At Benchmark, learning isn’t a one-off workshop or slide deck, it’s part of our identity. Through Benchmark University, our associates engage in hands-on development experiences designed not only to strengthen skills but to nurture empathy, resilience, and leadership. We empower every team member to thrive in their role today while building the foundation for the career they aspire to tomorrow. At Benchmark, we don’t just hire talent. We foster potential.
Benchmark is proud to recognize three associates who were celebrated at the Connecticut Assisted Living Association’s (CALA) 30th Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, an event dedicated to highlighting the innovations and achievements of senior living providers. Congratulations to: Nela Latimer, Programming Assistant at Benchmark at Ridgefield Crossings, who earned the 2025 Distinguished Service Award. Frederick Byron, Mind & Memory Programming Assistant at Benchmark at Ridgefield Crossings, who earned the 2025 Best Practices Resident Care Award. Madora Powell, Traditional Care Director at Benchmark at Hamden, who earned the Humanitarian Award. These well-deserved awards are testament to the people and quality care that are behind our mission to “Be the Benchmark” in senior living. Congratulations again to Nela, Frederick and Madora, and to all the deserving winners of the night!
Chag Sameach! As the holiday begins, we want to wish all who celebrate a Happy Hannukah. Many of our communities will gather for special celebrations honoring the Festival of Lights with joy, reflection and togetherness.
For the 8th straight year, Benchmark has won the Granger Cobb Cup for the most contributors to the 2025 Argentum Silver PAC, that’s every year the competition has existed! A record-breaking number of Benchmark associates helped raise over $20K for the Silver PAC, which supports elected officials who advocate for the senior living industry. Together, we have once again showed the industry what makes us the Benchmark!
We’re honored to share that Benchmark has been named a Boston Globe Top Place to Work for the 18th year in a row, the only large employer to receive the award every year since it's inception. This recognition reinforces the caring, supportive culture we’ve built together, and we’re deeply grateful to our incredible associates for making Benchmark such a special place to work and for sharing their voices through the survey. Read more here: https://www.benchmarkseniorliving.com/news-article/the-boston-globe-names-benchmark-senior-living-a-top-place-to-work-for-18th-straight-year/
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, but Benchmark’s Inclusion Advisory Council (IAC) works year-round to embed diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across our processes, practices and policies. This council is a group of associates who are committed to ensuring everyone in our organization feels welcomed and valued, as well as given the opportunity to flourish personally and professionally. Thank you to our dedicated IAC members for their meaningful work and continued support of this important mission.
We extend a very hearty thanks to our associates who give their all to Be the Benchmark of quality care for our residents. This Giving Tuesday, we're proud to be able to give back to those associates through the One Company Fund, Benchmark's non-profit dedicated to supporting Benchmark associates in times of great need. Learn more about the One Company Fund and ways to get involved here: https://www.onecompanyfund.com/
Today, we honor Native American Heritage Day and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities. Across Benchmark, our communities are offering educational classes and discussions that highlight the lasting impact of Native American heritage on our shared history and collective story.
This Thanksgiving, we'd like to take a moment to say how grateful we are for our incredible associates. From the Chefs baking warm pumpkin pies and Dining teams serving meals with care, to the Programming and Facilities teams preparing spaces for celebrations and our Nurses and Care Associates supporting residents along the way, your dedication makes every moment special. Thank you for creating welcoming, joyful communities that truly feel like home. As a heartfelt thank-you, Benchmark CEO Tom Grape continues his tradition gifting Turkey Cards to our dedicated, front-line associates. Most communities will also be providing teams a special Thanksgiving meal for to enjoy together in gratitude and celebration. Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all!
We’re proud to share that two Benchmark Senior Living team members were honored at the 2025 Mass-ALA Excellence Awards, which celebrate “an inspiring group of professionals from across the Commonwealth whose contributions represent the highest standards in assisted living.” (Mass-ALA, 2025). Sabrina Nogueira (Leominster Crossings) received the 2025 Program Innovation Award and Suellen Roberts (Harbor Point at Centerville) received the 2025 Volunteer Award. Benchmark is honored to have such a talented team of individuals who are truly dedicated to their crafts. To Sabrina, Suellen, and all deserving award-winners and nominees - congratulations on this well-earned honor and thank you for your outstanding contributions to Benchmark and the senior living community.
