Maintenance employee cares for residents and their homes, has a passion for serving

"A lot of these people they need light, they need laughter, they need joy, they need a hug, they need a prayer... and so, God called me to do that and that's my heart, to be that for them."
After years in sales in Coca Cola along with facilities job in churches, Jerry Kelch, 63, is right where he belongs at Good Samaritan Society - Water Valley in Windsor, CO as a senior maintenance mechanic.
Jerry brings joy and a can-do attitude to the senior living resort, often accompanied by his famous "dad jokes." Whether it's replacing a light bulb, fixing a TV or helping a resident with their cell phone, Jerry does it all with a smile on his face because of his love for serving the residents.
He even took it upon himself to set up movie and pizza nights for the guys in an effort to get the male resident population out of their rooms and into activities.
These are just a few of the reasons why Jerry is being honored as this year's National Ever Forward Employee Champion. Setting up his own surprise without knowing it, Jerry was celebrated by residents and staff for his achievement. While he's only a year into his role at the Society, many people consider his presence a gift from above:
"If there was an angel on this earth, it’s going to be disguised as Jerry. He is just one of the most caring, dedicated men that I’ve ever been around. He has made such a huge difference in so many of our residents’ lives," said Good Samaritan Society VP of operations for Colorado, Kansas and Hawaii, Randy Fitzgerald.
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