Each year the Bob Henry Outstanding Service Award is given by the Rhode Island Assisted Living Association (RIALA) to someone who has shown commitment to the industry. Henry brought Assisted Living to Rhode Island and was the founder of RIALA. Before passing away in 2002, he advocated for the highest level of independence and quality of life for residents.
On Friday, January 21st, RIALA held their Annual Membership Meeting where they honored Roberta Ragge, Executive Director of The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, a community of Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS). “I was so surprised and am humbled to even have been considered for this honor,” said Ragge. Under Roberta’s leadership, Tamarisk has become Rhode Island’s industry leader in service provision and best practices in the areas of memory care and staff training. She embraces the concepts of servant leadership and a philosophy of care that supports the body, mind, and spirit of every resident. Ragge’s 30 years of experience as a committed eldercare professional truly reflects this award of ‘Outstanding Service’. Ragge stated she will certainly hold this award dear to her heart as a memory of a career that she loves!
Roberta holding the Bob Henry Award with RIALA executives
Pictured Left to Right: RIALA Executive Director David Bodah, Award Recipient and Executive Director of Tamarisk Roberta Ragge, Director of Education and Events Kathleen Smith, and Director of Member Services and Special Projects Melody Song-Hunter.