A Journey of Growth and Learning: Essential Wellness of South Florida 2024 Wrapped
Every journey has its peaks and valleys, and 2024 proved to be a transformative year for Essential Wellness of South Florida. Through both challenges and triumphs, we’ve emerged stronger, more capable, and even more committed to our mission of providing exceptional care to our community.
Expanding Horizons with Excellence
This year marked a significant milestone in our journey as we proudly received state licensing and accreditation in Florida. Our service portfolio expanded dramatically, now including:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Respiratory therapy
- Social work
- Home infusion IVs
Perhaps our proudest achievement was passing two state inspections with perfect scores – achieving zero deficiencies and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to quality care.
But excellence isn’t just about certifications and perfect scores. It’s about the real impact we make in people’s lives every day. Our commitment to exceptional service remained steadfast, with our team always being just a phone call or text message away. This dedication to accessibility and personal care has become our hallmark.
Embracing Digital Evolution
2024 saw Essential Wellness step boldly into the digital age. Our partnership with the talented Hazel Medeneilla brought forth a user-friendly website, making it easier than ever for clients to apply online and book assessments.
Our social media presence flourished, with viral content reaching thousands across Instagram and TikTok. It helps us connect with more families in need of our services.
Growing Through Challenges
Every success story includes moments of challenge that lead to greater strength. This year taught us valuable lessons about the importance of reliable systems and the impact they have on our dedicated team.
When faced with payroll processing challenges, we didn’t just solve the problem – we grew closer as a team. It deepened our understanding of each other’s needs and emerging with stronger processes and support systems.
Our commitment to our team’s well-being manifested in concrete ways. This include raising our minimum wage for home health aides and caregivers with a dollar and 50 cents per hour.
We conducted comprehensive surveys to ensure both staff and clients feel supported and valued, and spread joy during the holiday season with personalized gifts for our employees.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Our vision extends beyond being just a home health agency. We’re building a community-focused organization that advocates for the less fortunate, patients, and pushes boundaries while maintaining our integrity and values.
This year, we partnered with the following amazing people that helped us grow and meet more people who need our services and supports the same advocacies as we do:
- Indy & Isa of Lux Branding and Lecreare Studios for social media marketing
- Legal Collective LLC and Attorney Alejandra Diaz for our legal needs
- Isabella Serrano Miami Sound Baths for healing sessions
- Hazel Mendenilla of FRWRD for technology solutions
We’ve been wanting to be part of a cause, especially those advocacies that support our clients. In 2024, we finally started our journey to support different causes and proudly organized: Breast Cancer Walk and Toys For Tots
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Essential Wellness is a home health agency who wants to support our community. We want to give back in more ways than one. It’s not only with the exceptional service we strive to provide but throughout time and get involved within our community.
As a team, we chose the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk as our pilot fundraising event because it aligns with our organization’s values, and mission, because we have patients that are breast cancer patients.
Joining this walk allowed for the whole team of Essential Wellness of South Florida patient advocacy, discovery of new medications, research, prevention groups etc. The event itself ensures no one feels alone at any point on their breast cancer journey, from prevention to survivorship, and, for some, the end of life.
Toys For Tots
Toys for Tots is a charitable program that distributes toys, books, and games to children in need. The program is run by the Marine Corps Reserve and is a flagship Christmas charitable cause where Essential Wellness volunteered to be a drop off point for the toys.
The program collects new, unwrapped toys, books, and other gifts, which Marines and volunteers then distribute to children in need. By bringing joy and hope to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the program not only brightens their holidays but also inspires them to develop into productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
Stars That Make Us Shine
Behind every success story are the dedicated individuals who make it possible. We would like to specifically highlight our exceptional team members who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to our mission.
Special Recognition
We would like to give a special shout out to the following employees in each category who have been the foundation of our success. Their unwavering support, dedication, and commitment have helped us move forward every step of the way.
Mental Health & Behavioral Support
- Maria Luisa Gonzalez – Our star and only licensed mental health counselor.
- Humberto Arrabal – BCABA.
- Walter Kuethman – Lead Analyst & Supervisor BCBA.
Nursing Leadership & Exceptional Nurses
- Alianys Diaz – Our dedicated Director of Nursing.
- Yuleidys Escalante, Juan Trujillo, Rodolfo Quiala, Yvrose Louisdhon & Gillan Lugo – Exceptional and outstanding nurses who go above and beyond.
Outstanding Home Health Aides & Caregivers
- Elizabeth Oliva, Naysa Blanco, Angela Mejia, Andy Gonzalez, Ismary Sotolongo & Susel Garcia – Compassionate caregivers who continuously go the extra mile for their patients.
These employees not only represent Essential Wellness of South Florida with excellence but have proven their dedication time and time again.
Unwavering Office Staff
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our amazing office staff, who deserve all the praise in the world:
- Osmaylin Cuba, Virgen Puente, Aylin Fernandez & Walter Verdecia
Relentless Support Coordinators
A special thank you to our support coordinators, who tirelessly advocate for our patients, ensuring they receive the services they need while prioritizing client safety and well-being at all times:
- Mariela Roja, Sergio Comas, Pedro Herrera, Roberto Pire, Ibexis Suarez, Lariza Reyes, Xiomara Margolles & Yanet Garcia
Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do!
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move forward, our vision grows even broader. We’re preparing to expand into HMOs and long-term care, while continuing to build partnerships with insurance providers like Aetna Health. We’re particularly excited about our growing ABA services for children.
Most importantly, we extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, patients, and their families who have trusted us with their care. Your faith in us drives our commitment to excellence and motivates us to continue raising the bar in healthcare service delivery.
As we reflect on 2024, we’re reminded that our greatest strength lies in our ability to learn, adapt, and grow together. Every challenge has made us stronger, every success has made us humbler, and every day has reinforced our commitment to providing exceptional care that touches hearts and transforms lives.
As a home health agency in South Florida, we are grateful to be part of every client’s journey and we look forward to continuing to be present where we are called to serve.
