Hundreds of SERV team members and consumers turned out for an ice cream social staff appreciation event on Wednesday, July 7 and Thursday, July 8.

For the event, members of SERV’s executive team and the wellbeing committee partnered with Mister Softee to deliver ice cream to the organization’s healthcare heroes. 

Mister Softee visited SERV locations in Ewing, Lawrenceville, North Brunswick, Plainfield, Eatontown, Brick, Cranford, and Burlington. A stop in Clifton was rescheduled for a later date, due to inclement weather. 

“We were pleased to see so many smiling faces at our special ice cream social events last week. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, we haven’t been able to gather for more than a year, and this event was an opportunity for us all to get out in the fresh air, bond with our team members, and enjoy some ice cream,” said CEO/President Regina Widdows. 

“It was also an opportunity for the executive team to show how much we value our team members and the important work you do for SERV and the consumers in our care,” she added. “We look forward to holding more staff appreciation events like this one in the near future.”

In addition to all the ice cream they could eat, SERV team members also received a special gift from SERV’s executive team and the SERV Foundation: a jacket marked with the title “Healthcare Hero”. 

In a card that accompanied the jacket, CEO/President Regina Widdows thanked team members for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the SERV Team for the incredible sacrifices all of you have made during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she wrote. “Your efforts have been nothing short of heroic, and I cannot thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do for our organization and the individuals in our care. I hope you wear this jacket and the title of ‘SERV Healthcare Hero’ with pride. You have earned it.”

After the event, many team members expressed that they were pleasantly surprised by SERV’s gesture to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, especially during such a challenging time.

“This past year has been difficult for all of us, and it was encouraging to see the organization go above and beyond to make us feel appreciated,” said Stephanie Vil, Assistant Program Supervisor of SERV Achievement’s PAC program in Mercer County. “I had a great time, and so did everyone on my team. It really helped raise our spirits, and we all left feeling recharged and motivated.”

SERV is committed to boosting morale across the organization, helping team members feel less stressed, and recognizing the efforts of its healthcare heroes. The organization has several more staff appreciation events planned for this summer.