Veis. “If we can tie it into raising awareness or helping the community, that is how we want to do it.”
Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Feature story based on a recent radio interview with Oakmont of Santa Clarita.
28650 Newhall Ranch Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 347-0051
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